Smithway Player Development Program
A complete August-to-May home training path designed to build confidence, control, and game-ready skill one concept at a time.
How the Program Works
The Smithway Club-Year Program follows a full August-to-May development path.
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The year is organized into 11 four-week development blocks. Each block introduces three connected concepts, followed by a fourth week of review and game application.
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Your player always knows what to work on next without being overloaded with too much information at once.
Program Includes:
- 44 weeks of structured training
- 11 Four-week development blocks
- 3 concept weeks followed by 1 review week
- Short, repeatable home sessions
- Training videos
- Parent-friendly field guides
- game-based review activities
- Consistent technical development at home
How to Use This Program
• Start with Block 1 Week 1
• Complete one week at a time
• Train 2 times per week if possible
• Keep sessions short: 15-25 minutes
• Use the parent guide with each block
• Use Week 4 to review and apply concepts
• Repeat weeks for more confidence
• Move forward when your player is ready
Say less. Let them try more.
The Smithway Development System
The full curriculum is built from seven development areas, but each week focuses on one clear concept so players stay engaged and parents know exactly what to reinforce.
- Foundation Footwork
- First Touch Juggling
- Ball Striking
- Offensive Recognition
- Ball Protection
- Body Position & Receiving
- Aerial Control
These areas work together across the year. They are not taught as seven separate assignments every week.
Start Your Blocks!
Block 1: Sensory Foundation
Weeks 1–4
Build speed, control, awareness, and confidence with the ball.
Ball Confidence
First Touch Base
Vision
Foundation Review
Block 2: Facing and Being Dangerous
Weeks 5–8
Learn to face defenders, control the confrontation, and create attacking options.
Face Up/Dangerous
Belly Button
Being Dangerous 2
Facing Review
Block 3: Winning and Keeping the Ball
Weeks 9–12
Win position, protect the ball, and release it into useful space.
Maldini Step
Shielding
Turning
Ball Protection Review
Additional blocks will unlock soon!
Coming Soon: Blocks 4–12
The rest of the Smithway Year path will unlock as we move through the season. Keep training!
Your Player Development Path
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Ball Confidence — Weeks 1–4
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Face Up / Be Dangerous— Weeks 5–8
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Winning the Ball— Weeks 9–12
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Lateral Elimination — Weeks 13–16
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Aerial Response — Weeks 17–20
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Striking and the Prostep — Weeks 21–24
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Support and Rhythm — Weeks 25–28
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Passing Penetration — Weeks 29–32
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Timing and Deception — Weeks 33–36
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Emergency Solutions — Weeks 37–40
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Full Game Autonomy — Weeks 41–44
Review Weeks
Every fourth week is a review and game-application week.
Players revisit the first three concepts, use them under pressure, and look for them in live play.
If a concept still feels difficult, repeat that week before moving forward.