tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184087352024-03-06T20:20:06.540-08:00Soccer Drills & Coaching Advicefree soccer drills, coaching tips & tools, world developments and announcementssoccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-65603155711406195892015-08-22T10:49:00.001-07:002015-08-22T10:55:36.241-07:00Keys To Effective Soccer Practice Design<br />
<div style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Interview with Tom Sauder, author of best selling <a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/" target="_blank">Print & Go Soccer Practice Plans</a></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">If you
had to narrow a great session down to 3 factors, what would they be ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span><br /><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Maximum
number of touches on the ball for each player</span></i><br />
<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Holistic
session incorporating skill, tactics, fitness, mental elements all culminating
in a game situation scrimmage at the end, and united by a theme (i.e.
counterattack, zonal defending, etc.). Players need to know the relevance of
each drill to playing the game and running a bunch of random drills doesn’t
work.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">njecting
a reasonable amount of humour and fun to give a mental break from the
concentration and focus required for each drill.</span></i><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In your
mind, how important is it that youth soccer players do no spend a lot of time
standing around in line or listening to coaches talk at length? What are some
ways coaches can eliminate this issue and get players engaged and moving?</span><br />
<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">As I said earlier, maximum touches and
constant movement with or without the ball are critical. To really develop
soccer skills youth players need about 4,000 touches on the ball per week. I
have seen practices where in an hour a player gets 30-40 touches. They stand in
line, listen to the coach or are in extended scrimmages and aren’t involved.
Our practice plans get between 600 and 800 touches per hour. In a situation
where a competitive team practice 5-8 hours a week the 4,000 touches would be
achievable.</span></i><br />
<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The ways to accomplish this are:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">B</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">e
prepared for the practice. Set up ALL your drill grids/cones before the
practice starts so that no time is wasted between drills. Sometimes the
movement or addition of a few cones in a few seconds gets the next drill ready</span></i><br />
<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Spend
no more than 30 seconds (60 seconds for very young children)
explaining/demonstrating the drill and then step outside the drill grid to
observe. The coach needs to really rehearse and be mentally ready to be this
efficient and effective. When a correction is necessary, stop the drill and in
30 seconds explain what went wrong and how to fix it. Then step out again.
“Teaching/talking” time should be no more than 60-90 seconds per 15 minute
drill.</span></i><br />
<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Break
each exercise into as small a group as possible, each group running the same
drill. My favourite example is shooting drills. I still see 11 kids line up in
front of a goal for shots. In 10 minutes every child is lucky to get three
shooting (ball touches)opportunities. That’s boring and ineffective. Instead I
suggest setting up 4 goals with three kids each. One in goal (you find new
goalies and train existing ones)and two take shots. Have a volunteer behind
each goal to retrieve the ball and throw it back to the shooter (needs to
control ball and dribble it to starting point – more touches). While the first
shooter gets their ball back and gets ready, the second player shoots. Then
rotate the goalie after two shots each. Everyone is busy all the time. There
are variations so shooters sprint (fitness training) to retrieve their ball and
dribble (skill, more touches) it back to get ready.</span></i><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">How
important is training at game speed, and what are some ways coaches can get
their players to increase the reality and intensity of sessions?</span><br />
<br /><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Training at game speed is important, but not
at the expense of holistic development. I always stress accuracy over speed
when starting a session/drill. Accuracy is achieved by having no/low pressure
and slowing it down. Once accuracy is achieved game speed and game situation
execution become important. This is accomplished by adding pressure in the form
of adding players to the drill, demanding faster movement (i.e. you have 5
seconds to get a cross into the target area, starting at midfield), reducing
the number of touches per player when they have the ball (my favourite is two
touch soccer), and by reducing the size of the grid. Small sided games that
incorporate the tactics/skills at the end of the practice are useful. Full field
games with a focus work as well, for example switching the point of attack from
left defense to a cross from the right wing by stringing together 3-5
passes. Exhibition/test games are best to put it all together. Keeping score or
