When I work with a beginner, my focus is on teaching, not testing. I start by getting to know the athlete, their goals, confidence level, and how they learn best. From there, we build a foundation through movement, footwork, and body control while keeping things simple and positive. My approach follows the LTAD model, which means I focus on long-term growth, not quick fixes. Every first session is about setting the tone, building trust, effort, and discipline that athletes can carry into every stage of their development.
In the later lessons, athletes move from learning to mastering. Training becomes more refined and game-focused, with an emphasis on confidence, consistency, and emotional discipline. At this point, players begin to think, move, and compete like true athletes, focused, accountable, and in control of their game.
By lessons four through ten, athletes start putting everything together. We build on fundamentals with more game-like drills, faster decision-making, and controlled competition. This stage is all about growth, turning mechanics into instincts, effort into confidence, and discipline into performance.
By the second and third lessons, athletes start building confidence through consistency. We move from basic fundamentals into position-specific skills, controlled competition, and game-like situations. The focus is on progress, not perfection, helping athletes understand why we train a certain way while developing discipline, control, and confidence in their movements.
For advanced players, the first session is about evaluation and connection. I start by learning their goals, watching how they move, and understanding how they process feedback. From there, I assess mechanics, speed, and football IQ to identify strengths and areas for improvement. The goal is to find the small details that separate good from great, and build a plan around them.
In the later lessons, training shifts to mastery and mental performance. We focus on situational awareness, adaptability, and performing under pressure. At this point, every athlete should feel confident leading, communicating, and controlling the tempo of play. The goal is to leave fully prepared, technically sharp, mentally strong, and ready to compete at the next level.
Between lessons four and ten, advanced players should expect to be pushed beyond their comfort zone. We fine-tune position-specific details, study film or tendencies when possible, and create high-rep, game-like environments. Every drill has a purpose, improving anticipation, reaction, and leadership. This phase is about separating yourself from the competition through discipline and execution.
By the second and third lessons, we start sharpening the edges. Each session becomes more targeted, focused on precision, decision-making, and competing at game speed. I challenge athletes through advanced drills, controlled competition, and situational work that forces them to think under pressure. The focus is refinement and raising their standard of consistency.