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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
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Chicago Fire Juniors The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Introduction
In April 2018 the directive came from Toyota Park to build out a coaching curriculum and to define The
Fire Philosophy to be presented across the Chicago Fire Junior Club countrywide network. The
objective of this process was to document some of the most important features that shape the coaching of
junior club players. The intent is to provide each junior club and their management structure some
direction and assistance in the development of junior players. Not all aspects of The Fire Philosophy
will fit with all clubs and all circumstances, how useful The Fire Philosophy is will be dictated by how
much guidance the junior club Director of Coaching (DoC) wishes to take, but The Fire Philosophy is a
tool designed to shape the development of junior players, coaching education and club progression Maybe this intro is not needed
What we want to achieve |
Defining the Chicago Fire Juniors…
#1 | Philosophy
#2 | Style of Play
#3 | Systems of Play
What does a CFJ player & person look like?
What does a CFJ team look like?
What does a CFJ coach & club look like?
…with the recognition that not all players are equal, and that players and teams of different age, gender,
ability and motivation require different approaches
Age Brackets Level of Ambition
4-v-4 | u8
< Academy < Competitive < Developmental < Recreational
7-v-7 | u9 & u10
9-v-9 | u11 & u12
11-v-11 | u13 – u15
11-v-11 | u16 – u19
Defining what separates a Chicago Fire Juniors Club from ordinary junior clubs
∙ Providing tools to build the 3 pillars of player development success
The Player & The Person
Teaching the complete range
of soccer skills
&
Cultivating the character of
the individual
A holistic approach
The Team
Developing a style of play &
a system of play in the
pursuit of success
The Coach & The Club
Establishing a culture of the
individual, the team, the
coach & the club to create an
environment of excellence
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Soccer Philosophy
The Fire Philosophy is created based on the concept that juniors’ soccer talent can be developed in our
own way. We want to introduce youth players to the most professional soccer environment with the
ultimate result aiming to progress players to the ‘next-level’ > through the junior clubs > into the
Academy @ Toyota Park > and to have the greatest number of ‘home-grown’ players representing the
MLS first team | The Chicago Fire This section needs to be related to Academy specifications
Our vision is to train players who can play all over the world. That is why within the club we use the
word futbol in place of soccer. We write it F-U-T-B-O-L and not F-O-O-T-B-A-L-L because the later
designates another sport in the USA.
Futbol is a simple game. When you practice it, teach it or watch it the game must bring pleasure. Playing
well is a priority in our academy.
Our philosophy is possession-based because we want to win by having control of the match. Our
principles of play are our collective foundations, but within this framework each player must be able to
make decisions and take initiative according to the game situations.
The concept of a teammate is essential because each player has to put his individual qualities at the
service of the team.
U8 U9 – U12 U13 – U15 U16 – U19
Fun Soccer
Experience
Introduction to
the Key Qualities
Develop the
Key Qualities
Execute the
Key Qualities
First
Team
The Fire Juniors wants players who are intelligent, passionate & committed
The Fire Juniors wants teams that play attractive, possession-based & successful soccer
The Fire Juniors wants coaches that are knowledgeable, dedicated & professional
The Fire Juniors wants clubs that create an environment & culture of excellence
The demands at the Chicago Fire are different, this is what separates The Fire Philosophy from the
others. Expectations are higher, aspirations are higher, and intensity is higher. Relentlessly in the pursuit
of excellence
The Fire philosophy is shaped by a simple premise; if a prospective player, an opposition coach, a
sideline fan watches a Chicago Fire Juniors team play…what does that person walk away thinking?
