Achievement Ladder
A bit like a termly curriculum, the Achievement Ladder is how we make sure we’re coaching and learning to the highest possible standards.
Each term we run at least one session on each of the skill areas listed. To progress to the next level, a player must show progress across all of these skill areas.
Towards the end of each term, coaches decide who has progressed enough to pass the next stage of the Achievement Ladder. Harder stages may not be achieved in one term, and will hopefully give a focus to continued learning. If successful, players are awarded an engraved medal. These are free for members, or £3 for non-members.
The 7 areas, and their progressing levels are listed here:
Passing
1) Can complete accurate 5m side foot pass unopposed with correct technique
2) Can complete 10m side foot pass unopposed with correct technique
3) Can complete 10 m side foot pass in match situation
4) Once pass completed, moves into a position to receive again
5) Can complete accurate 20m cross unopposed with correct technique
6) Can complete accurate 20m cross in match situation
7) Can complete accurate chipped pass unopposed with correct technique
8) Can complete accurate chipped pass in match situation
9) Can complete 10m pass with weaker foot
10) Can complete 20m pass with weaker foot
11) Shows awareness of showing movement and communication off the ball
12) Shows excellent movement and communication off the ball
Dribbling
1) On toes with ball kept close and under control with regular soft touches
2) Can use all parts of feet to manipulate ball direction (inside, outside, sole, heel, laces)
3) Looks up about every 5 steps to assess play
4) Uses both feet
5) Dribbles at match pace
6) Can change speed while maintaining control
7) Can turn quickly while maintaining control
8) Can move the ball in and out of 5 cones, 1 metre apart, at match pace
9) Can execute a trick or turn on demand
10) Can execute 3 tricks or turns on demand
11) Can execute 5 tricks or turn on demand
12) Can execute turns and tricks in match situations
Shooting
1) Strikes with laces area of foot, with non-kicking foot next to the ball
2) Keeps head, shoulders and knee forward and over the ball
3) Can score into an open goal from 10 metres
4) Keeps the ball low
5) Aims for the corner of the goal
6) Shoots across the goalkeeper where possible, and follows up shots
7) Scores a penalty against a goalkeeper
8) Can score from 10m out in a match situation
9) Can apply curl with the instep in a match situation
10) Can apply curl with the outside of the foot in a match situation
11) Can score with a first time shot from 10m out in a match situation
12) Comfortable shooting with either foot
Receiving the ball
1) Can control a rolling pass with sole
2) Can control with instep
3) Moves feet into line with the pass
4) Asks for the ball
5) Can control a rolling pass while on the move
6) Can control lofted pass
7) Can control with chest, thigh and foot
8) Can use body to shield the ball from a defender
9) Can open body to turn quickly upon receiving the ball
10) Can control the ball in the direction of play with one touch
11) Shows awareness of showing movement and communication off the ball
12) Shows excellent movement and communication off the ball
Footwork
(can demonstrate 10 seconds of the following)
1) n/a
2) n/a
3) n/a
4) n/a
5) Stationary Toe Taps; Stationary Scissors
6) 360 Toe Taps; Instep Pong
7) Double Pull Back; Messi Shoulder Drop
8) Drag back; Puskas
9) Ronaldo Scissors; Inside Outside
10) Roll Over; Toe Pull
11) Cruyff; Croquetta
12) Hop Step; Drag-Cruyff
Goalkeeping
1) Can stand in set position
2) Can catch with ‘W hands’
3) Brings ball into the safety of the chest
4) Can collect low shots with scoop technique
5) Moves feet to get into the path of the ball
6) Can collect a high ball correctly
7) Able to use high, mid and low collection techniques without warning
8) 1-on1: Narrows the angle, spreads body
9) Can throw or roll the ball accurately 20m
10) Communicates well
11) Pushes ball away from danger when saves
12) Gets up quickly, ready for follow up shot
Defending
1) n/a
2) n/a
3) n/a
4) Can shadow an attacking player
5) Can shadow an attacking player, staying goal-side
6) Attempts to defend the goal as first priority
7) Closes down to deny space
8) Correct body position (side-on, low body position, knees slightly bent) to delay
9) Deflects / dispossesses if possible
10) Marks attackers without the ball who are in space
11) Covers for teammates intelligently
12) Organises team mates with helpful and clear communication
Ethos
From Level 9 onwards, players must adhere to the following principles in order to pass:
1) Shakes hands with the opposition at the end of matches
2) Thanks the referee at the end of matches
3) Deals with victory and defeat with maturity and respect
4) Looks to include and encourage other players, regardless of ability
5) Accepts refereeing decisions without complaint