setting goals during drills introduces competitiveness and it is amazing how
quickly players turn into game mode. Just say that the losing team in a 4v4
scrimmage has to get water bottles for everyone and nobody wants to lose. Our
practice drills all have progression options explained and coaching points to
correct drills that aren’t working to expectations.</span></i><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Access of 500 soccer drills and 80 practice plans for all skill levels and ages at:</span><br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/" target="_blank">www.soccerpracticebooks.com</a></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-2961018153286995602013-05-23T09:44:00.000-07:002013-05-23T09:44:29.056-07:00Children Soccer Development - Best Practice<div>
</div>
Question:<br />
<br />
I am told that the best way to develop young players is to have them PLAY IN THE SAME AGE GROUP. I believe that it is more important for them to PLAY IN THE SAME SKILL GROUP. Who is correct? <br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Answer:<br />
<br />
We believe soccer is based on four pillars, at the individual AND at the team level:<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<ol>
<li>Technical Skills </li>
<li>Tactical Understanding </li>
<li>Physical Conditioning and Game Readiness </li>
<li>Mental Understanding and Game Readiness</li>
</ol>
<div>
</div>
Underneath each of these pillars are various attributes, such as:<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
Technical - ball receiving, passing accuracy, ball control, shooting, heading, 1v1 moves, etc.<br />
<div>
</div>
Tactical - formations, own position, other positions, running patterns, pressuring, balance, etc.<br />
<div>
</div>
Physical - speed, strength, agility, flexibility, etc.<br />
<div>
</div>
Mental - maturity, emotional control, anticipation, decision making, reaction, movement without the ball, etc<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
It is the combination of all of these that make up a player and a team. It is important that each child gets the opportunity to develop. By definition then, they should all get the opportunity to get as many touches on the ball during practice and in games as possible. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some people think that grouping children by age is the way to ensure that all the players are fairly evenly matched. Age mostly addresses mental development and physical development. Only if kids have grown up playing the same number of hours every week since age 3, one might infer age is an indicator of skill and possibly tactics. But even the mental and physical development assumption could be wrong. A lot of organizations play boys and girls together and group ages, like 4 & 5 year olds together. A smallish 4 year old girl and a physically advanced 5 year old boy are significantly different and chances are that in a game, the 4 year old girl doesn't get much action. Now if you only play boys together and we are talking U 13 then age may be a reasonably grouping. If you add that this is a competitive U13 then skills and tactics should match.
</div>
Other people think that skill should be the matching factor. Probably be more appropriate at the youngest ages. But skill alone could be detrimental. We have seen 7 year old boys who have more skills than some 11 year old boys. But in a game, the 11 year olds would likely dominate simply because of sheer physical advantages. <br />
<div>
</div>
In the end, the goal should be to have balanced teams with children that will have a fairly equal chance to get touches on the ball. The best organizations use this approach:<br />
<div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>They split boys and girls at a very early age, some as early as age 4/5 - U5. </li>
<li>They group them in single age groups, not combining ages. The difference between a young three year old and an older 4 year old in a combined U5 team could be huge. </li>
<li>They asses the abilities of players in pre-season evaluation sessions and identify the exceptionally talented players - the ones that would be good enough to control the ball most of the time in a game. They then selectively put these exceptional kids in an older age group to level the playing field. Messi was such a kid - playing 2-3 age groups up. </li>
<li>Finally, at age 10 and up they split their teams into recreational and competitive/travel.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I hope this answer gives you some idea about the complexity of trying to do the right thing for the children.</div>
<br />
Coach Tom<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a><br />
<div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a><br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-28238794351306144972012-06-09T16:02:00.000-07:002012-06-09T16:02:39.539-07:00Possession vs Fast Break SoccerThe final results are in after compiling statistics from 306 games from the Germans Bundesliga's 2011/2012 season.<br />
<br />
The teams with the majority of posession:<br />
<ul>
<li>averaged 56% possession</li>
<li>averaged 6.0 scoring chances per game</li>
<li>averaged 1.33 points per game (win=3, tie=1, loss=0)</li>
</ul>
The teams that had less possession:<br />
<ul>
<li>averaged 44% possession</li>
<li>averaged 4.7 scoring chances</li>
<li>averaged 1.41 points per game</li>
</ul>
The non-statistical observation was that two teams, Munich and Dortmund, had over 60% possession in many of their games and won. We suggest the same would be true with high possession teams like Barcelona. These teams are so good that it doesn't matter what style they play, they will win.<br />
