The NJ ODP curriculum is a carefully crafted program designed to deliver comprehensive training that emphasizes the key technical and tactical aspects of soccer. This progressive curriculum ensures players further enhance their essential skills while advancing their understanding of complex tactical concepts, enabling them to excel in both individual and team play. With a structured approach that builds from one session to the next, the curriculum fosters growth, adaptability, and game intelligence. As a cornerstone of NJ ODP’s success, this program has consistently given NJODP players the opportunity to improve and showcase their technical skills and tactical intelligence. 

Session 1: Possession and Set Plays

1. Warm-Up:
   • Dynamic stretching and FIFA warm-up.
2. 4v2 Rondos: 
   • Focus on maintaining possession under pressure with quick passing and decision-making.
   • Rotate defenders to create continuous challenges for attackers.
3. 6v6 + 6 Possession: 
   • Utilize neutral players to support possession and create quick ball movement.
   • Emphasize transitioning from defense to attack.
4. Set Plays: 
   • Practice corner kicks and free kicks.
   • Focus on organization, communication, and execution in both attacking and defensive roles.
5. Game Play (11v11/9v9): 
   • Integrate possession and set-play principles into open play.

Session 2: Passing and Possession

1. Passing Square: 
   • Develop body positioning and passing accuracy.
   • Rotate directions to improve control with both feet.
2. Crossover Game: 
   • Teams aim for 10 uninterrupted passes to earn points.
   • Emphasize decision-making under pressure and effective pressing.
3. Set Plays: 
   • Create goal-scoring opportunities during set-piece situations.
   • Encourage timing, movement, and communication for success.

Session 3: Defensive Principles

1. 3v3 Defending: 
   • Focus on pressure, cover, and flat defensive concepts.
   • Quick transitions from defense to attack.
2. Defending in Own Half: 
   • Organized 11v10 setup.
   • Emphasize compact defensive shape and quick transitions.
3. Defending in Opponent's Half: 
   • Improve defensive structure in a high press.
   • Focus on pressing the ball and regaining possession quickly.

Session 4: Attacking Play

1. Passing W: 
   • Enhance one-touch passing accuracy and synchronization.
   • Develop timing and movement for effective ball distribution.
2. Building Out of the Back: 
   • Work on initiating attacks from defensive positions.
   • Emphasize spacing, forward movement, and varying attack points.
3. Attacking in Opponent's Half: 
   • Create scoring opportunities by exploiting defensive gaps.
   • Use width and diagonal runs to stretch defenses.

Session 5: Attacking Transitions

1. Passing Funnel: 
   • Focus on open-body positioning and quick passing.
   • Maintain ball control and flow within the drill.
2. Attacking Transition Game: 
   • Emphasize rapid transitions from defense to attack.
   • Highlight quick decision-making and exploiting defensive disorganization.

Session 6: Defensive Transitions

1. 2v2 Attacking: 
   • Develop understanding of pressure and cover in small-sided games.
   • Transition quickly from defending to attacking.
2. Attacking Transition (9v9): 
   • Reinforce tactical principles for swift attacking and defending transitions.
   • Focus on pressing and disrupting opponent play.

Session 7: Open Play and Set Play Integration

1. 5v5 (2-1-2 Formation): 
   • Develop individual creativity and teamwork in small-sided games.
   • Emphasize one-touch play and cohesive movement.
2. 7v7 (1-3-3-1 Formation): 
   • Focus on group play, defensive shape, and fluid movement.
   • Encourage coordination between lines.
3. 11v11 Open Play: 
   • Incorporate set pieces into match scenarios.
   • Emphasize tactical awareness, team cohesion, and execution.

The New Jersey ODP Playing Philosophy

The New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJ ODP) Playing Philosophy is built on a team-first mentality, prioritizing collaboration, support, and unity both on and off the field. Anchored in the 1-4-3-3 formation, the philosophy develops players to perform specific roles within this system while encouraging adaptability to other positions. This versatility not only deepens players' understanding of the game but also ensures they become well-rounded and valuable assets to their teams.

Attacking Principles

In attack, the NJ ODP philosophy emphasizes quick ball movement, precision passing, and individual creativity, especially in the final third of the field. Players are trained to move the ball efficiently and decisively while using their unique skills to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities. The focus on decision-making and dynamic play nurtures creative attackers capable of adapting to high-pressure scenarios.

Defensive Principles

Defensively, the philosophy emphasizes compactness and denying space to the opposition. Players are trained to work cohesively as a unit, closing down passing lanes and limiting opportunities for opponents to penetrate the defense. These principles foster strong defensive habits, tactical discipline, and a deeper understanding of the game’s defensive demands, ensuring team success in all phases of play.

The 11v11 Formation

The 11v11 formation is the ultimate developmental stage within NJ ODP's playing philosophy, designed to mirror the full game experience and prepare players for higher levels of competition. This formation introduces players to the complexities of full-field play, tactical organization, and advanced positional responsibilities.

Key Elements of the 11v11 Formation:

• Structure: Typically consists of a goalkeeper, four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards (1-4-4-2), or variations such as 1-4-3-3 or 1-4-2-3-1, depending on the tactical approach.
• Balance: Promotes a well-structured team dynamic, ensuring stability in defense, control in midfield, and effectiveness in attack.
• Development: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the game by encouraging players to master their roles within a fully functional team unit.
• Game Realism: Allows players to experience match scenarios that replicate real-world competition, improving decision-making and tactical awareness.

Benefits of the 11v11 Formation:

• Tactical Awareness: Enhances players’ ability to understand shape, spacing, and movement within a full-field setup.
• Positional Understanding: Helps players refine their specific roles and responsibilities, contributing to team success.
• Team Cohesion: Encourages communication, collaboration, and understanding between players across all positions.
• Strategic Flexibility: Provides opportunities to learn different tactical systems and game strategies to adapt to various opponents.
• Game Management: Teaches players how to control the pace of the game, transition effectively, and respond to tactical challenges in different phases of play.

The 11v11 format represents the pinnacle of youth player development, offering a platform for players to showcase their abilities and prepare for collegiate, regional, and national-level opportunities. Through this formation, NJ ODP aims to develop well-rounded, tactically intelligent players ready to excel in the modern game.

The 9v9 Formation

The 9v9 formation, a key developmental stage within NJ ODP's playing philosophy, is designed to provide players with a structured yet flexible framework that mirrors the principles of the full-sided game. This formation helps players transition smoothly to the 11v11 format while emphasizing critical aspects of team play.

Key Elements of the 9v9 Formation:

• Structure: Typically consists of a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and two forwards, ensuring a well-balanced approach across all areas of the field.
• Balance: Maintains defensive organization, midfield support, and attacking options, fostering a cohesive style of play.
• Development: Provides opportunities for players to develop positional awareness, tactical understanding, and technical execution in a more compact environment.
• Decision-Making: Encourages players to make quicker decisions under pressure while reinforcing fundamental tactical principles.

Benefits of the 9v9 Formation:

• Transitional Learning: Bridges the gap between small-sided and full-sided games, preparing players for the demands of the 11v11 format.
• Tactical Understanding: Enhances players’ ability to read the game, recognize patterns, and make effective decisions in real-time.
• Versatility: Allows players to experience different positions, fostering adaptability and a deeper understanding of team dynamics.
• Positional Play: Encourages strong teamwork, communication, and positioning to support both defensive solidity and attacking creativity.

The 9v9 format serves as an essential stepping stone in the player development pathway, ensuring a seamless progression toward higher levels of competition and reinforcing the core principles of NJ ODP's philosophy.