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
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The players are cerebral |
The players understand their roles within the team structure and execute their job with maximum
endeavor
The team is organized |
For each situation and scenario; in possession, out of possession, at set-piece restarts, the team
has a solution or a well-prepared plan | The team is well coached
The coach is servicing the improvement of players |
Care and priority is given to develop each player within the team structure
The club provides for the ‘Fire Family’
The Player, The Person, The Coach & The Environment
We don’t celebrate mediocrity | We embrace excellence
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
A Holistic Approach | The Player This section needs to be related to Academy specifications
In relation with our academy vision (“train players so they can play anywhere in the world”), we want to
develop a certain type of player |
∙ Able to read the game and solve problems (adaptability)
∙ Able to have high functional technical skills
∙ Able to repeat the effort in a high intensity environment
∙ Able to evolve in a highly competitive environment
∙ Able to perform in key events (showcase, playoffs, GA Cup & tournaments)
∙ Able to do the right things and do the things right (values)
∙ Able to play and give their best for their team (be a good teammate)
Developing the Chicago Fire Juniors ‘player’ within the team
∙ To develop players that can ‘think’ the game & have decision-making capabilities
∙ To develop players who can play under pressure, that are composed. Players that are not frantic
yet not too casual
∙ To develop players who play with a purpose
∙ To develop players who demonstrate emotional control
> Training activities should focus heavily on the ball; players working with the ball for the vast majority
of the training time
> Specific ‘benchmarking’ templates will be created in the next curriculum-building stage of the process
that will provide testing requirements and standardized aspirational goals for age-specific groups; an
outline of what Chicago Fire Junior players should aspire to achieve
> A comprehensive booklet defining the ‘CFJ Characteristics of Players’ highlights the roles and
responsibilities of each player within the team during attacking phases & defensive phases of play and
documenting a required range of skills for each position
Below is a profile of what a Chicago Fire Juniors player should aspire to achieve…
The Technical Player |
Can play with both feet | Pass, dribble, score & defend
Constantly working to improve with the ball
Identifies weaknesses & actively works to develop it
Consistent & Reliable
Bravery to always want the ball
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The Tactical Player |
Controls the tempo with the ball & without the ball
Consistent & Reliable | Understands Risk vs Reward
Altruistic Effort | Willingness to work for the team in attack & defense
Appreciates ‘game management’ | Eradicate the naivety of competing in a hostile contest
The Physical Player |
Reaction Speed | Ability to change your mind & change direction
Sprint Speed | Capacity to play at 3 different speeds – change of pace
Endurance | Able to affect the game in the later stages
Balance & Coordination | Quick feet for ball manipulation
Agility | Capacity to turn quickly, jump & change direction
The Psychological Player |
Constant & Clear communication with teammates | Information not just Communication
Confident | In his own ability, teammate’s ability & the game plan
Authoritative | Makes a statement in every game played
Charismatic | Admired by teammates & respected by opponents
Demonstrates Leadership qualities | Vocally & by Action
Disciplined & Responsible
Killer Mentality | Relentless desire for success
Proud to be a Fire Juniors player
For a comprehensive detailed list that highlight the profile of each player by field position please view…
Chicago Fire Juniors Characteristics of Player
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A Holistic Approach | The Person behind the Player This section needs to be checked with Brian regarding relevance & approval
Developing the Chicago Fire Juniors ‘person’ behind the player
In addition to developing the soccer player with technical skills and tactical game-play understanding, a
heavy focus of player development needs to be on maturing the character of the player, termed ‘the
person’. Technical training is simple to create and to deliver, developing the psychological component of
the person is certainly more difficult and because of it often gets overlooked the most
> Complimented within training activities, social skills can focus on developing the behaviors and
integrity of the individual player
Commitment | Punctuality | Preparation
> Focusing on individual personal development, supported by CFJ homework coaching tools and actively
studying soccer
> Cultivating a player that can deal with adversity, not pass on blame, enhance the training and playing
environment by being a good teammate | Overcoming Adversity – a ‘deal-with-it’ mentality
> Producing players that have an aspirational attitude to reach the ‘next-level’, not content with
mediocrity
> At the Academy level of the Chicago Fire many initiatives are in place that can filter through to and
better connect with the junior club network. Outside of the soccer field a holistic approach to player
welfare and education ensures that the character of ‘the person’ is as equally developed as ‘the player’
