In modern soccer, the key to unlocking a player’s full potential is a tailored approach: the Individual Development Plan (IDP). Unlike generic training, an IDP zeroes in on a player’s unique strengths and weaknesses, using data to chart a personalized path for improvement. This not only accelerates technical development, it also boosts a player’s confidence and independence, all while easing the burden on head coaches. As someone who has dedicated my career to individual player development, I’ll break down why data-driven IDPs matter, the challenges and successes I’ve experienced implementing them, and how they build both better players and stronger mindsets.
Why IDPs Matter
An Individual Development Plan is a personalized roadmap for a player’s growth. It identifies exactly what they need to work on and how. Here’s why that matters in today’s game:
• Enhanced Technical Development: An IDP is “an important tool in helping a player improve and appreciate their own progress” . By pinpointing specific technical gaps (be it weaker foot passing, first touch, finishing, etc.) and addressing them through targeted drills, players see faster skill gains than they would from one-size-fits-all team practice. In fact, a recent study of youth players found that those who followed an IDP improved their skills markedly more (+36% performance increase) than those who didn’t (+24%), and improvement shot up to +53% when coaches provided regular feedback on the IDP . The message is clear: focused practice yields results.
• Boosted Confidence and a Winning Mentality: There’s a psychological edge to having an IDP. Players know they are systematically turning weaknesses into strengths, which builds immense self-belief. Instead of avoiding their flaws, they confront and conquer them with a plan, and that confidence shows on the field. When an athlete sees measurable progress, say, their weak foot shooting accuracy climbing month by month, it reinforces that their hard work is paying off. They step into games knowing they’ve put in the work to succeed. As the saying goes, “with confidence, you’ve won before you’ve started” . Over time, this creates a winning mentality; players approach each match with the swagger of someone who knows they’ve improved, rather than hoping they have.
• Lighter Workload for Coaches: An IDP encourages players to take ownership of their development. “We’ve got to understand that every player is different and make sure we differentiate our approach” in coaching, notes former pro coach Arthur Brammer, “there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.” By placing each player at the center of their own development, IDPs turn athletes into active participants in their growth . This means a head coach doesn’t need to micromanage every individual’s improvement; the framework is already in place. Players can work on their personalized assignments before or after team practice (often with a development coach or using an app), freeing the head coach to focus on tactics and team performance. Essentially, IDPs create self-sufficient athletes. Coaches become facilitators rather than taskmasters, they guide the IDP process and monitor progress, but they aren’t solely responsible for dragging each player along. This collaborative approach not only benefits the player, but also reduces the strain on coaching staff.
In summary, IDPs make training player-centric, data-driven, and purposeful. They ensure no player’s growth is neglected. But implementing such individualized programs in a team environment can be challenging, something I learned firsthand.
The Challenges of Implementing IDPs (Lessons from Houston Dash 2017)
Even with all their benefits, introducing IDPs into a team culture isn’t always easy. Back in 2017, during my time with the NWSL’s Houston Dash, I attempted to roll out a data-driven IDP program for the squad. The experience was an eye-opener on the importance of organizational buy-in.
The leadership at the time didn’t fully grasp the value of data-driven IDPs, and as a result, executing the plan was an uphill battle. I found myself swimming against the tide trying to convince traditional-minded staff why individualized, metric-based development mattered. We had players eager to improve and plenty of data to inform their plans, but without top-down support, the IDPs never became a priority.
For instance, I would prepare detailed development reports for players, highlighting how improving a certain skill could impact our results, but resources and attention remained fixed on the next game or general team training. Understandably, head coaches are under pressure to get immediate results, and in 2017 many saw extra individualized work as a luxury, not a necessity. My IDP proposals were often met with questions like “Do we really have time for this?” or lukewarm compliance rather than enthusiasm. Consequently, the program stalled before it could truly take off.
