Development Plan by Co Adriaanse at AFC Ajax (Patreon)

In his second season at AFC Ajax, Co Adriaanse began formulating the technical details of a comprehensive development plan for the club's young players. This ambitious project required extensive discussions with the entire coaching staff and was designed to cater to various age groups, ensuring a structured and progressive development pathway from ages 8 to 20.

Age-Specific Development Stages

Adriaanse structured the development plan into four key stages based on age groups: 8-12, 12-14, 14-16, and 16-20. Each stage has distinct objectives tailored to the players' developmental needs and skill levels.

Development Objectives for 8-12 Age Group

Technique

• Ball Control: Mastery of controlling the ball with every part of both feet in all directions.

• Combining Ball Control and Speed: Handling complicated situations with an element of resistance.

• Bilateral Proficiency: Using both feet for side-foot and semi-side-foot passes, and kicks with the instep, both on the ground and through the air.

• Ball Reception: Cushioning the ball with all parts of the body.

• Juggling: Mastery of juggling with every part of the body except the arms.

• Passing: Accurate passing from a standing position and while on the move.

• Shooting: Precise shooting at goal.

• Crosses: Working on varied crossing techniques.

• Heading: Basic heading technique without resistance.

• Feints and Swerves: Developing body swerves and feints.

• Dribbling: Techniques for taking the ball past an opponent.

• Shielding: Learning to shield the ball.

• Throw-Ins: Proper technique for throw-ins.

• Penalties: Learning to take penalties.

Tactics

• Running into Space: Understanding movement to receive the ball.

• Positional Play: Learning positions on the field both in length and breadth.

• Linking Up and Back: Effective link-up play and positional switching.

• Ball Reception: Positioning to receive the ball.

• Positional Discipline: Playing from one’s own position and understanding others’ roles.

• Decision Making: Choosing between passing and making an individual run.

• Shielding: Shielding the ball while dribbling and passing.

• Defensive Coverage: Covering inside positions and marking the most dangerous opponent.

Football Know-How

• Rules of the Game: Learning and understanding soccer rules.

• Equipment Care: Maintaining boots and other equipment.

• System of Play: Recognizing Ajax’s system of play.

• Body Care: Understanding body care, diet, and overall health in relation to matches and training.

• Ajax Culture: Learning the specific culture and values of Ajax.

Running and Strength Training

• Running Technique: Principles of good running technique and coordination.

• Jumping: Techniques for jumping off one leg and two legs.

• Suppleness: Maintaining and improving suppleness.

• Body Usage: Using the body effectively during duels.

• Strength Training: Using body weight for strength training.

• Avoiding Opponents: Techniques to avoid tackles and sliding tackles.

• Sprinting: Sprinting in all directions.

• Shoulder Charges: Learning to use a shoulder charge effectively.

Personality Forming

• Sporting Attitude: Respect for opponents and developing a sporting attitude.

• Communication: Effective communication with teammates, coaches, and support staff.

• Openness: Being open to others’ opinions.

• Leadership and Criticism: Accepting leadership and being self-critical.

• Team Building: Understanding and experiencing team dynamics and building.

• Concentration and Responsibility: Learning to concentrate, be responsible for equipment, avoid injury, and listen to their bodies.

Implementation and Coaching

Adriaanse emphasizes the importance of creativity and autonomy for youth coaches. Rather than prescribing rigid training schedules, he provides guidelines and objectives, allowing coaches the flexibility to design drills and sessions that meet these goals. For instance, techniques from Coerver drills are recommended, but coaches are free to choose or develop their drills to ensure players reach the desired skill level.

Weekly Sessions and Additional Training

Running coach Laszlo Jambor conducts weekly sessions for the 8-12 age group, focusing on functional running techniques. Additional training, such as aerobics, is incorporated to improve coordination, movement efficiency, and strength, introducing variety and maintaining player engagement.

Conclusion

Co Adriaanse’s development plan at Ajax is a meticulously crafted blueprint that balances technical, tactical, physical, and personal growth. By setting clear objectives and allowing coaching creativity, the plan ensures that young Ajax players develop into well-rounded athletes capable of meeting the demands of professional football. This holistic approach not only fosters technical excellence but also instills the values and mental toughness required to succeed at the highest levels.

Reference: 'The Coaching Philosophies of Louis van Gaal and The Ajax Coaches' by Henny Kormelink