> The PASS initiative launched through the Chicago Fire Academy presents many concepts that are very
important to the identity of the wider club, perhaps represented best through the club core values
PASS - Performance, Advisory & Support Services | https://www.chicagofireacademy.com/corevalues
> Each month a club core value is introduced to players during training, games and team meetings. Both
coaching staff and support staff use training and game environments to link our club core values to real
soccer scenarios
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> A selection of Chicago Fire 1st Team staff were selected to talk about the club core values and their
experiences. These players included…
#1 | Bastian Schweinsteiger (World Cup Winner)
#2 | Dax McCarty (1st Team Captain)
#3 | Djordje Mihailovic (Home Grown Player)
#4 | Michael de Leeuw (1st Team Player)
#5 | Nelson Rodriguez (President & General Manager)
Content was then inserted into 7 x 45 second video clips, so players can access and hear from the pro's
Chicago Fire Soccer Club | Core Values Video
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How Do We Play Soccer? | The Identity of the Team
The identity of the team, of a Chicago Fire Juniors team, is represented by two main factors…
#1 | The Style of Play
#2 | The System of Play
The Style of Play means to label an overall design to the way in which the Fire Juniors wants the game to
be played. There are many different ways to play; providing clarity to the overall design of our preferred
style of play offers better direction to Chicago Fire Juniors players and coaches alike
The System of Play is the methodology through which the style of play can be delivered. Progressing
from very small-sided, through 7-v-7, 9-v-9 and into 11-v-11 a continuity of principles needs to highlight
the pathway. There are many different systems of play; providing clarity to the overall design of our
preferred systems of play offers better direction to Chicago Fire Juniors players and coaches alike
Within that System of Play there is an expectation that players can perform in a number of different
positions and roles within the chosen formation; developing multi-talented Chicago Fire Juniors players is
a high priority
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Style of Play | Introduction This section needs to be related to Academy specifications
The Chicago Fire Juniors style of play should reflect the culture of the club, a ‘football first’ attitude.
Chicago is an urban metropolis of blue-collar heritage, a city of sporting history, a city of pioneer
ambition; & the soccer club should represent this resolve
The Chicago Fire Juniors style of play is built upon the principles of play, it emphasizes a passing based
creative attacking game balanced with aggressive adaptable defending, integrated by explosive,
intelligent transition & set-piece preparedness
The Chicago Fire Juniors style of play is to play fast, play with urgency & intensity. This style of play
must be recreated in the training culture. Training is the preparation for the game
Train How You Play | Play How You Train
The Chicago Fire Juniors style of play is to pursue WINNING > WINNING builds Success > Success
builds more WINNING > WINNING builds Success > Success builds more WINNING
Direction towards a playing style and an on-field soccer philosophy needs to be provided by Chicago
Fire; First Team, Academy and Junior Clubs should all have a connection on the field of play. But the
situation will arise where an individual coach, individual club or even a geographical region might not
necessarily share such a philosophy. Perhaps the profile of players on a team or the economics of the
environment might not allow such a playing style to flourish. The purpose is to provide direction and
assistance guiding towards a common theme of playing; how a coach or a team or a club manages this
guidance is open to interpretation
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Style of Play | Attacking Overview
> The overviews referenced below offer a guideline to the different phases of play. During the next
curriculum-building stage of the process greater details will be defined for the level-of-play & the age-of-
play that will provide greater specifics
Attack
∙ To develop teams that can play ‘proper’ soccer with the ball passed on the ground with speed & intent |
Passing > Receiving > Moving
∙ To develop teams that have a coherent game plan for the games ‘key moments’
∙ To develop teams that are adaptable to changing circumstances
∙ To develop teams that have a clear understanding of the game’s ‘attacking principles’
∙ To develop teams that ensure attacking phases of play end in a productive outcome
∙ To develop teams that can ‘build-up’ play from the back; either from the set-piece goal kick or by
circulating the ball around the back
∙ To develop teams that have a variation in attacking strategies
∙ | Short range passing through the lines of the team
∙ | Changing the point of attack to create > recognize > execute ‘numbers-up’ situation in wide
areas
∙ | Counter attack with speed, directness & multiple players on the transition
∙ | Utilize set-piece situations effectively
∙ To develop teams that can demonstrate game management and control the game’s tempo under different
circumstances
Offensive Principles
We build out of the back even under pressure
We keep and move the ball in the opponent half with a dynamic possession, respecting a balance