The lesson from Houston was clear: without full buy-in and understanding from leadership, even the best development plan will fall flat. Implementing IDPs requires a cultural shift and commitment at all levels, front office, coaches, and players alike. In 2017, the idea of a personalized, data-informed training regimen was still a bit ahead of its time for that club. While we did manage to help a few players individually, the lack of organizational support meant we couldn’t integrate IDPs into the Dash’s routine effectively. It was a frustrating experience, but it taught me that education and leadership alignment are step one. You have to sell the “why” of IDPs before you can successfully implement the “how.”
Fast forward a few years, and the mindset around IDPs in pro soccer has started to shift. Coaches and executives are seeing the results such plans can produce, especially when they’re embraced from the top down. I witnessed the power of that alignment in my next major opportunity.
Success with IDPs: Tigres Femenil 2023
In 2023, I had the chance to work with Tigres Femenil, one of the most successful clubs in Mexican women’s soccer, under head coach Carmelina Moscato. The difference in environment was night and day. Carmelina is a progressive, forward-thinking coach who not only understood the value of IDPs, she championed it from day one. The result? A hugely successful implementation and fantastic results on the field.
To set the stage, Carmelina Moscato had already proven her pedigree by leading Tigres to a league championship in her first season in charge . She inherited a talented team, but she also knew that continual individual improvement would keep the club ahead of the pack. From the moment I arrived, Carmelina was asking the right questions: What does each player need to get better? How can we use our performance data to tailor training? This kind of buy-in at the head coach level was a dream come true for an individual development specialist like me.
Together, we implemented comprehensive IDPs for Tigres Femenil’s players. Every player had a personalized plan, built from both our scouting data and the player’s own self-assessment. Crucially, the coaching staff supported these plans at every step, integrating individual objectives into practice sessions and setting aside time for players to work on their specific drills. We tracked progress diligently, using stats from matches to update each player’s plan weekly. Rather than viewing IDPs as extra work, Tigres embraced them as part of the club’s competitive advantage.
The impact was evident on the field. Players were sharper and more confident in their roles because they had been refining the exact skills they needed in order to excel. For example, a winger who needed better delivery in the final third had spent weeks on a crossing and decision-making module in her IDP, and suddenly our attack down the flank opened up new dimensions. A midfielder who previously struggled with weaker-foot distribution was now pinging accurate left-foot passes under pressure, thanks to targeted training. Game by game, you could see the improvement. By the end of the season, Tigres remained a dominant force, not just relying on raw talent, but on improved talent. We continued the club’s tradition of success and raised the bar. The players themselves were thrilled; many told me how the process made them feel “heard” and motivated, since the club was investing in their individual growth.
This success confirmed what I knew: when a club’s leadership and coaches fully embrace IDPs, the results can be spectacular. It’s not a threat to the team ethos, in fact, it makes the team stronger, because every individual is better. Carmelina’s Tigres demonstrated that data-driven individual development, backed by a coach who believes in it, leads to more confident players and sustained excellence.
From these two experiences, one challenging, one hugely positive, it’s clear that IDPs work best in a culture that values innovation and personal growth. Fortunately, more and more clubs are trending in this direction. And that’s where my expertise comes into play.
My Authority in Individual Player Development
I’ve spent the past decade-plus focused exclusively on individual skill acquisition and player development, working with athletes from youth beginners to World Cup champions. This has been my passion and profession, and it’s why I’m often called the leading expert in individual player development. Let me briefly highlight why clubs trust me in this area.
I founded Beast Mode Soccer in 2010 as a training system devoted to guiding players’ technical development . Since then, I have personally trained hundreds of players, including over 100 professionals and 26 World Cup winners . My clientele has ranged from kids in AYSO to global superstars. In the same day, I might work with an 8-year-old grassroots player in the morning and a U.S. Women’s National Team star in the afternoon, a testament to the scalable nature of quality individual development. Along the way I’ve been fortunate to help create a training culture that attracted top talents like Alex Morgan, Landon Donovan, and Ali Riley to seek out individualized training .
I’m not sharing these names to boast, but to underline that the very best in the game have seen value in this approach. It’s also why I’ve been internationally recognized as a leading figure in individual technical development . In fact, one coaching publication flat-out stated: David has cemented himself as the authority when it comes to individual player development programs . This reputation comes from years of delivering results, taking players from where they are to where they dream of being, through meticulous, personalized training.