<br />
What the analysis suggests is that dominating possession is no guarantee for winning games. Quite the contrary, fast break soccer, meaning quick transition, is a recipe for success.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a><br />
<strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><br />
<div>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-17512924198427032412011-12-30T11:11:00.000-08:002011-12-30T11:11:04.748-08:00Possession Soccer Does Not Equal Winning<br />
We have analyzed published results of a major European soccer league after the first half of the season. For each game we reviewed the ball possession (%), goal chances, and wins/losses, awarding three points for a win and 1 point for a tie. The results conclusively prove that domonating possession does not guarantee winning games. We found quite the opposite:<br />
<br />
The teams that had 50% or more of ball possession generated 5.93 scoring chances per game and achieved 1.24 points per game (winning 32.7% of their games). The teams that had 50% or less possession generated 4.61 scoring chances and achieved 1.51 points per game (winning 41.8% of their games).<br />
<br />
The results indicate that possession leads to more scoring chances but not to more wins. Why is that? We have long held the opinion that the quality of the chances makes the difference. Why would more possession generate poorer quality scoring chances? Extended possession allows the defending team to organize their defence. Therefore the attacking team has to work hard to find openings and quite often is forced to take shots from difficult positions, longer distance, or poor angles. A team that believes in fast break attacking after gaining possession does not allow the opposing defence to get into shape and balance. Hence the final passes set up shots for players with a clearer path to net. Therefore a fast breaking team will create better quality chances, score more goals and win more games.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a><br />
<strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><br />
<div>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-31204609375147757032011-09-24T11:56:00.000-07:002011-09-26T17:39:14.677-07:00Dynamic Warm-Up For SoccerWe have developed a dynamic warm-up routine that can be used in conjunction with our soccer practice and soccer drills books or on it's own. It is on one page and can be taken to the field. The page also has a link to a web site that shows video clips of all the exercises. Click below to access it:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/dynamic.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Dynamic Warm-Up Routine: Soccer</span></a><br /><br /><P><br /><strong><span style="color:#330000;">For Our Practice Books And Resources Click:</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indoor.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a> <br /><p></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-15523721909028100622011-08-25T13:23:00.000-07:002011-08-25T13:25:40.648-07:00soccer coaching supplies | soccer equipmentWe have partnered with amazon.com and several other suppliers to offer one-stop-soccer shopping on our web site.
<br />
<br />Click on:
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/shops.html">Soccer Shop</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-32743182529704001312011-07-04T05:57:00.000-07:002011-07-04T06:19:34.919-07:00possession soccer or fast break soccer ?<div><p><br />There has been a lot of international soccer in the past few months, starting with the Champions League final between Barca and ManU, through the U21 Euro, the CONCACAF Gold Cup to the current FIFA Women`s World Cup.<br /><br />While the soccer has been entertaining and at times of excellent quality, the "expert commentating" has been lacking, in my opinion. Even downright annoying.<br /><br />Watching Barca playing the typical Spanish national team style of keep away (possession) soccer has all the commentators in a rage that this is how soccer needs to be played. and they criticize any team that doesn`t. The best example are the Canadian commentators slamming the Canadian women`s team.<br /><br />There are two main issues to consider when talking about soccer styles of play. First is the skill level of your team and second is the attractiveness of the play.<br /><br />Very few teams, including ManU, Germany, Holland have the skills to play the Spanish possession game at this very high level. Even if they did, should they?<br /><br />From a results perspective there is no correlation between time of possession and winning. What seems to matter is whether or not whatever possession time you have is effective, i.e. are you generating chances and converting them or just pushing the ball around. Again, if you coach Barca, it doesn`t matter which style you play, you`d win anyways.<br /><br />Contrasting the Barca - ManU game with another very entertaining game, the Gold Cup Final between Mexico and the U.S., is a good way of understanding soccer.<br /><br />Mexico and the U.S. played fast break attack soccer. Play was direct and vertical and lots of scoring chances were generated. 6 goals were scored and there was never a dull moment. Fans were on their feet. Barca and ManU, to be honest, was a very boring match to watch, despite the goals scored.