Game principles and coaching strategies in youth sport in elite soccer

Abstract

Coaching soccer requires strategies, these being frequently established for the development of game principles. The aim of the study was to analyze the periodization of game principles and coaching strategies preferred by coaches in a soccer youth academy. Eight coaches of a Brazilian elite soccer club participated through semi-structured interviews; a field diary was also used. Data was conducted through content analysis. The results shows that the investigated coaches prioritize the establishment of soccer principles through game practice and deliberate practice, highlighting offensive principles based on the ball conservation and defensive principles concerning the pressure on the opponent; they also consider the philosophy of the club and their personal preferences for organizing the coaching process. Thus, it is relevant that the organization of the game principles consider the social context of the club and the beliefs and preferences of the coaches, who should also consider the club's planning and the youth's learning and the game context in the application of the contents.