PHASE 1 — FOUNDATION PLAYER

Age guide: 8–11

"Fall in love with mastery"

At this stage we build coordination, confidence and ball relationship.

Technical Excellence & 1v1 Duels

Objectives

  • Ball mastery & manipulation

  • Change of direction & body control

  • Confidence to beat players

  • Creativity & enjoyment

Core Outcomes
Players can:

  • Perform all key turns and feints at speed

  • Dribble with both feet confidently

  • Attack 1v1 without fear

  • Protect the ball under pressure

Key Curriculum

  • Ball mastery circuits

  • Coerver style dribbling

  • 1v1 moves library introduction

  • Shielding & protection

  • Small sided duels

Progress Marker

➡ Player actively tries to beat opponents in games.

PHASE 2 — DEVELOPMENT PLAYER

Age guide: 11–14

"Build the weapons"

Now we increase speed, pressure and decision making.

Technical Excellence & 1v1 Duels

Objectives

  • Beat defenders under pressure

  • Learn when & where to dribble

  • Develop explosiveness

Core Outcomes
Players can:

  • Use multiple moves in one action

  • Recognise 1v1 opportunities

  • Create space in tight areas

  • Dominate 1v1 in wide & central areas

Key Curriculum

  • Explosive first step

  • 1v1 game scenarios

  • Transition duels

  • Shield → escape → attack

  • Competitive duels

Progress Marker

Player consistently creates chances through dribbling

PHASE 3 — PERFORMANCE PLAYER

Age guide: 14–17

"Become a match winner"

Everything becomes game realistic, fast and competitive.

Technical Excellence & 1v1 Duels

Objectives

  • Create chances at match speed

  • Beat defenders in realistic scenarios

  • Master physical duels

Core Outcomes
Players can:

  • Beat defenders in wide areas consistently

  • Escape tight central pressure

  • Create separation to cross/shoot

  • Win physical 1v1 battles

Key Curriculum

  • Position specific 1v1s

  • High speed decision duels

  • Transition & counter attack dribbling

  • Contact balance & protection

  • Final third 1v1 dominance

Progress Marker

➡ Player is a consistent chance creator

FFG Performance Pathway - Technical Excellence Programme