Talent Development in the German Football Association

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
01 Content

Fundamentals

Stage 1. Basic development

Stage 2. Talent development

Stage 3. Elite development

Stage 4. Top football

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02 Fundamentals

1. Talent development equals teamwork

2. Performance football as key

3. Objectives

4. Guidelines

5. Athletic model

6. Training levels

7. Training structures

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 1. TALENT DEVELOPMENT EQUALS TEAMWORK

03 Talent development equals teamwork

DFB Associations

Clubs School

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 2. PERFORMANCE FOOTBALL AS KEY

04 Performance football as key

opportunities and challenges

personality ... to become

successful inter-
compensation
development national player and fitness

leisure ... with fun

and systematic health care
activities training ...

enjoyment of From football social
beginner ...
sport & exercise integration

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 3. GOALS

05 Football goals

Interaction of objectives GOAL 

Leading position in international
  football
motivation leading Top placings and titles - wins at
to play position in European Cup, World Cup & Olympia
and international
exercise football GOAL 

fascination football Fascination football
for all Enjoy football - from beginners
to top players

GOALS 
Motivation to move
Life long passion for sport and
health

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 4. GUIDELINES

06 Guidelines for talent and elite development

interaction of guidelines Guideline 

personality development
All sport development has to be
  embedded within a personality
systematic personality development concept!
development development
Guideline 

individual individual development
development The individual talent will always
be focal point within training!

Guideline 
systematic development
In order to optimize the complex football
performance, performance across the
board has to be observed at all times!

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 5. ATHLETIC MODEL

07 Athletic model of talent and elite development

factors and elements of german

game culture
techniques
the will to win
under pressure Forecast
Long-term prediction of future game
concepts and requirements of teams
and players in international football
team structure
enthusiasm Trends
and hierarchy
Statements and short-term momentum,
based on the evaluation of international
tournaments and competitions

tactical versatile Strengths

concept fitness Typical strengths and virtues of German
football and football players, that have
to feed into German game view!

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 6. STAGES OF TRAINING

08 Training levels of talent and elite development

TOP FROM
PLAYERS 7 Stabilization of peak performances 30 YEARS
Top football
TOP
PLAYERS 6 Perfecting peak performances 21-29 YEARS

PERSPECTIVE
PLAYER 5 Preparing for peak performances 17-20 YEARS Elite development 2nd Stage

B-/A- Elite development 1st Stage

JUNIORS 4 Stabilize 15-18 YEARS
Talent development
D-/C-
JUNIORS 3 Learn 11-14 YEARS Talent development

F-/E-
JUNIORS 2 Play 7-10 YEARS
Basic development
BAMBINI AND
YOUNGER 1 Move 3-6 YEARS

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 7. TRAINING STRUCTURES

09 Training structures of talent and elite development

objectives and benefits NATIONAL TEAMS

of training structures Level 4 INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
Toplevel football BUNDESLIGA
area-wide screening in all
regions
JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAMS

individual development for Level 3 LICENSE ASSOCIATIONS /
many talents in the best Elite development ELITE SCHOOLS
learning age

permeability between all ELITE SCHOOLS OF SOCCER

levels Level 2 CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
Talent development TALENT DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS
intensive cooperation TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
between all training sectors
ASSOCIATION
athletic orientation on
Level 1
Basics development
SCHOOL
KINDERGARTEN
training concept

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10 Level 1 Basics development

1. Kindergarten and school

2. Amateur clubs

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 1. KINDERGARTEN AND SCHOOL

11 Goal: To develop complete personality

health skill of
movement

FOOTBALL
AT SCHOOL

cognitive social
properties learning

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 1. KINDERGARTEN AND SCHOOL

12 The school football offensive of the DFB

project components

1,000 mini-pitches

school football competitions

qualifying and football in PE

cooperation of school and club

integration

development of girls football

activity groups

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 1. KINDERGARTEN AND SCHOOL

13 Focus points

content for focus point 

  Running, jumping or hopping. Various tasks with the rolling
experience gain exercise Running and tee games. and bouncing ball.
playing experience Tasks with and on gym Small ball games.
football equipment.

 content for focus point 

playfully getting to
Light, but motivating tasks Shooting the stationary and
know about football with the ball at your feet. easy rolling ball at targets.
Dribbling arund various Small competitions.
obstacles.

content for focus point 

Variations of the game idea Football matches in the whole
"score goals prevent goals. gym / small teams in parallel
Different ways of making a in different parts of the gym.
goal (mats, benches etc.).

