HPSA Cross Training is designed to provide players/teams with an additional night of training within an environment that will increase specific skill sets over the course of a 90 minute session. It is also an evening when a large group of players come together to create a true Academy environment.

Players will be exposed to specific skill set each training session. In addition, players will get to the experience the positive benefit of being training by different coaches. The aim is to give players different experiences and to get them used to different coaching techniques. Every coach and trainer has a different eye, and a bit of a differing approach – exposing players to multiple coaches and training methods stretches the players and keeps their energy level high.

The goal is to encourage players to train with and against older and younger players. Training with older, higher level players challenges players to perform to a higher standard. Training with younger and less skilled players helps to develop leadership skills for our players.

The ultimate goal is for the Academy as a whole to develop all players regardless of age and ability. Players themselves can help to develop each other with the guidance of the coaching staff. Players will be allowed to concentrate on specific skill sets in each training sessions and will receive follow up guidance (via e-mail) for continuing to work on these skills.

HPSA Cross Training will be held on Wednesday evenings during the fall and spring season at Nike Park and Buzz Aldrin Fields in Great Falls and Reston, Virginia.

The cost of the training is $175 for U8-U19 Players for eight 1.5 hour training sessions. An example of an 8 week program is as follows:

• Week 1 – SKILL SET: First Touch/Receiving/Turning
• Week 2 – SKILL SET: Passing/keeping possession (small group)
• Week 3 – SKILL SET: Defending 1v1, 2v2, group defending, pressure, cover, balance
• Week 4 – SKILL SET: Individual Player Moves – CREATIVE DAY. Scissors move, Cruyff turn, body fakes, Maradona moves, Ronaldo moves, rainbow, create your own fakes/turns/ways to beat a player.
• Week 5: SKILL SET: Finishing/Scoring Goals
• Week 6: SKILL SET: Speed/Agility Training
• Week 7: SKILL SET: Attacking Play (overlaps, penetrating pass, take overs, crossing/finishing, 1v1s, 2v2s)
• Week 8: SKILL SET: Small Sided Game Competition (including coaches – Round Robin Format)