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Training Often times, players are classified in one of two categories: warriors or artists. The “artist” is the player who plays just for the beauty of the game and is happy whether he wins or loses, as long as he was able to do his latest trick against the opponent. The artist very often does not understand the competitive nature of soccer and what it means to truly affect the game. The “warrior”, on the other hand, does understand the nature of competition and what it means to “win”. Often times, however, he lacks the technical ability (skill) to impact the game as he would like. He does not lack passion or will to win, but does lack in some ways the tools to allow him to affect the game. The great players are those who possess the attributes of both the warrior and the artist: the goal of our training regimen is to make you such a player. The training aspect is one of the main pillars of your experience with La Academia de Futbol Internacional (LAFI). You will return home fitter, faster, and stronger than perhaps even you had imagined possible. You will be asked to continually test your physical and mental barriers. The coaches with whom you will train know what it takes to be successful college and professional players. They will help mold you into a more dynamic, capable player; it may not always be easy, but it will be immensely satisfying. Early morning beach trainings will be a staple of your training. The resistance of the sand and water will turn the beautiful, pristine environment into your biggest adversary. The early morning beach sessions will be diverse: sometimes you will embark upon long runs, other times you will find yourself doing speed exercises in waist deep water. Technical ball work will also be emphasized in the early morning beach sessions. Breakfast takes place after beach training. Players will enjoy the plethora of options offered by the Royal Decameron restaurants. After breakfast, some free time is available to take a nap, enjoy the beach, or hang out at the pool. The hotel also has many free activities as well; for example, if not too tired from training, you could take a kayak out to look at the dolphins, or jump on a jet ski. Before lunch, players will be given technical training by the college coaches or guest Mexican coaches from one of the clubs in Guadalajara. The daily technical training is another vital pillar to your training and will take place on the fields located at and around the hotel. Technical training features lots of time with the ball at your feet. Coaches will keep the technical training fresh and interesting by providing competitive, intense training sessions, just like the ones they create for their own college players. Coaches will be able to instruct on what you are doing that is beneficial to your game and what you need to do to become better. The technical training portion of the camp is designed to increase a player’s comfort and ability with the ball. Upon returning home, players should feel superior in their ability controlling and manipulating the ball in all game situations. After lunch, players will again have free time to use as they see fit. Some players will certainly require a nap, while others may wish to practice their Spanish or stroll down the cobblestone street into town. The evening sessions are designed purely for playing competitive matches---the best teacher. Evening sessions will normally take place at the stadium field in Bucerias (5 minutes from the hotel) or in Puerto Vallarta (20 minute bus ride). Players will be the object of locals’ curiosity; curious on lookers and soccer aficionados will line the fences watching the foreign competitors. Teams from around Puerto Vallarta and even Guadalajara will be eager to show the foreigners their abilities in evening games throughout the week. |