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 2. AMATEUR ASSOCIATIONS

14 The children's coach as a key

Training Competitions Care

Key question: What do
Promote the fun Be tutor and
children want & what
in football! friend!
Care Training are they capable of?
Develop ball-/skilled Be game organizer Convey
movement! and companion! enthusiasm!

Mediate the fun Allow children to Support each

Competitions in football! play long enough! child!

Teach football Simple tips cheer Be a role model

in small steps! and praise! in all situations!

information and further development

FUTURE KIDS FOOTBALL

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 2. AMATEUR ASSOCIATIONS
15 Competitions in children's football
 Game experiences rather than game results!
 Small team, small fields!
 Actual game results are secondary!
 Tables are secondary!
Ideal competitions for Bambini
4 vs 4
4 vs 4
20 m
4 vs 4 15 m
Forms of play: 4 vs. 4 (no goalkeeper)
or 4 + goalkeeper against 4 + goalkeeper
Field dimensions: up to 20 x 15 meters
Goal size: up to 2 meters
Gameform: Game-afternoons
 Enjoying football is most important!
 Individual football-learning is important!
 Develop personalities!
Ideal competitions for F-Juniors Ideal competitions for E-Juniors
4 vs 4
ca. 35 m
7 vs 7 ca. 55 m
ca. 40 m 7 vs 7
5 vs 5 ca. 25 m
6 vs 6
ca. 35 m ca. 35 m
4 vs 4
Forms of play: 5 vs. 5 to 7 vs. 7 (each inclu- Forms of play: 7 vs. 7 (including goalkeepers)
ding goalkeeper)
Field dimensions: 35 x 25 meters (at the Field dimensions: 55 x 35 meters
5 5, 6 6), 40 x 35 meters (at the 7 7) Goal size: 5 feet wide, 2 meters high
Goal size: 5 feet wide, 2 meters high Gameform: rounds at the district level
Gameform: no championships
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16 Level 2: Talent Development

1. Talent development program 3. Elite schools of football

2. Centers of excellence 4. National associations

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 1. TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

17 Objectives for talent development program

motivation and sighting and development

practical tips for of many talents
talents self training in the region

training aids for additional indivi-

regional youth dual support for
coaches engaged talents

promote the individual

train technically
talents away from success,
skilled and tactically
and time pressure by the
trained players
association's training

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 1. TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

18 Organization of the talent development program

366 bases

1,000 coaches

14,000-promoted talents
between 11 15 years of age

29 base coordinators

600,000 sighted player

standardized training

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 1. TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

19 Principles of the talent development program

Train focus Train

points! comprehensively!

Train for the Train

long run! details!

Train with play Train

and practice! individually!

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 1. TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

20 Conclusion: Effective project of the DFB and its LV

Talent development
program
Initial sighting and
promotion of talents

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 2. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

21 Goals of the centers of excellence

collaborations with sports correspondent

amateur clubs in and promotion of the
the region best talents in a region

refinance with training of as

lucrative transfers many talents as
of young perspec- possible to licensed
tive players professionals

greater identification integration of as

of fans with young many own talents
professional players in the licensed
from the region professionals squad

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 2. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

22 Organisation of centers of excellence

45 centers of excellence

about 200 full-time coaches

requirement since 2002

certification since 2008

Training and exchange

Quality Manual

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 2. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

23 Certified quality standards

ideal playing and training areas (eg natural

and artificial turf, street system, school)

sports medicine support and rehab/physio area

placement of external players, based on reasonable

pedagogical-psychological structures/concepts

best quality possible full-time coaches

proven structures/approaches to educational

training of talents (eg elite school)

scouting Concepts and structures

integration of sport psychology/scientific bases

for the development concepts

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 2. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

24 Principles of centers of excellence

Football and school Support and

interconnect! challenge Individuals!
Education is a must! Strengthening the strengths,
weaken weaknesses!