between attacking and defending
We want to unbalance the opposition by being able to attack on the wings and centrally
(combination play & creativity)
We want to score GOALS
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
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Style of Play | Defensive Overview
Defense
∙ To develop teams that are grueling to play against when out of possession
∙ To develop teams that have a coherent game plan for the games ‘key moments’
∙ To develop teams that are adaptable to changing circumstances
∙ To develop teams that have a clear understanding of the game’s ‘defensive principles’
∙ To develop teams that can ‘press’ high with clear understanding of when, where and why to press
∙ To develop teams that can ‘reorganize’ defensive shape when the opposition break the press
∙ To develop teams that can ‘counter-press’ with urgency and aggression | Everybody hunts the ball
∙ To develop teams that can organize a ‘low-block’ with clear understanding of the shape, distances and
principles of group defending
∙ To develop teams that can organize defending at set-piece situations effectively
∙ To develop teams that can demonstrate game management and control the game’s tempo under different
circumstances
Defensive Principles
We want to regain the ball in the opponent’s half using a medium or high block
We use zonal defensive principles except on set pieces (on set pieces we are man to man or mix
defense)
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Style of Play | The changeover of Possession
Transition
∙ To develop teams that have a clear understanding of the immediate tactics on the changeover of
possession | Positive & Negative Transition
Transition Principles | Offensive > Defensive
We want to regain the ball immediately after loss of possession (repress)
We want to reorganize into our defensive shape if we don’t win the ball after 4/5 seconds
Transition Principles | Defensive > Offensive
We must decide between playing forward to unbalance a disorganized defense or keeping
possession of the ball by playing out of pressure
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Style of Play | Restarts from Dead Balls
Set-Piece
∙ To develop teams that have a variation in attacking strategies for different types of restart
∙ To develop teams that demonstrate cunning and disguise to restarts
∙ To develop a ‘culture’ of effective quick restarts
∙ To develop teams that can organize defensively for different types of restart
∙ To develop a ‘culture’ of recognizing opposition’s quick restarts
∙ To develop a ‘culture’ of gamesmanship; recognizing when to bend the rules to seek marginal advantage
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Style of Play | Principles of Play
Offensively
PHASES OF PLAY
OFFENSIVELY
GAME MODEL PRINCIPLES OF PLAY
Possession
& Progression
Build out of the back
1. Occupation of the pitch (use of the Width & the Depth)
2. Support the player with possession (unmarking & create
the overload)
3. Forward play (play in the intervals & between the lines)
Keep and move the ball in
the opponent half
1. Occupation of the pitch (use of the Width & the Depth)
2. Support the player with possession (unmarking & create
the overload)
3. Forward play (play in the intervals & between the lines)
Unbalance & Finishing
Unbalance the opposition
1. Combine centrally (create the overload & look for a
penetrating run)
2. Combine wide (create the overload and look for a
penetrating run)
3. Overload & switch the point of attack
4. Get open to beat defender 1-v-1
Finish
1. Quick combination in & around the box
2. Get open, anticipate, adjust yourself to finish
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Style of Play | Principles of Play
Transition | Offensive > Defensive
PHASES OF PLAY
TRANSITION
OFFENSIVE > DEFENSIVE
GAME MODEL PRINCIPLES OF PLAY
Transition
Offensive > Defensive
Repress > Regain the ball
immediately after loss of
possession
1. Pressure & Cover
Reorganize > If we don’t
win the ball after 5 secs
reorganize into our
defensive shape
2. Organize the collective pressure based on the ‘travelling
pass’
Coordinate > Slide & shift
within & between our lines
in order to deny
penetration & make play
predictable
3. Increase density & be active in the direct game channel
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Style of Play | Principles of Play
Defensively
PHASES OF PLAY
DEFENSIVELY
GAME MODEL PRINCIPLES OF PLAY
Ball Recovery
Regain the ball in the
opponent half (High Block)
1. Direct & organize the collective pressure based on the
‘travelling pass’
2. Increase density & be active in the direct game channel
3. Manage the Depth when the player on the ball is not
framed
Regain the ball in the
opponent half (Medium
Block)
1. Direct & organize the collective pressure based on the
‘travelling pass’ (line of confrontation)
2. Organize the alignments to stop or slow down the
progression of the opponent
3. Pressure & Cover
4. Manage the Depth when the player on the ball is not
framed
Protect to recover
1. Good positioning (ball & goal)
2. Anticipate, adjust to intervene.
3. Intervene to engage or not the counter attack
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Style of Play | Principles of Play
Transition | Defensive > Offensive
PHASES OF PLAY
TRANSITION
DEFENSIVE > OFFENSIVE
GAME MODEL PRINCIPLES OF PLAY
Transition
Defensive > Offensive
Decision between playing
forward to unbalance a
disorganized defense or
keeping possession of the
ball by playing out of
pressure.