Importantly, I don’t just do the work on the field; I also educate others. In 2021, I was invited to present at the United Soccer Coaches Convention, the world’s largest soccer coaching conference. I spoke to thousands of coaches about “The Simple Individual Development Plan,” providing a clear, elite IDP wireframe that coaches at any level can use . Sharing my methods on such a stage was an honor, and it reflects how far the concept of IDPs has come. Ten years ago, “IDP” was an uncommon term in soccer circles. Now, after years of advocacy and proven success stories, it’s becoming a staple of player development discussions. My goal has always been to raise the standard of individual training globally, not just train players myself. By educating coaches en masse, from MLS academy directors to high school volunteers, I’m ensuring that the IDP philosophy spreads and benefits more players.
All of this is to say: when it comes to individual development, this is my domain. It’s what I’ve devoted my life to, and I firmly believe in the power of data-driven IDPs to revolutionize how we develop footballers. To really illustrate that power, let’s examine a real example of an IDP in action.
Deep Dive: Inside a Real IDP (Riley Parker’s Example)
To understand how detailed and impactful a data-driven IDP can be, let’s take a look at an actual plan I created for one of my players. Riley Mattingly Parker, a talented young forward, is a great case study. Riley came out of college as a prolific goal-scorer but faced setbacks early in her pro career, including being let go by a club. When she arrived at her new team (Carolina), she was hungry to prove herself. We crafted a comprehensive IDP for her 2025 season that left nothing to guesswork.
Riley’s plan started with an honest assessment of her game using data from Wyscout (a performance analysis platform) and her own feedback. Her passing statistics jumped out: she had an 87.1% passing accuracy, which is elite for a forward . That told us Riley was very tidy in possession, a strength we could build on. However, the data also showed she wasn’t creating enough chances for others: her progressive passes and shot assists were quite low (only 1.15 progressive passes and 0.38 shot assists per 90 minutes) . In other words, she played it safe and rarely played the killer ball. Similarly, we looked at her shooting. Riley’s shot accuracy was 44.4%, indicating she often hit the target when she shot . Her expected goals per shot (0.21) also suggested she was getting into decent positions . The big problem? She simply wasn’t shooting enough! At 1.73 shots per 90, her shot volume was too low for a striker, top forwards average 3+ shots each game . Through nine matches she had 0 goals, despite a total xG of 1.85, which told me she should have scored at least a couple by then . The data painted a clear picture: Riley needed to be more selfish and aggressive in the box.
Based on this analysis, we set very specific targets for Riley’s development. Her IDP wasn’t some vague “get better at finishing” memo, it was a granular action plan. Some key focus areas from Riley Parker’s IDP included:
• Shoot More (Increase Shot Volume): We needed Riley to shed any hesitation and adopt a “shoot first” mentality. The goal was to double her shot attempts to around 3-4 per game. We literally set a benchmark number: at least 3 shots per 90. In training, this meant emphasizing finishing drills constantly. I cited a striking stat to her: 54.6% of elite-level goals are one-touch finishes , highlighting that top strikers don’t overthink, they pull the trigger instinctively. So we worked on one-time finishing relentlessly. We did exercises where she had to get a shot off in one touch from various service (cutbacks, lay-offs, crosses) to build that habit of quick release. By tracking her shots each match, we could measure progress. The message was clear: stop over-selecting and let it fly.
• Diversify Finishing & Use Both Feet (Finishing Variety): The data showed Riley was heavily right-footed and hadn’t scored with either foot yet. Also, she’d only attempted 2 headers in those games . So her IDP set out to make her a more unpredictable, two-footed threat. We focused on increasing her right-footed shot volume (since that’s her strong foot, use it more often) and improving the power and disguise of her left-footed shots (so she can actually surprise keepers when chances fall to her weaker side) . We also emphasized attacking aerial balls, getting her to be more aggressive with headers in the box . Training drills included left-foot shooting technique, weaker-foot volleys, and finishing crosses with headers. We even identified a “mirror” player for inspiration, in her case, someone like Erling Haaland, who scores with both feet and head. The goal was to ensure Riley could finish any type of chance, from any service. We would monitor her goals breakdown (right foot vs left vs head) as the season went to see improvement.