Control stress Promote initiative

individually! of talent!
Coordinate and
Promote the will to
dispense match and
optimum performance!
training phases!

Stabilize enjoyment Performance orientated

of football! attitude is a must!
The love of football is Seriousness and performance
always the base! will live!

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 2. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

25 Conclusion: New era through optimized CoE

Centers of excellence
Concentrated development
of the most talented

centers of excellence Bundesliga

centers of excellence 2. Bundesliga
centers of excellence 3. Liga
centers of excellence Regionalliga and Oberliga

centers of excellence in the licensed area and the top amateurs (as of 11/2009)

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 3. ELITE FOOTBALL SCHOOLS

26 Objectives of the elite football schools

Training Learning
athletic training / educational or
individual support vocational training

IDEAL TALENT
DEVELOPMENT

Life
training of the
personality

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 3. ELITE FOOTBALL SCHOOLS

27 Principles of the elite football schools

Actively involve youths Support and challenge!

in all processes! "Strengthen" youths and
Support initiative! qualify for many future
Encourage participation! tasks!

(PLAYERS)
Promote commitment Promote optimal
and target orientation
PERSONALITY maximum performance,
with "top performers" on parallel expand
within and outside school/vocational
of football! prospects!
Convay values such
as teamwork, fairness,
openness, respect, tolerance,
performance will!

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 3. ELITE FOOTBALL SCHOOL

28 Conclusion: Optimal supplement to the talent development

Elite schools
comprehensive promotion
of the most talented

elite school of football (Juniors)

elite school of football (Juniors + Women and Girls)
performance center with the request for recognition as an elite school of football
elite school of football for women and girls
performance center with the request for recognition as an
elite school of football for women and girls
sport schools in NOFV
sport schools with request for recognition as an elite school of football

elite schools of football and sports-NOFV schools (as of 10/2009)

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 4. STATE ASSOCIATIONS

29 Goals of the national associations

qualifying promote
employees talent

organize game
advise clubs
operation

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 4. STATE ASSOCIATIONS

30 Quality of the national associations

intensive broad-based initiatives

selection work in children's football
Optimal preparation for the Motivation of many girls
DFB-screening camp and boys for football

intensive training of
cooperation trainers
Close coordination with From short training/
centers of excellence, DFB-Mobile through
elite schools ... to C-trainer training

intensive screening intensive promotion of

coverage school- / girls football
Optimum structures of the Active monitoring and imple-
talent development program mentation of the DFB-projects

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 4. STATE ASSOCIATIONS

31 Conclusion: Role for special talent groups

Structure of the state

associations in the DFB

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32 Level 3 Elite development

1. U-National teams

2. Licensed clubs

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 1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

33 Goals of the U-National teams

Goals overview
 individual training of the best perspective  develop a structured hierarchy in the team
players in Germany and international titles

 training and games at the highest national  exemplary behavior and positive represen-
and international level tation at home and abroad

 consistent orientation at the top of world coordination of optimal performance sport

football - tackling various international and vocational-school promotion
match perspectives
 develop a consistent competitive orien-
optimal individual training and stress
tation "prepare and live professionalism" management in coordination of association,
club and school

 promote team-oriented player personalities

with winning mentality and hunger for
success

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 1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

34 Comprehensive training model for top football

individual health psychological
protection support

Tactics Condition
video teachment
intensive perfor-
for team and
mance diagnostics
player
OPTIMIZATION
OF FOOTBALLING
QUALITIES
position orientiated
sports medical care
special training

Technique Personality
optimized self-
personalised fitness
management of
training
players

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 Tactic Fitness

1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

35 Individual technology-tactics training Technique Personality

quality characteristics of world class players

dominate a 1 to 1 situation

tactical skills

technique fundamentals

analysis of 1-1 situations in world football

derivative forms of training

differentiated training concept for U-players

individual qualities of perspective players

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 Tactic Fitness

1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

36 Fitness training for player and team Technique Personality

Optimal physical
motivation

DFB-
TRAINER
Game Training
FITNESS
TRAINER

Optimal physical
performance buildup

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 Tactic Fitness

1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

37 Factors and elements of the game philosophy Technique Personality

Forecast Trends "Typical" strengths

GAME PHILOSOPHY FOR DFB-TEAM

Game System

Game principles

U15 to U17

U18 to A-Team

With the ball

At the ball
Goals of the DFB game philosophy
 A CLEAR STRUCTURE, ORGANIZATION AND TASK FOR EACH DFB-TEAM AS THE BASIS OF CREATIVITY