1. Support the player with possession (unmarking)
2. Occupation of the pitch (use of the Width & the Depth)
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Style of Play | Defined Part I
Key Moments
In Possession | Attack
Loss of Possession | Negative Transition
Out of Possession | Defense
Regain Possession | Positive Transition
> In Possession | Attack
The main objective while in possession is to create scoring opportunities by making intelligent use of
space & time to expose or unbalance our opponents
It is the essence of our game to maintain possession of the ball for as long as possible
1st Phase | Construction & Building
2nd Phase | Preparation & Possession
3rd Phase | Penetration
4th Phase | Finishing or Scoring - Productivity
> Loss of Possession | Negative Transition
The main objective upon losing possession of the ball is the immediate organization of our defensive
principles, before the opposition can organize their attacking principles, in an effort to eliminate the
opponents ability to develop a scoring threat
> Out of Possession | Defense
The main objectives while out of possession is…
∙ | Deny the Penetration
∙ | Recover the Ball vs. Contain & Delay
∙ | Concentrate Players behind the Ball
∙ | Deny Goal Scoring Opportunities
> Regain Possession | Positive Transition
The main objective is to take advantage of the opponents disorganized defensive principles by organizing
our attacking principles quickly to create a goal scoring opportunity
The player regaining possession must evaluate his decision to penetrate immediately or to first shift play
before taking advantage of this moment of transition
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Style of Play | Defined Part II
Counter-Press
The action of immediately attempting to recover the ball at the moment of transition before the opposition
can move the ball away from confrontation and build their attacking principles. Often the ‘counter-press’
is targeted by multiple players and required to be within seconds to successfully regain possession
Counter-Press | Video
Attacking Principles
∙ | Penetration – To play the ball forward; pass, throw, cross & shoot
∙ | Support – The arrangement of teammates and their availability to receive a pass from the player in
possession; 1st Attacker > 2nd Attackers
∙ | Mobility – Continuous movement in order to keep creating ‘angles of support’
∙ | Width – By providing width to an attack an offensive team look to ‘stretch’ & ‘unbalance’ the
opposition
∙ | Depth & Height – The arrangement of supporting players behind the ball is ‘depth’; & supporting
players ahead of the ball is ‘height’
∙ | Imagination – Creativity, inspiration & imagination
Attacking Principles | Video
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
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Defensive Principles
∙ | Pressure – The role of the 1st Defender | Deny the penetration
∙ | Contain & Delay – To slow down the opposition attack allowing the defensive players to recover &
reorganize
∙ | Cover – Defensive players (2nd defenders) in defensive support of the 1st defender
∙ | Depth – The remaining defensive players behind the ball providing 3rd defender coverage ‘goal-side’
∙ | Compactness & Concentration – How narrow & how connected the team lines are across the field
both horizontally & vertically
∙ | Balance – The positioning of 3rd defenders away from the immediate play
Low Block
The ‘low block’ refers to a defensive tactical strategy in which a team defends from a very deep position
on the pitch in order to restrict the amount of space the opposition has to exploit. Often referred to
colloquially as “parking the bus”, the more soccer specific term is the ‘low block’. It can be extremely
difficult to score against a team using the ‘low block’ due to the lack of space that is available in the
central areas of the field
Low Block | Video
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Systems of Play | Introduction This section needs to be related to Academy specifications
The system of play is a tool to aid the tactics and strategies (the game plan) deployed by the coach. A
clear and defined system of play will facilitate the chances of being effective, but a system of play alone
cannot guarantee success
The system of play is often fluid and rarely resembles the chalkboard version planned in the pre-game
team talk. Many variables dictate what the system of play looks like and how it is delivered; the team in
possession, location of the play on the field, the time on the clock or the scores on the scoreboard will all
effect the shape of the team
The system of play should change and evolve based on whether the team is attacking and in possession of
the ball or defending and out of possession; depending on which, the function of the positions within the
system of play will alter
Within the system of play players should be coached to be adaptable in different game-specific scenarios