<br /><br />Yes, Barca players have a high level of ball skills and can play keep away soccer and it works for them. But it doesn`t mean that this should be the standard of soccer. All soccer players need to continue to develop their skills and then apply them in a way that makes the game exciting, fast, and fun to watch.<br /><br />Imagine if a team like Barca played a fast attacking game - scary....</p><p><br /><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</font></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</font></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</font></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</font></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</font></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</font></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Soccer Systems Of Play</font></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Soccer Fitness Training</font></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Soccer Skills Training</font></a><br /></p><p></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-46168683243718714682011-04-24T12:15:00.000-07:002011-04-24T13:01:41.794-07:00Soccer Sense - How it impacts player performance<p><br />Have you ever wondered why all of your practicing with some of your players, or your entire team, is not translating into game performance?<br /><br />For example you practice finishing with your strikers and in the next game they miss an easy chance, an open net. You practice passing and in a game your players are striking the ball too hard, too soft, or simply into the wrong direction.<br /><br />You practice with your defenders not to dive into tackles, only to see them lunge at an attacker in the next game and be easily left standing behind.<br /><br />We have heard a lot of coaches give us these examples asking us what they can do to avoid these errors and improve their team's game.<br /><br />The first thing we need to state is that the difference between practice and a game situation is the opposition. Typicall in practice, you start drills with little opposing pressure, i.e. your players have all the time in the world to execute a drill. Typically with this time they can hit the net, deliver a pass, control the ball. As pressure increases, this becomes more difficult and mistakes creap in. But you are limited what you can practice by the skill of your team. If in competition you never play a better team, a team with more skilled players, stop reading now. You probably won't recognize the issues we described earlier. Although I would say that unless you have won the championship every year and have won every game, you probably want to read on.<br /><br />In a game there are two key differences to a practice:<br /><br />First, your opponents are determined to make you fail. They will put on pressure and thus take away the time your players need to execute. The better the opposition, the less time your players will have on the ball.<br /><br />Second, the mental pressure to perform in a game puts stress on individuals. Fear of making mistakes actually causes mistakes. Under stress, people generally tend to fall back into bad habits. In other words, they lose control.<br /><br />So how do you fix these problems?<br /><br />Before you can solve a problem, you need to identify it's root cause. We suggest that poor execution of skills AND tactics in a game is caused by a lack of soccer sense. We define soccer sense by the intuitive knowledge a player has to allow their body to function automatically based on stimuli received and/or decisions made, consciously or subconsciously. An example would be for a striker approaching the goal to see the goal, the open space of the net, the keeper. Without pausing physically or mentally the player strikes the ball into the upper corner of the goal. The player didn't spend time thinking about where to shoot or how to execute the shot, it "just happened".<br /><br />Well, it didn't really just happen. We teach mental speeds in our soccer programs and have identified the following mental speeds: <br /><br />Perception<br /><br />Anticipation<br /><br />Reaction<br /><br />Decision Making<br /><br />Perception is seeing what is going on around you during the game. Seeing the ball, seeing players in motion, seeing spaces open and close. <br /><br />Anticipation is sensing what is going to happen next before it happens. What is the player with the ball going to do? If a player has the ball, it is them anticipating a run by a team mate before it happens and playing the ball into that run.<br /><br />Reaction is to quickly adjust to what actually happened. "I thought the opponent was going to pass so I anticipated intercepting the pass. But they actually took me on in a 1v1 so now I have to get into proper defensive position...".<br /><br />Decision making is deciding what you are going to do well in advance of the ball being played by an opponent. If you are about to receive the ball, then your decision as to what you will do with it has to be made well before you receive the ball.<br /><br />In sum total, soccer sense is the intuitive execution of these four mental speeds of soccer in any sequence that the game calls for. No time to think through them. You perceive a situation, anticipate the play, decide what you'll do, and react/execute. All automatically.<br /><br />How do you develop players to get there? Run specific soccer drills that teach these mental skills over and over and over again. Ask your players to play pick up soccer with friends, over and over, and over. Ask them to train the technical fundamnetals over and over and over again so when the subconscious decision to (for example) take a shot is made, the body has enough memory to actually deliver the shot where the brain decided it should go.