 GAME DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE IN OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE BY AUTOMATISMES

 CLEAR QUALITY CRITERIA FOR THE ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF EVERY NATIONAL TEAM

 CLEAR ATHLETIC POINTS OF ORIENTATION FOR DFB-TRAINERS, BUT ALSO THE NATIONAL PLAYERS

 BASIS TEAMCOMPREHENSIVE, PERSPECTIVELY CREATED SPORT CONCEPTS IN DFB

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 Tactic Fitness

1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

38 Game philosophy of DFB-teams Technique Personality

Example game system: Example game principles:

Offensive basic order in Staggering depth of the two
the 4:4:2 spearheads in 4:4:2

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 Tactic Fitness

1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

39 Intensive personal support Technique Personality

Team Spirit Entitlement

MANDATORY
POINTS OF
ORIENTATION

Passion Identification

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 Tactic Fitness

1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

40 Goal 1: Player personalities Technique Personality

enthusiasm and creativity

leading role in the team for tactical

automatisms

control function for group-internal

processes within the team

types of players based on individual

strengths

types of players with great winning

mentality

role model for the team

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 Tactic Fitness

1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

41 Goal 2: Professionalism Technique Personality

motivation and discipline on and off the pitch

self-criticism and openness

stable professional approach: constructive

processing of setbacks, emotional extreme
situations such as spotlight / bench

internalized norms and values of a consistent

competitive orientation

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 Tactic Fitness

1. U-NATIONAL TEAMS

42 Goal 3: Life perspectives Technique Personality

(players) personalities with a safe and good

appearance

internalized social values and social skills

(team orientation, not only in football!)

sound-school vocational training

individual strengths and resources outside of

football as the basis of stable self-confidence

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 2. LICENSE ASSOCIATIONS

43 Systematic monitoring of perspective players

Junior training
Objectives and function
Patient, systematic development
of football performance
Comprehensive support of the
Transition training
Objectives and function
Individual load design for the
metered preparation for extreme
stresses of performance football
High performance Training
Objectives and function
improvement of all footballing
elements at top level
Technical and tactical variability
(football) personality
Individual support for short-term
team success!
Conveying professionalism
Intensive individual support
on and off the field
in the perfectly controlled game
system
Intensive Support and Challenge
of player personalities (= leaders)

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
 2. LICENSE ASSOCIATIONS

44 Structure of further monitoring

control in close cooperation with

licensed II. team of the the team coaches
team licensed club

monitoring and evaluation of the
match and training practice
PERSPECTIVE Individual

PLAYER Coordinator
individual game and training plan
for training blocks

A-juniors of DFB and
the center of national documentation/evaluation of indi-
excellence association vidual stress and training priorities

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45 Level 4 Top football

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46 Athletic model top football
Trends in Strengths of the
international football German footballer

DFB GAME AND TRAINING PHILOSOPHY


TALENT COACH
PRO FOOTBALL
DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

match and training perspective-based substantive
concepts for approaches for guidance for the
professional teams talents trainer training

training practice age-appropriate trainer practice

and game game and training on different
controlling philosophy license levels

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
47 Exemplary scanning for trend analysis

 game systems/ground formations

 versions of the game structure

ANALYSE ANALYSE
EUROPAMEISTERSCHAFT 2004 WELTMEISTERSCHAFT 2006
 attack approaches

 defensive conceps

 standard situations

 goalkeeper game

 outstanding Single Players

Euro 2004 Worlc Cup 2006
Technical report of the Technical Report of the
goals European Championship World Cup

tactical variability
Euro 2008
Technical report of the
 highlights European Championship

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T
48 Talent development in the German football association

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!

D F B TA L E N T A N D E L I T E D E V E L O P M E N T