and have the capacity for ‘functional rotation’ & ‘positional interchange’ where players can seamlessly
assume a new role within the team, momentarily
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Systems of Play | Recommendations
4-v-4 | 2-1-1 ‘Y’ Inversion Formation
∙ ‘Y’ Inversion formation allows build-up out of the back & provides Width within all lines of the team
∙ Encourages Mobility to provide Height & Width in attacking areas as opposition lines are broken & the
‘Y’ is inverted, while always holding a designated central midfield ‘pivot’ #6
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4-v-4 | 2-1-1 ‘Y’ Inversion Formation
Horizontal Lines within the formation
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4-v-4 | 2-1-1 ‘Y’ Inversion Formation
Vertical Lines within the formation
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4-v-4 | 2-1-1 ‘Y’ Inversion Formation
Game Lines within the formation
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4-v-4 | 2-1-1 ‘Y’ Inversion Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | In Possession & Attacking
4-v-4 | 2-1-1 ‘Y’ Inversion Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | Out of Possession & Defending
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The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Systems of Play | Recommendations
7-v-7 | 2-3-1 Formation
∙ Balanced across the lines of the team; defense, midfield & attack
∙ Width in the midfield group
∙ Good angles of support naturally offered
∙ Designated central midfield ‘pivot’
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7-v-7 | 2-3-1 Formation
Horizontal Lines within the formation
7-v-7 | 2-3-1 Formation
Vertical Lines within the formation
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7-v-7 | 2-3-1 Formation
Game Lines within the formation
7-v-7 | 2-3-1 Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | In Possession & Attacking
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7-v-7 | 2-3-1 Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | Out of Possession & Defending
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The Fire Philosophy | Systems of Play
Recommendations
9-v-9 | 4-1-2-1 Formation
∙ Introduces a 4-man defensive group, with 2 central defenders #4 & #5 & positive fullbacks #2 & #3 who
can be deployed in a variation of tactics
∙ Width provided by positive fullback #2 & #3 at each line of the team
∙ Deep-lying defensive central midfield ‘pivot’#6 DCM transfers directly into all 11-v-11 systems of play
∙ Introduces multiple lines to the team formation | In-between the lines
∙ Good angles of support naturally offered
∙ Strong in the middle of the field with a Δ central midfield group
∙ Capacity to play a 5-man midfield with positive fullback #2 & #3 providing the Width
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9-v-9 | 4-1-2-1 Formation
Horizontal Lines within the formation
9-v-9 | 4-1-2-1 Formation
Vertical Lines within the formation
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9-v-9 | 4-1-2-1 Formation
Game Lines within the formation
9-v-9 | 4-1-2-1 Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | In Possession & Attacking
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9-v-9 | 4-1-2-1 Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | Out of Possession & Defending
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The Fire Philosophy | Systems of Play
Recommendations
9-v-9 | 3-3-2 Formation
∙ Balanced across the lines of the team; defense, midfield & Attack
∙ 2nd Striker option that can be deployed in a number of different tactics 3-3-1-1 or 3-4-1 | In-between the
lines
∙ Introduces the pairs working together in wide areas; full back & wide midfield #2 & #7 | #3 & #11
∙ Designated central midfield ‘pivot’ #6
∙ Width in 2 lines of the formation | Defensive line & Midfield line
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 36
9-v-9 | 3-3-2 Formation
Horizontal Lines within the formation
9-v-9 | 3-3-2 Formation
Vertical Lines within the formation
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 37
9-v-9 | 3-3-2 Formation
Game Lines within the formation
9-v-9 | 3-3-2 Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | In Possession & Attacking
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 38
9-v-9 | 3-3-2 Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | Out of Possession & Defending
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 39
Systems of Play | Recommendations
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation
∙ Flexible formation allowing for much variation with the Δ central midfield converting to 4-1-4-1
∙ Flexible formation allowing for much variation with front four converting to 4-3-3
∙ Flexible formation allowing for much variation within the defensive group converting to 3-4-3
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 40
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 4-1-4-1
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 4-3-3
