Soccer Training
ADI is the #1 soccer training facility and the reason for this is the innovative and comprehensive combination training programs that have been created by both Paul Blodgett and Mark Williams. ADI’s programs develop the “soccer athlete” not just the soccer player. ADI has taken the components that make up a complete player and has developed programming surrounding these components that help each individual athlete not only reach his or her potential, but to do so in a quicker fashion than your typical training programs. Specialized technical development for both field players and goalkeepers, position specific strength development and speed development based on the movements of the game are the reasons why ADI’s programs are the best in the game!
The Speed – Skill Concept:
The mission in training field players at ADI is to guide them towards mastering their skills, to develop the athlete and to help the athlete understand how to apply their skills. ADI works on creating faster reactions within the game and teaches simple mechanical techniques. This approach includes:
• Perfection of technique
• Speed development with the ball
• Learning proper body positioning for receiving balls, delivering balls and holding off opponents
• Learning and applying attacking and defending techniques under pressure
• Understanding tactics of the game
The technical skill portion of the ADI program is designed to help improve a player’s technical ability, tactical speed, and most importantly getting them comfortable with the ball. This program will help develop faster play with the ball, confidence on the ball, allowing for quick decision making and improved tactical awareness. Also, it will help teach players how to train on their own.
This unique and innovative approach to training field players is termed “Speed Skill Training”, and it incorporates speed and agility training in conjunction with touches on the ball. The program is designed to work on fast feet while maintaining the proper athletic position when it is time to make contact with the ball. This approach is based on the proper body positioning for receiving balls, delivering balls and most importantly, holding off the opponent while controlling the ball. This includes maintaining the proper body position throughout the performing of the skills necessary to be a successful field player.
The ADI program develops all of the foot work skills, as well as, the ability to receive, deliver and hold the ball under pressure. Offensive and defensive specific technical skills are developed under the guidance of experienced trainers who have been educated within the ADI methodology. Various movements of the game precede or come after a certain type of touch with the ball (1 touch, 2 touch, volley, etc.). The movements are all game-related (change of direction, acceleration, deceleration, jumping, etc.). A timer is used to control the length of each repetition to control the work rate of the athletes and to instill a conditioning component to the training.
This form of training was initially developed to help our professional athletes prepare for their pre-season training and its success at the highest levels stimulated the development of the program for all age groups.
Goalkeeper Training:
The mission in training goalkeepers at ADI is to develop athletes who are sound in all aspects of the position. This approach of soccer goalie training includes:
• perfection of technique
• developing strength, speed and agility
• honing mental skills
• developing communication and leadership skills
• understanding the tactical applications of the game
ADI is committed to providing our athletes with a unique and challenging program that will enhance their performance both on and off the field. Our approach to developing goalkeepers involves innovative methods in technical training that encompasses the perfection of technique through quality repetitions. Our advanced technical skill development is further enhanced by engaging in strength sessions in a back-to-back format designed to provide muscle memory training and athletic advancement in a convenient and cost effective format. The success for teaching the position is based on the athletes understanding why they are performing certain tasks in addition to repetitively practicing those tasks. Tactical applications of the skills are incorporated into training and development to help the goalkeeper to apply the skills into game situations. A great emphasis is placed on the mental development of the keeper and helping the keeper deal with the stresses of handling the position. The training environment is always positive with a conscious effort by the trainers to establish and elevate the confidence of the goalkeeper.
Technical perfection is a cornerstone of the goalkeeper program at ADI. Proper set position is continuously practiced stressing a well-balanced, athletic position. In addition to balance and body positioning, footwork development rounds out the ADI Goalkeeper technical training session. ADI goalkeepers are known for their excellent foot skills often being complimented for being good soccer “players” not just good soccer goalkeepers, as foot skills are covered in every session. An athletic finish to a particular skill movement is a trademark for the ADI keeper. It is the goal for each keeper to reach technical perfection so that each skill becomes built into their muscle memory eliminating the need to think about the skill execution during games and allowing the keeper to devote his/her attention to the match at hand.
The development of the athleticism of a goalkeeper comprises a major portion of the ADI Goalkeeper Academy program. Strength training programs that are truly specific to the position are administered with a recommended minimal, once per week session participation. Goalkeepers are trained to use the muscles in proper sequence with joints and ligaments in all movements and techniques with the goal of preventing injuries. Development of athleticism is invaluable in building confidence, establishing stamina for peak game performance and preparing endurance for a long season, while enhancing the overall image of the goalkeeper. A focus on enhancing the image of a goalkeeper is a top priority in the ADI program.
The understanding and application of tactics of the game is the ultimate goal in the goalkeeper’s development. In order for a keeper to fully concentrate on tactics under match conditions, technical proficiency must be attained. The tactical training and development of each ADI Goalkeeper Academy member is personalized through match analysis. The match analysis is performed in one of two ways:
1. Observing the goalkeeper in an actual game by an ADI Goalkeeper Academy staff member.
2. Attending a high level match with the ADI Goalkeeper Academy staff to study as a spectator.
Either approach includes a comprehensive analysis and report that addresses key components for the position.
The staff at the ADI Goalkeeper Academy under the experience, passion and dedication of Paul Blodgett has established a holistic approach to the Goalkeeper Developmental Program and has segmented the offering into several phases to match the age and maturity of the athlete.
The complete development of the keeper involves the physical, mental and personality components for the position, which also serves to develop a more confident and focused individual capable of advancing in the sport and improving his/her academic achievement. The ADI Goalkeeper Academy Goalkeeper Developmental Program develops “players” into “athletes” and motivates them to reach their full potential that maximizes the playing experience and helps them become better overall individuals.





