PITTSBURGH (November 7, 2016) – Starting in November, the Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) is pleased to announce the formation of its first-ever in-house league programming.
The Professional Principles League (PPL) will serve as an extension of RDA training sessions for all players in the club’s first two phases of player development (Under-8/9 through Under-15). Teams are formed from player pools that bring two-to-three age groups together, providing participants with a unique experience geared toward various physical, mental, and emotional tests. The PPL play dates have been assigned in order to prepare players for events, while adding games without additional costs or extensive travel. The PPL platform is added to the RDA program at no additional cost to RDA families.
By name, the league is intended to instill principles of play that the Riverhounds have identified as being critical for all players, youth to pro. The league matches will operate within a framework designed to encourage free play, but also in an environment intended to build an understanding of purposeful possession. Results will not be recorded for any matches, so that players are able to fully concentrate on their play.
“Teaching principles of play while in competitive matches is extremely challenging for any coach,” said Academy and Youth Development Director Jason Kutney. “By adding this training league, we are investing in practical player education within our own playing philosophy.”
PPL games will be 40 minutes in total duration, broken into two 20-minute halves, running-clock format. Professional players from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will aid in coaching players in these matches. RDA coaches may be present during these games to observe play, but will be encouraged to limit interaction for the sake of free play standards.
While a full slate of principles will be applied in games, three main principles stand as the foundation for PPL league play:
- Build Out Line: Upon any save from a goalkeeper, or in the event of a goal kick, the opposing team must retreat behind the established Line of Confrontation, thereby encouraging the team in possession to play out from the back in a deliberate and relaxed manner.
- Throw-ins: When balls travel over the sidelines, throw-ins will be used to get the ball back into play. In the initial phase of the PPL League, players must throw the ball backwards, and the opposing team cannot press that ball until the intended recipient has successfully collected/controlled the ball. Emphasis will be placed on that player switching the point of attack or hitting penetrating passes.
- Fast Break: To discourage direct, over the top balls and resulting ‘fast breaks’, teams must complete at least one pass in the attacking half of the field prior to going to goal.
In the upcoming winter session, each RDA player will be involved with approximately three-to-four PPL play dates from mid-November through mid-February. Play dates can involve up to three 40-minute games in a single date. The games will take place on Sunday mornings at the Allegheny Health Network Sports Complex at Cool Springs, in 9v9 format. Each team will have approximately 1-2 substitutions to ensure maximum playing time experience for all participants.
The RDA Staff will utilize the balance of dates, in early November and throughout March, to support senior RDA teams with full-field friendlies in anticipation of showcase events.