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 41
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 3-4-3
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation
Horizontal Lines within the formation
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 42
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation
Vertical Lines within the formation
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation
Game Lines within the formation
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 43
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | In Possession & Attacking
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation
Movement Lines within the formation | Out of Possession & Defending
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 44
∙ Flexible formation allowing for much variation with the defensive orientation converting to 4-5-1 or the
5-4-1 when out of possession
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 4-5-1 with the ‘double-screen’
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation > Adapting to 5-4-1 with the #6 dropping into the defensive line
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 45
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Systems of Play | Continuity of Playing Patterns
Throughout each of the recommended systems of play there is a continuity of playing patterns that are
recognizable at each level of play. As Fire Juniors players graduate from 4-v-4 & 5-v-5, through 7-v-7, to
9-v-9 and finally to the full-size game at 11-v-11; familiar patterns are the vehicle that carry the attacking
principles that allow us to penetrate with width, depth, height and creative angles of support
7-v-7 | 2-3-1 Formation
Playing Patterns
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 46
9-v-9 | 4-1-2-1 Formation
Playing Patterns
9-v-9 | 3-3-2 Formation
Playing Patterns
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 47
11-v-11 | 4-2-3-1 Formation
Playing Patterns
11-v-11 | 4-1-4-1 Formation
Playing Patterns
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 48
11-v-11 | 4-3-3 Formation
Playing Patterns
11-v-11 | 3-4-3 Formation
Playing Patterns
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 49
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Standardized Testing
The Chicago Fire Academy have an extensive testing of both physical & biometric testing, in additional
to technical testing and in game assessment. The Chicago Fire Emerging Talent Program are introducing
a similar set of standardized testing for the ID Camp. Fire Junior Clubs are encouraged to take up some
of the standardized testing protocols, especially for their higher-ranking state quality teams.
Chicago Fire Academy Testing
∙ Every 2 months the Academy do biometrics to follow the height and weight evolution of the
players
∙ 3 times a year the Academy do physical and technical tests to track the improvement of
the players
∙ Training attendance & Game attendance
∙ After each game the Academy technical staff and the players themselves evaluate their on-field
performance based on 5 criteria |
Influence on the game
Involvement in the attacking phase
Involvement in the defending phase
Technical ease
Player’s state of mind
Biometric Testing Criteria
Stand Height
Seat height
Weight
Age at PHV (Peak Height Velocity)
Body Fat measure
Physical Testing Criteria
Speed |
10 meters & 20 meters (U13 to U14)
10 meters and 40 meters (U15 to U19)
Aerobic |
Vam Eval (U15 to U19)
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 50
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Standardized Testing
Technical Testing Criteria
Juggling | U13 – U15
3 attempts per foot
Right foot | left foot 100
Right & Left alternate 100
Head 50
Right foot > Right thigh 30
Left foot > Left thigh 30
Right inside of the foot 30
Left inside of the foot 30
Clock 10 rounds 10
Dribbling | U13 – U15
2 attempts per foot
Standing start, ball at feet
Start the watch when the player sets off (his decision).
Dribble the ball with the same foot & creating a double figure 8
Stop the watch when the player crosses the finish line
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 51
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
The Environment | Introduction
Developing the Chicago Fire Juniors ‘coach & club’
Establishing a ‘culture’ of the individual (the player & the person), the team, the coach & the club to
create an environment of excellence
Creating a ‘culture’ on all levels, where individuals are held to a higher standard, team expectations are
raised, the coach & the club continually strive for the ‘next-level’ of attainment
A group of people or players will behave how their society allows them to behave, both positively &
negatively. How a coach & a club allow their players & teams to behave becomes a ‘culture’, both
positive & negative
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
The Environment | Coach & Club
How can Chicago Fire Juniors Coaches & Junior Clubs create or improve on a ‘culture’…?