• Better Shot Placement & Variety: While Riley was hitting the target often, too many of her shots were easy saves for keepers. We discovered she was frequently shooting centrally. Her plan called for making herself less predictable to goalkeepers. This meant learning to place shots into the corners with different techniques, low far-post drives, curling shots to the opposite top corner, quick toe-pokes or flicks to the near post, anything to wrong-foot the keeper . We practiced specific finishing scenarios: e.g. drills where she’d have to finish into small target areas of the goal, and others for chip shots or bends. By adding these tools, a keeper never knows where she’ll shoot next. We aimed to see her conversion rate rise as a result. In matches, we’d tally how many times she shot to the corners or caught the keeper off-guard.
• Quicker Execution in the Box: The data showed Riley was sometimes taking an extra touch in the box, which got her shots blocked (we noted a couple blocked shots in her shot map) . For a striker, hesitation is deadly, you give defenders that split second to recover. So a priority was faster shot releases under pressure. The IDP focus here was on one-touch or two-touch max when a shooting chance is on. We did high-pressure finishing drills: e.g. receiving a pass in the box with a defender closing down, and she must get a shot off immediately. We trained her to instinctively shoot off the first good touch. This was about mindset too, teaching her that an imperfect shot taken quickly is better than a perfect shot taken too late. We tracked this by reviewing game film: how often did she shoot without extra touches? The aim was to see those block numbers go down and goals go up .
• Playmaking & Involvement: While finishing was a big focus, we didn’t ignore her role in buildup play. Remember, her progressive pass and assist numbers were low. The IDP included a section on being more assertive in link-up play, essentially, demand the ball more and take more risks in the final third. We set goals like increasing her shot assists (key passes leading to shots) by attempting more through-balls and aggressive passes. For training, that meant drills on vision and creativity: practicing slipping passes behind the defense, early crosses, and combination plays at the top of the box. We wanted her to transform from a forward who just finishes to one who also creates. This not only would make her a more complete forward, but also keep her engaged if she wasn’t scoring, she could still impact games by setting up teammates. We planned to measure this by tracking her key passes each game and her touches in deeper areas connecting with midfield .
These were just a few highlights; Riley’s IDP document spanned multiple pages and included specific targets and metrics for each area. For example, we explicitly set a goal for her to score 7+ goals in the second half of the season, a concrete number to aim for . Every focus area in the plan had a “how to measure” component. If the target was “improve weaker foot finishing,” the metric might be “score at least 2 goals with left foot” or “hit X% of left-foot shots on frame” by season’s end. We used video analysis and stats tracking to monitor progress. Essentially, the IDP served as a detailed, data-backed blueprint for turning Riley into the best version of herself.
The level of detail in Riley Parker’s IDP illustrates how much thought goes into an individual plan. Nothing was left vague. By following this plan, Riley not only improved technically, she also felt a renewed sense of purpose. She knew every day exactly what she was going to work on and why. Over the course of the season, her shot volume increased, her chance conversion began to climb, and she started hitting those benchmarks. Just as importantly, she rediscovered her confidence and then some, which brings us to an often overlooked aspect of IDPs: the psychological benefit.
Psychological Benefits of IDPs: Confidence and a Winning Mindset
Beyond the stats and training drills, one of the greatest advantages of a data-driven IDP is the mental boost it gives a player. Soccer is as much mental as it is physical. Knowing you are systematically improving your weaknesses does wonders for your confidence. I’ve seen it time and again: a player who might have been insecure about a flaw in their game transforms that weakness into a strength through an IDP, and suddenly their entire demeanor changes. They carry themselves like a winner.
In Riley’s case, part of her IDP was literally about mentality. We set goals for her mindset such as “play with a chip on your shoulder”, essentially, use the doubters as fuel . The plan reminded her that every training and every game was a chance to make a statement, to prove those who cut her (and any remaining skeptics) wrong. This kind of intrinsic motivation, baked into the IDP, kept her psychologically engaged. Instead of dwelling on being released by her old team, she funneled that into determination. Every box ticked off in her development plan, more shots this week, extra finishing reps completed, was a psychological win that built her back up.
