TIPS Methodology
Elite training principles from the world's top academies, adapted for each developmental stage
Technique
First Touch, Pass, Skills, Footwork
Game Intelligence
Insight, Vision, Fast Decision Making
Personality
Mentality, Responsibility, Character
Speed
Athleticism, Game Speed, Technical Speed
Technical Development (Ages 8-9)
Mastering the Fundamentals
Modeled after Manchester City's academy approach focusing on ball mastery, quick decision-making, and positional awareness.
Technique
Advanced Ball Control & Passing
- 1v1 moves: step-overs, scissors, Cruyff turn
- Passing: accuracy over 10-20 yards
- First touch in all directions
- Shooting technique: laces, inside foot
- Weak foot development (30% training time)
- Introduction to juggling for touch
Game Intelligence
Tactical Awareness Foundations
- Creating and finding space
- Support play: angles and distances
- Transition understanding (attack to defense)
- Scanning before receiving
- Basic 1-2 combinations
- Numerical advantages in small spaces
Personality
Mental Resilience & Leadership
- Dealing with mistakes positively
- Communication on the field
- Supporting struggling teammates
- Setting personal goals
- Concentration and focus training
- Understanding effort vs outcome
Speed
Technical Speed & Agility
- Speed of play with the ball
- Explosive movements (jumping, sprinting)
- SAQ drills: speed, agility, quickness
- Reaction training
- Ball-oriented conditioning
- Coordination and rhythm exercises
Session Structure
75 minute sessions, 7v7 game format, position-specific training introduction
Training Philosophy
Based on La Masia principles: technique under pressure, positional play concepts, and playing out from the back in all situations.
Player Report Card System
Performance is Earned, Not Given
Every player from U8–U15 receives a detailed monthly Player Report Card, designed to measure growth and hold each player accountable to our T.I.P.S. standards — Technique, Insight, Personality, and Speed.
T.I.P.S. Evaluation Comes First
Before anything else, every player is assessed through the T.I.P.S. Model — each area scored out of 10.
Exceptional Performance Rewards
- Earn a call-up to the Spain Elite Team
- Compete for Player of the Season
- Be selected to train with older age groups
Accountability Standards
- Players not meeting standards may be reassigned to B Team
- Reassignment until improvement is demonstrated
- Personal development goal set every month
Monthly Report Card Breakdown
Commitment
Attendance, consistency, and punctuality
Attitude
Discipline, respect, and response to coaching
Technical & IQ Development
Ball mastery, tactical understanding, decision-making
Work Ethic
Intensity, effort, and focus in training and matches
T.I.P.S. Breakdown
Individual scores in Technique, Insight, Personality, Speed
Personal Goal
Monthly development target set by player
The CYD Standard
The Player Report Card makes development transparent, structured, and measurable.
High standards. Real accountability. Elite results.