SC Wave
Player Training Hub
MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT
U.S. Soccer's elite player development framework — what scouts identify, what every position demands, and what SC Wave expects from each role on the field.
Talent is developed in the right environment — culture, coaching, and context all matter.
Talent ID starts with clubs, who need quality, diverse, and expansive scouting networks.
Identification must happen in the context of the game — accounting for conditions, level, and demands.
Players develop at different rates — performance trajectories are non-linear. Don't peak too early.
Talent ID is a long-term process influenced by environment, age, and maturation — not just current performance.
Key qualities must connect to the club's identity: core values, style of play, and culture.
Scouts use a common structure and language for examining players across the entire system.
Gender-neutral framework with gender-specific scouting strategy, built on community relationships.
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Attacking | Support for back pass; play forward or wide to begin build-up; push up with the team; disorganize opponent with variety and confidence in distribution |
| 🛡 Defending | Command the box; secure hands when catching; aggression and confidence in 1v1; read opponent's body shape; organize teammates; cover long balls behind defensive line |
| ↗ Trans D→A | Pass forward (long) quickly to exploit and create 1v1; keep the ball when cannot play forward; push the defensive line up |
| ↙ Trans A→D | Stay connected to the back line; organize teammates — balanced and compact; position behind defensive line to take preventative action |
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Attacking | Spread out and provide passing option for GK; make accurate forward/diagonal passes between or behind opposition lines; move forward to create 2v1; push defensive line and organize teammates |
| 🛡 Defending | Deny opposition in 1v1 (air & ground); first to the ball on crosses; lead & organize defensive line; intercept long & through passes; coordinate movements with partner center back |
| ↗ Trans D→A | Move quickly into space; pass or dribble forward; coach defensive line to push up as a unit |
| ↙ Trans A→D | If closest to situation, pressure ball immediately; quick decision to pressure, delay, or drop; take preventive defensive action |
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Attacking | Position wide and high to receive and create space; overlapping and underlapping runs to create 1v1 or 2v1; play early cross when space is behind defensive line |
| 🛡 Defending | Pressure ball to regain or delay attack; deny penetration and prevent crosses in 1v1; move centrally for cover when ball is on opposite side |
| ↗ Trans D→A | Quick support in space (forward and wide); move up with defensive line as a unit; dribble or pass forward quickly to exploit disorganized opponent |
| ↙ Trans A→D | If closest, pressure ball immediately; if farthest, drop back to re-position with defensive line; decide based on situation |
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Attacking | Position centrally between lines to receive and play forward; diagonal passes to unbalance opponent; align movements with other midfielders; dribble forward when space is open; support attack with forward runs |
| 🛡 Defending | Defend central space in front of center backs; pressure ball and help teammates outnumber opponent; organize teammates to stay compact; deny penetration in 1v1 |
| ↗ Trans D→A | Support wide and forward; diagonal passes or dribble to create 2v1; manage game pace when cannot play forward |
| ↙ Trans A→D | Pressure ball immediately if closest; quick decision to pressure, delay, or drop; position for preventive defensive action |
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Attacking | Position between lines; align movements and triangulate with other midfielders; dribble forward when space is open; support attack with runs behind defensive line; position in the box near goal |
| 🛡 Defending | Prevent opponent from dribbling or passing forward; recover to defensive third when needed; coach teammates to press in identified moments |
| ↗ Trans D→A | Move into space quickly; diagonal passes or dribble to create 2v1; manage game pace; position to exploit opponent and create chances |
| ↙ Trans A→D | Pressure ball immediately if closest; quick decision to pressure, delay, or drop back |
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Attacking | Occupy half space; receive between lines and play forward; penetrate through dribble or pass; create overloads; dynamic runs into the box; shoot from outside the box |
| 🛡 Defending | Organize teammates to press; decide to pressure ball, stay zonal, or track opposition holding midfielder; prevent forward passing or dribbling |
| ↗ Trans D→A | Position and support quickly in space to exploit opponent and create chances |
| ↙ Trans A→D | Pressure ball immediately if closest; quick decision to pressure, delay, or drop back |
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Attacking | Position high and wide to spread opposition; vary movements between/behind defensive lines; take on defenders 1v1 — outside to cross, inside to score; move into goal-scoring positions in the box or at back post |
| 🛡 Defending | Recover and track into defensive third to assist fullback; move centrally for cover when ball is opposite; press in identified moments; prevent opponent dribbling or passing forward in 1v1 |
| ↗ Trans D→A | Move quickly into space; position and support to exploit opponent and create chances |
| ↙ Trans A→D | Pressure ball immediately if closest; quick decision to pressure, delay, or drop — follow direction from teammates behind |
| Phase | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Attacking | Position high and centrally as a target to occupy opposition CBs; receive, hold, protect, and lay off the ball; make varied forward runs behind defensive line; unmark with well-timed runs in the box to finish or create for teammates |
| 🛡 Defending | Force opponent to one side; prevent switching the field; pressure ball and help outnumber opponent; press in identified situations; track opposition center back when needed |
| ↗ Trans D→A | Move quickly onside and into space high up the field; hold and protect ball while teammates join the attack |
| ↙ Trans A→D | Position for clearances; prevent opponent from sustaining attack; pressure ball immediately if closest |