Excellent post / topic.
I won't come back on the reasons that make the training of a young player worthwhile ; of course this is an unique opportunity to create a player with a very special skill-set, ou get a top-player for a very reasonable fee.
The process of training may also generate a lot of cash, if that's what you're after.
It is also a great asset to the national teams, provided you train belgian talents.
What is the lowest potential players my players should have to make it to the national teams ?
Provided of course, that these are belgian players.
- U21 : allstar (6) but it is common to call in star (5) players. I wouldn't recommend on focus training on lower potential players, as they are in great risk of hitting their potential cap before they turn 22.
- NT : MVP (9) is the minimum potential your player should have. Perhaps that 8 could be enough in the case of a SF, but for PG, SG, PF and C, MVP is mandatory.
OK, I'm giving it a try, how should I start ?
You need at least a level 4 coach. Without that, you player will be training too slowly - you may of course end up with a nice player, but he'll never be part of the NTs, and the additionnal training time may be painful. Save yourself the pain, get a level 4 coach :)
Second, you should have a very precise idea of what you would like your player to look like when you're done with him. Do I want both defenses at 14 ? Do I want my big man to have strong outside defensive skills ? Do I want my SG to be an insane inside shooter ? This is the very first thing you should decide.
Third, you will need a training plan in order to reach this goal. This is by far the hardest thing to do ! I can't never tell enough to ask the U21, the NT coach, or any experienced player like Vottem Cowboys' Joe who will be able to give you worthwhile advice.
E.g. starting off with 1v1 SF/PF is most of the time the best approach you can do, since raising driving & handling will make other skills like outside defense or inside shooting level much faster. This kind of "tips" as well as many other things can be discussed with experience managers, we don't bite so don't be afraid to ask !
Fourth, and once again a tough task, STICK TO THE PLAN ! Any change might be very damaging and it is very easy to make a shitty player out of a promising draftee.
Shit, my dude didn't make it to the NT/U21, did I get screwed ?
Not everyone is The One. Even with a good draftee and a nice skill plan with the right coach, things might take an unwanted and unexpected turn. Injuries, foul problem, loss of training, ... much nastiness may happen on the path to glory.
You're not screwed. Perhaps your player isn't as good as you thought he'd be, but still he is damn good if you have been training him 5 seasons long.
And you have gained worthwhile experience for the next try !
Yeah, my dude now worthly wears national colours. What shall I do ?
- He's in the team, so managing his game shape and thus his playing time is absolutely necessary ! Make him play between 50 and 70 minutes each week and his game shape will continously be at 8 or 9.
- Keep up his training ! You've been working hard to get him in there, you don't want him out. So, keep up training ...
I hope this might have some of you managers the taste of training. This is a very grateful task, adds a little spice to the game, and I don't think you'll meet a manager who regrets it.
And, one last time, don't be afraid to talk to others. Me, C3C, Joe, BigT, ... we can help out (that's what we're here for BTW).
Enjoy and ... good training ;-)