<br /><br />You can't demand soccer sense from players, they either have it or they don't. Your job is to assess who has it and how much of it. Then decide if you need more and commit to training it.<br /><br />All our practices train mental speeds of soccer.<br /><br /><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a> <br /><p></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-78815451394951750832011-02-14T18:40:00.000-08:002011-02-14T18:43:04.580-08:00Sports NutritionFellow Coaches, Parents and Athletes:<br /><br />You know how important nutrition is to health and performance. Your athletes spend too much time and effort trying to get better at their sport to throw it all away simply because their nutritional choices keep them from reaching their potential<br /><br />Young athletes simply don’t make good nutritional choices. <br /><br />But it’s not because they refuse to eat healthy. <br /><br />They probably just don’t know what they SHOULD eat!<br /><br />Or how much… (It depends on their age, gender and sport)<br /><br />Or how often… (Five to six times per day!)<br /><br />Sometimes they’ve simply been misinformed as to what is healthy and what isn’t.<br /><br />And when it comes to food and nutrition, you don’t want to hand out advice you don’t quite understand yourself.<br /><br />At the same time, they can’t afford to keep eating garbage.<br /><br />Here’s the truth about nutrition for growing athletes:<br /><br />It doesn’t have to be that complicated. And you don’t need a college degree or fancy certification to give your athletes healthy nutritional information they can quickly understand and easily apply.<br /><br /><center><!--Begin---><br /><a href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4164235"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://www.sportsnutritionblueprint.com/ADS/TSNutritionAdRED1.png" width="300" height="250" /></a><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Imp=4164235" width="0" height="0" /><br /><!--End---></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-73451733432488786612010-12-31T18:05:00.000-08:002010-12-31T18:08:10.312-08:00Soccer Skill Development - Number of Ball Touches NeededThe key to developing soccer skills as a young kid is the number of touches you get on the ball. I heard it said long time ago that 4000 ball touches per week are a good number. So let's do the soccer math:<br />As a kid, we used to play 3 hours a day, 6 days a week. Half of it was 1v1 , 2v2 or 3v3 games with lots of individual action. The other half was full field scrimmages. At an average of 5 touches a minute, this translates into 5400 touches a week or more.<br /><br />Contrast this with what you see on soccer fields today. First of all, kids tend to only play in organizations, i.e. clubs. If they are fortunate, they practice twice a week for 1.5 hours and play one game. Let's observe practices. The absolute killer to soccer skill development are line drills with many kids sharing one ball. You can tell by kids standing around waiting. Next are long set up times the coach uses between drills. Then you see warm-up runs without a ball and fitness work without a ball followed by full field scrimmage. If the kids are lucky they get 200 touches a practice and maybe 20 in a game. Total is 420 per week and you wonder why kids aren't as skillful as they used to be? As they grow older, it becomes more and more difficult to make up for that lost time.<br /><br />That is why our practices at <a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/">www.soccerpracticebooks.com</a> are based on maximizing the number of touches on the ball. The key principles is to work in small groups of 2-4 players for most drills. Warm-ups quite often involve individual ball work. Fitness drills involve a ball as well. Players never wait for their next touch of the ball. We also have designed the entire practice sessions such that a coach can set up cones for all the drills before the practice starts, so that there is no time wasted between drills. We focus on continuous action with the ball. In our typical 90 minute practice session, we estimate a player gets between 700-1000 touches. At two sessions per week and a game this gets you to 1420 to 2020 touches a week or five times what you see around the parks.<br /><br />We believe we are close as possible to delivering the skill development of earlier generations. Try our practices - you won't regret it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-86810084909973947432010-09-23T19:35:00.000-07:002010-09-23T19:39:06.348-07:00Soccer Fitness: The Downside Of Static StretchingThe downside of static stretching<br /><br />STATIC STRETCHING before a run, or other exercise, for that matter, makes you run more slowly and less efficiently, a study recently published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research warns.<br />In this study, re- searchers at Florida State University collected data from 10 trained distance runners who performed two one-hour runs, once with stretching beforehand (four 30-second reps of five basic stretching exercises) and once without. The one hour runs consisted of 30 minutes at a set pace (65% of VO2max) during which basic running economy was measured, then 30 minutes going as fast as they could to see how much distance they could cover.