Our Philosophy
Internal rigor. Public polish.
AI-ready training.
FeetToCompete exists to build brave, skillful, intelligent soccer players through training that is ball-dominant, decision-rich, game-connected, age-appropriate, and repeatable.
“FeetToCompete believes players improve when training is driven by the game, not when they practice isolated drills.”
Player Development Standards by Age
FeetToCompete standards are observable. If a coach can't see it, we don't pretend it exists.
Foundation: Love the Ball + Basic Bravery
- ✓Dribble freely with both feet without stopping
- ✓Change direction to avoid a defender
- ✓Stop the ball and restart quickly
- ✓Attack space when it's open
- ✓Recognize the goal and attempt to finish
Coach behavior: Short cues, lots of praise for attempts, minimal stopping.
Ball Mastery + 1v1 Confidence
- ✓Receive and dribble away from pressure
- ✓3+ reliable direction changes at speed
- ✓Beat a defender 1v1 with change of speed/direction
- ✓Pass 5-10 yards when dribble is blocked
- ✓Re-press immediately after losing ball (3-second rule)
Coach behavior: Coach the "why" simply — dribble when you see space, pass when stuck.
Tight-Space Skill + Scanning + Play Forward
- ✓Scan before receiving (at least one look)
- ✓Receive under pressure, turn out, connect pass
- ✓Play forward within 3 seconds when available
- ✓Create 2v1 solutions (dribble to commit, pass to draw)
- ✓Defend with angles, not ball-chasing
Coach behavior: Guided questions, fewer lectures. Correct decisions over perfect technique.
Game Intelligence + Speed of Play + Role Clarity
- ✓Receive on back foot, play out of pressure
- ✓Connect 3rd-player actions (pass → set → play)
- ✓Recognize pressing triggers (bad touch, back pass, sideline)
- ✓Stay connected as units (back line, midfield)
- ✓Transition instantly: recover in 5s, attack in 3s
Coach behavior: Coach principles, not positions. Roles matter, but solutions matter more.
The Four-Moment Game Model
We coach the game through four distinct moments. Every training activity connects to one or more of these.
In Possession
- Play forward when it's on — scan and attack space
- Create or exploit space — width and depth
- Speed of play is a weapon — 2-touch under pressure
- Value 1v1s in the right areas — isolated, facing forward
Out of Possession
- First defender sets the tone — close quickly, show one way
- Connected defensive lines — 5-10 yard support
- Protect the middle — force play wide
- Press with triggers — bad touch, back pass, sideline trap
Transition: Attack → Defend
- 3-second fight to win it back or disrupt
- If you can't win it — recover into compact shape immediately
- Non-negotiable — every player reacts
Transition: Defend → Attack
- First look — can we go forward now?
- If yes — attack quickly, exploit disorganized defense
- If no — secure first pass, then build
Training Methodology
If it doesn't train a game behavior, it doesn't belong.
Standard 75-90 Minute Session Structure
Arrival Activation
Ball each, movement + touches, no lines. Low coaching, raise tempo gradually.
Skill Preparation
Tight-space technical + decision (1v1/2v2/3v1). Objective appears immediately.
Main Activity 1
Small-sided with constraints that force the objective. Clear scoring tied to objective. Work in rounds.
Main Activity 2
Add direction (goals), add transition, increase realism. Reduce constraints if behavior is showing.
Game Situation
Free play with minimal rules. Coach evaluates: does the behavior show up without constraints?
Finish & Reflection
1-2 questions max: "When could you turn?" "What did you see before you received?"
Session Progression
High touches, low pressure
Add defenders
Add goals/targets
Free play test
What We Avoid
We do not train for "looking good in practice." We train for behaviors that show up under pressure on game day.
Long lines
Players waiting, not playing
Static passing patterns
No pressure, no decisions
Unopposed for 20 minutes
Technique without context
Solving problems for players
Coaching removes learning
Vague feedback
"Just be confident" or "work harder"
60-second lectures
Stop talking, keep playing
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