Confidence comes from preparation. When players follow an IDP, they put in focused work and can tangibly see their growth. Maybe their sprint speed improved in testing, or their weaker foot feels natural now, or they’ve hit that 7-goal target that was set. Each of those is concrete evidence of improvement, and that breeds self-belief. A structured IDP also breaks the improvement process into achievable steps, which helps a player avoid feeling overwhelmed. Instead of “I need to get way better,” it becomes “I need to improve this specific skill by this amount, and I have a plan to do it.” It turns big goals into manageable wins. That sense of progress is motivating and reassuring.
From a psychological perspective, IDPs instill a growth mindset. The player isn’t fixed as “bad at x” anymore; they are “improving x.” They learn to embrace challenges (even enjoy them) because the IDP shows challenges as just another thing to train and conquer. This mentality often carries over into games: a player who knows they’ve been putting in work on, say, 1v1 defending will step into a match situation eager to test it out rather than fearing failing. Their inner voice shifts from “Don’t mess up” to “I got this, I’ve been training for this”. That is a powerful shift.
Moreover, when an entire team embraces IDPs, it creates a culture of constant improvement and accountability. Each player is striving to hit their personal benchmarks, and as they do, the collective confidence of the squad rises. You end up with a locker room full of players who feel empowered and in control of their destinies. They know the work they’ve done individually, and it bonds them with the team’s success because they can directly see how improving themselves contributes to winning games. It’s no coincidence that many championship teams are lauded for having a strong mentality. That mentality is often the product of individuals who are confident and prepared.
In summary, the psychological benefit of an IDP is perhaps its most profound effect. The tangible proof of progress flips a switch in a player’s mind. They develop a resilience and hunger, a belief that growth is always possible and that they will find a way to impact the game. As one collection of coaching wisdom aptly put it: “In soccer, confidence is your greatest ally… Play with the confidence of a champion, regardless of the score.” . IDPs give players the tools to build that ally day by day. By the time match day comes, they’ve won half the battle in their head, and that often makes the difference on the scoreboard.
Call to Action: Elevate Your Team with IDPs
Having seen the game from youth fields to World Cup finals, I am convinced that data-driven Individual Development Plans are a game-changer for any club or program. The question isn’t if you should implement IDPs, it’s how soon. My challenge to the soccer community is simple: make individual development a priority. If you’re a professional club or a national team program looking to gain an edge, start by truly investing in your players’ personal growth.
I invite club technical directors, head coaches, and performance staff to reach out and discuss what an IDP framework could look like for your team. Every environment is different; the beauty of IDPs is that they are completely customizable to your context. Whether you want to roll out a club-wide development initiative, or work intensively with a few key players to maximize their potential, I’m here to help make it happen. This isn’t theory, it’s a proven process that I’ve refined at every level of the game.
If you’re ready to implement IDPs in a serious, data-driven way, or even to bring someone in to work one-on-one with your first team players on specific skill acquisition, let’s talk. The sooner we start, the sooner your athletes will be breaking new ground in their games. As I’ve outlined, the returns are multi-faceted: better technique, smarter players, increased confidence, and ultimately more wins for the team.
In a sport where the margins between winning and losing are razor thin, those marginal gains from individual development can tilt the field in your favor. By empowering players with a clear development plan, you’re not just coaching, you’re transforming careers. I’m passionate about helping organizations do that. So consider this a call to action: be proactive, be progressive, and invest in IDPs. Reach out, and together we can take your players, and your club, to the next level.
Your team’s next breakthrough may not come from a big signing or a new formation, but from unlocking the full potential of the players you already have. Data-driven Individual Development Plans are the key to that lock. Let’s use them to build not just better players, but more confident, mentally resilient winners. It’s time to evolve the game, one player at a time.
David Copeland-Smith, Founder of Beast Mode Soccer, Individual Development Specialist. (Feel free to contact me to discuss implementing IDPs or for consultation on elevating your players’ performance, one training session at a time.)