<br />The non-stretchers burned about 5% fewer calories in the first part of the experiment, and ran 3.4% farther in the second.<br /><br />In another study, researchers from the University of Milan also found that static stretching before any exercise makes you jump lower, more slowly and with less force. Adding to earlier research, this study looked at different joint an- gles, such as you might encounter in swimming, basketball, soccer, etc.<br /><br />Numerous studies confirm that static stretching decreases muscle strength, but they don't define how much stretching it takes. So researchers at George Mason University (Prince William campus, Manassas, Virginia) had subjects test their one-rep maxes on the leg curl after doing 0-6 sets of 30-second hamstring stretches. They discovered that one set of 30-second static stretching decreased muscle strength by more than 5%. Each additional set of stretching affected leg-curl strength even more, with six sets causing an almost 15% decrease. Before training, stick to dynamic stretches; save static stretching until the end of your workout or game.<br /><br /><p><strong><u></u></strong></p><p><strong><u></u></strong></p><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-54424981056909101212010-09-05T09:27:00.001-07:002010-09-05T09:38:44.675-07:00Soccer Defending and Warm-UpWe will start sharing some results of our continuous research with you.<br /><br />An excellent video on defending technique can be found here:<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbdedDgzEsQ&feature=channel" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Defending Technique</span></a><br /><br />A good dynamic warm-up program can be found here:<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/developing/medical/the11/"target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">FIFA Warm-Up</span></a><br /><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><strong><u></u></strong></p><p><strong><u></u></strong></p><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-75825664072978400802010-07-10T16:24:00.000-07:002010-07-10T16:28:58.928-07:00Coerver Coaching<p align="left">Hi<br /><br />I just heard about a wonderful program for your club. I am sure you probably already know about Coerver Coaching. They are acknowledged leaders in<br />the soccer instructional world.<br /><br />I heard about this program because I recently bought<br />a DVD package from them with their new Make Your<br />Move program. It has been excellent. Now through<br />their website Play Great Soccer they have developed<br />a terrific offer for soccer clubs. It will give every<br />player, parent or coach a 30 day pass to their<br />library plus a number of other valuable<br />instructional tools.<br /><br /><br />Check it out and review it here<br /><br /><a href="http://www.playgreatsoccer.com/cmd.asp?Clk=1289886">Coerver Coaching</a><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://www.playgreatsoccer.com/cmd.asp?Imp=1289886" width="0" height="0" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-12367490170421136032010-06-20T13:22:00.000-07:002010-06-20T13:56:13.761-07:00Soccer World Cup 2010 - Tactical ObservationsNow that the world cup is 2/3 through the first round, some observations on tactics can be made.<br /><br />Defense<br /><br />Not much has changed here. Most teams operate with a flat back four zonal defense. At most one team appears to be playing with three defenders, that being Chile. Definitely no more sweepers. Central defenders by and large maintain their position, with the exception of Lucio from Brasil who does venture forward occasionally. The outside defenders do move wide, mostly for the purpose of building the attack from the back making themselves available for an outlet pass. Surprisingly, there aren't as many overlapping runs by outside defenders because...<br /><br />Midfield<br /><br />Most teams play with two central, largely defensive (or holding) midfielders. Their job is to win the ball in the middle of the field and quarterback the attack. Usually one is more defensively oriented while the other is more adventurous in moving forward. A good example of flexibility in this position is Germany. With Ballack out, Schweinsteiger and Khedira take turns with penetrating runs through the middle while the other then stays back.<br /><br />There are two predominat styles using the two central midfielders. One is within the classic 4-4-2 offering two wide midfielders. The other, seemingly more popular, is playing with three attacking midfielders in front of a single striker. Two of the three usually play wide while one supports the striker more centrally. The key observation is that in the better teams these three midfielders interchange position thus making covering them more difficult. Another benefit are quick runs through the zonal defense thus avoiding off-side and getting into scoring positions or crossing positions from within the penalty box.<br /><br />A few teams play a 4-3-3 on paper, although when looking how it functions it looks more like a 4-5-1, the notable exception was Paraguay against Slovakia, playing with the three true forwards - reminiscent of days long gone by.<br /><br />Attack<br /><br />As mentionned above, usually one or two strikers. It would seem that the lone striker system is only effective when one of the central midfielders supports them. Which then raises the question: Why not play with two strikers in the first place? It also seems that teams that play this 4-2-3-1 revert to a 4-4-2 when they need to score.