Facilities |
By providing Chicago Fire Juniors players with the best possible opportunity for success
By offering a higher quality of playing environment than the lesser junior clubs in your market
Equipment |
By providing Chicago Fire Juniors players with the best possible opportunity for success
By offering a higher quality of age-appropriate equipment than the lesser junior clubs in your market
Coaching Staff |
By recruiting and developing the highest level of coaching staff
Select coaching staff who have aspirational attitudes
Select coaching staff who demonstrate dedication and integrity; coaches who care
Select coaching staff who search for opportunity versus compensation
Select coaching staff who can deliver the off-field aspects of the ‘job’ in addition to the
on-field task
Select coaching staff that demand coach education; and then provide them with coach
education
And then eradicate coaching staff that do not or cannot
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 52
Fire Coaching Resources |
By the application of the numerous coach, player and DoC resources made available to each
Junior Club through the Fire. Evaluation forms are a vehicle for feedback and review that generates
advancement, that create a ‘culture’ of analyze > review > improve
Curriculum |
By acknowledging the merits of the purposefully design Chicago Fire Juniors coaching
curriculum and implementing the periodization, recommendations and teaching methodology outlined
from Toyota Park. The ‘Fire Family’ have contributed much to accelerate the best possible Chicago Fire
Junior Club structure. Finesse the details to service your soccer community, but welcome the support
from the most professional infrastructure obtainable
Coach Education |
By challenging coaching staff to strive for better
By offering advice, support and solutions to those who choose the daily grind of youth soccer
By rewarding those who hunt for education and listen to guidance; by rewarding those who view
performance-evaluation as an opportunity and not a punishment
By providing daily, weekly, monthly, frequently distributed ideas, concepts and thought-
provoking questions
By having a football first ‘culture’
By sharing information, by pooling resources, by caring what the guy who represents our club is
doing; and by helping him to improve what he is doing
Continued Professional Development |
By satisfying aspirational coaches with the opportunity to seek outside education; by providing
coaching staff with the challenge and then the opportunity to greater their value through recognized
professional development. Coaching courses inspire coaching, coaching courses rekindle embers into
flames – maybe even Fire, but courses cost time and money. Help coaches to better themselves so they
can help the club
Training Sessions |
By planning and delivering training sessions that are run with intensity
By increasing the frequency of training sessions to offer greater opportunity for aspirational player
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 53
Social Skill Development |
By writing into your club ‘culture’ a list of social skills that players are held accountable to; have
these components reinforced during each contact time with your players
Welcome
Meet the coach | Meet your teammates | Verbal & Physical engagement
Organization
Coach’s Expectations of behavior | Coach’s Expectations of participation | Punctually
Preparation
Training Attire | Shin-Pads | Water Bottle | Hat | Sun Cream | Breakfast
Preparation | Stretching
Reasons – Prepare body & mind | Ballistic | Static
Respect
Match Officials | Opposition | Teammates
Teammate
Create a team celebration | Positive commentary | Positive environment
Courtesy
Welcome handshake | Congratulations on performance | Goodbye handshake
Social Engagement
Players to learn teammate’s Names, Age & Birthday etc.
Communication
Verbal | Visual
Team Agenda
Team before individual | Responsibility to the Group | GK, Defender, Substitute – Not always Striker
Dignity & Humility…
in defeat | in victory | Shake Hands regardless
Accountability
Taking responsibility for your role, job or function within the group | Holding others answerable for their
role, job or function within the group
Leadership
What is a leader? | Lead by example
The Fire Philosophy | JUNIORS
Chicago Fire Juniors www.FireJuniors.org
Page | 54
Zero Parental Influence |
By limiting or removing parental influence on soccer-related concerns
Extra Services |
By going the extra mile and providing services that players need. E.g., college recruitment;
providing players and parents with information about how college soccer works and the necessary
processes to be a success. Be perceived as the most educated environment for ‘next-level’ players
Inter Club Play |
By offering a controlled playing environment where you can dictate the game outside of the
regular restrictions of game officials, league rules or all the other obstructions to coaching
Emerging Talent Program |
By maximizing and fully endorsing the Chicago Fire ‘next level’ coaching programs. The ETP is
an outstanding steppingstone towards Academy and 1st Team standards for aspirational players; the
‘culture’ of all Junior Clubs needs to be one of ‘next-level’ aspiration
Pathway to the Pros |
By utilizing and marketing the professional pathway that Chicago Fire players have above and
way beyond any rival club in your market. The pipeline of Junior Club > Emerging Talent Program >
Chicago Fire Academy > Chicago Fire MLS Club 1st Team is a pathway to the pros that nobody can come
close to rival
Demonstrate to your players, and potential players, the Fire Juniors Philosophy and the rich rewards
that our unique club uniquely represents
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