When Techne Futbol launched in 2016, it was just one technical session each week. Since then, we’ve added a complete training curriculum for players of all ages and levels who want to take their game to the next level -- whether it’s learning the basic skills or refining those skills to bring into high-level game situations.
All of the sessions in the app are methodically designed by our team of current and former professional soccer players and coaches. Here’s an overview of the training that is now available in the app and how players can use it to be their best.
Technical
Technique is the body's mechanical execution. Because soccer is played with primarily the feet, it takes hours of practice to learn to properly bring the ball under control and affect where and how it moves. A player’s technical ability largely determines the impact they can have on the game. Technique is something that players need to work on daily, regardless of their playing level or current ability.
Time Trials (Technical)
Time trials are foundational tests of players’ technical ability and efficiency. They are all timed in one minute, and instruct players to keep track of how many repetitions they can successfully complete, according to certain specifications. For each Time Trial, there is a bronze, silver, and gold medal standard, so players can earn medals as they surpass various scoring benchmarks. We recommend that players test themselves when they begin using the app, in order to get benchmark scores, and then continue to retest every few weeks as they train, so that they can track their improvement. Players may improve their score on a Time Trial through practicing just the test, or they may train at related drills to improve and then revisit the test. To progress in the Time Trials, it’s important to do both.
Weekly Sessions of Juggling, Dribbling, and Passing/Receiving Progressions (Technical)
A new session goes live in the app every Sunday at 5pm ET. These sessions include a Juggling, Dribbling, and Wall Work (passing and receiving) progression. The sections are ordered in the natural progression a player would usually do within a session -- Some stationary juggling work, more dynamic dribbling, then striking the ball. The weekly sessions are designed so that a player could go through the entire program at once, which takes about 45-90 minutes, or they can be broken up by sections. For example, if a player shows up early to training, maybe they can get in 10 minutes of juggling work. After a speed workout, maybe a player wants to do 15 minutes of dribbling to work on staying sharp while fatigued. The sessions have themes that repeat throughout the year, and add variety to players’ training to keep it fresh and fun.
Living Room (Technical)
Whether it’s a rainy day, players are traveling and in a hotel room, or it’s late at night and a player wants to get in some work without leaving the house, we want to make sure they are equipped with ideas of something to do. This enhances discipline and improves their playing. These sessions focus on ball control, balance, and coordination and can be done barefoot in a very small space. We find that having sessions available to do from home or on the go is a vital part of helping players to build accountability and consistency with their training. There’s never an excuse not to put in the work!
Shooting & Finishing (Technical)
Here’s where the Techne training gets more functional. From mastering the basic techniques of striking the ball on goal, to practicing certain specific scenarios, there are always several sessions available to sharpen shooting and finishing skills. These sessions are meant to be done after a thorough warmup and include everything from working on striking the ball from a full volley to close-range placement off the dribble. The sessions are new every other month and right now there are 5 sessions:
- Fundamental Techniques: Helps players to master the basics of striking a stationary ball, with all surfaces of both feet.
- Explosive Finishing: Players can train their goal-scoring abilities at top speed.
- Placed Finishing: This session focuses on close-range shots and specifically where players should aim to keep the ball away from the goalkeeper.
- Off the Dribble: Players can practice scoring goals while on the move with the ball.
- Turn & Finish: Focuses on situations where the player is facing away from the goal and must turn quickly back towards the goal before shooting the ball.
Mental Training
While players are in the car on the way to or from the field, on a team bus, or laying in bed before falling asleep at night, there’s valuable work that can be done on the mental side of the game. Techne offers audio lessons on various aspects of mindset and mentality, as well as to help players develop skills such as developing and reinforcing confidence, focusing on the moment, recovering from a mistake, and breathing to learn to calm nervousness. Our mental training is designed by sports psychology and performance consultant Stu Singer. We regularly talk to Pro Players like Andi Sullivan and Matt Turner about how they keep their head in the game. Be sure to follow us on social to catch these tips.
Physical Training
To support our players in staying healthy while becoming stronger, faster, and more effective on the field, we also offer a variety of training focused on the physical performance side of the game. This training is designed by elite performance coach Chris Gorres. These sessions are primarily bodyweight, soccer-specific exercises that players can do at home and/or pre/post training. The frequency and intensity of training will increase as players get older. For younger players (under 12), these sessions can be used to get familiar with the form of various exercises and improve coordination. Elite players will do some sort of physical training 2-4 times a week. Regardless of age, proper form on these exercises is crucial!
If you’re not sure what type of physical training is right for you right now, check out our blog on “Working Out” as a Soccer Player. And remember, there are 7 Types of Speed in Soccer, so getting faster isn’t just about running!
Recovery
Recovery is an important part of training, so Techne offers guidance for players who need a break from pushing their bodies. These soccer-specific recovery exercises allow players to maintain their training streak and actively improve mobility, flexibility, and promote blood flow for recovery to tired, sore muscles. As players get older and the intensity of their work increases, they’ll need to set aside more time for recovery. It’s also good for younger players to familiarize themselves with stretching and mobility exercises to stay healthy. Typically a recovery session would be done on a day that would otherwise be an off day. Rather than doing nothing, players can spend 10-15 minutes actively increasing blood flow to the muscles and improving range of motion. These sessions can be done right at home, even while watching tv. Check out our tips on soccer recovery.
Techne GK
It’s vital for goalkeepers to spend time with the ball at their feet, just like field players. But we also offer specialized, goalkeeper-specific sessions, designed by U.S. Women’s National team veteran and Olympic gold medalist, Nicole Barnhart. These sessions are one-of-a-kind creative ways for goalkeepers to refine various foot skills and technical skills on their own. They even include goalkeeper-specific cardio and physical training to supplement team training sessions and games in addition to uniquely helpful motivational tips from a champion.
Techne is committed to fulfilling our mission to provide individualized guidance with a comprehensive menu of soccer skills using the best and easiest technology and compiled by those who have excelled at the highest levels.
Ready to train? Use the code BLOG for 20% off your first purchase!