<br /><br />Transition<br /><br />We are seeing about an equal amount of slow , possession style build-ups from the back and fast break transitions. It seems to depend on the amount of defense facing the team with the ball. Spain in their first half against Switzerland played the slow build up almost (if not totally) to a fault. When they needed to score in the second half, they played a much faster and more effective game. No coincidence that this was helped by a second all out striker. Surprisingly, Brasil is playing the ball out of the back much faster than they used to. Germany is playing a mix of possession with sudden penetrating runs/passes through the gaps in the defense, and fast break attack when the opponent isn't regrouped defensively.<br /><br />Opinion<br /><br />I can see why lower ranked or underdog teams play a 4-2-3-1 - it gives them the best chance of not getting scored on - witness New Zealand against Italy. Skilled and better teams have no reason to play a slow possession game and act with one striker. Every time they do, they slow themselves down. When they need to attack, they quickly switch to two or even three strikers and dominate the opposition. Why not start out that way and set the tone from the beginning. I believe a lot of scores are close because the better teams are actually too afraid of the underdogs, too worried about being embarrassed.<br /><br />Enjoy the rest of the tournament<br /><br /><p><strong><u></u></strong></p><p><strong><u></u></strong></p><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Fast Break Soccer - Competitive Pro</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-12350165177507002232010-02-02T17:21:00.000-08:002010-02-02T17:36:44.553-08:00Soccer Player Evaluation - Performance IndexOne issue a soccer coach is often confronted with is how to select players for their team (making cuts) or how to award positions in the starting line-up. We have previously written about player evaluations. We now have developed a very simple measurement system to RANK players.<br /><br />THE SYSTEM<br /><br />Rate your players on a scale from 0-10 for their soccer performance. Performance should include technical skills, tactical ability, physical fitness, and mental fitness. You can use our player evaluation tool or develop your own way of coming up with a rating.<br /><br />Then rate your players on practice attendance on a scale from 0-10. The rating is simply the practice attendance percentage. A practice attendance of 60% for eaxample gets a rating of 6.<br /><br />Multiply the soccer performance rating by the practice attendance rating to come up with the PERFORMANCE INDEX.<br /><br />For example, a soccer performance rating of 8 and a practice attendance rating of 8 equals a performance index of 64.<br /><br />Now set a target for where you would ideally like all players to be, say a performance index above 80. Also set a cut off target below which you would not keep players or below which they should not be in the starting line up, say a performance index of at least 64.<br /><br />Rank your players and see where the cut-offs are.<br /><br />THE APPLICATION & MEANING<br /><br />We suggest that you might want to start with an ideal performance index of 80, which means a soccer rating of 10 with a minumum attendance of 8, or a minimum soccer rating of 8 with attendance of 10 would be your ideal player.<br /><br />You may want to set the cut-off at 64 based on a rating of 8 and attendance of 8. This also means a player with a rating of 10 and attendance of 6.5 would make the cut, or a player with attendance of 10 and soccer performance of 6.5. Not unreasonable we think.<br /><br />You can use the results to have a discussion with your team to explain that you value both soccer performance and practice commitment. You can have individual meetings to share the index with each player and thereby point out which areas they need to improve.<br /><br />If you are coaching a team where performance OR attendance don't matter, then this index wouldn't work for you.<br /><br />Give it some thought, play around with it, and see if this may be useful for your situation.<br /><br />Coach Tom<br /><br /><p><strong><u></u></strong></p><p><strong><u></u></strong></p><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-43102182342187421192010-01-04T13:54:00.000-08:002010-01-04T14:06:49.258-08:00Soccer Drills & Practice Plans - World Cup 2010 Editions<p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">soccerpracticebooks.com</a> <span style="color:#000000;">has just released all new editions of their soccer drills and practice plans. The new editions feature added coaching points, drill progressions & variations and tips for each drill as well as updated graphics. Check out an example right here:</span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youthtech08.pdf">Youth Sample Drill</a></span></span></p><p><span style="color:#000066;"><span style="color:#000000;"></p><p><br />Coach Tom<br /></span><br /></p><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-49755962077476466282009-12-09T20:12:00.001-08:002009-12-09T20:25:22.480-08:00Fast Break Soccer in FIFA World Cup 2010<P>In 2008 we told you about our new book:<br /><br />FAST BREAK SOCCER<br /><br />Getting ready for FIFA World Cup 2010, major soccer nations and experts validate our approach. To quote a recent article by CBC:<br /><br />"A counter-attacking World Cup?<br />Fast-break soccer could be all the rage in South Africa....What will it be next year in South Africa? If current trends are any indication, the 2010 World Cup could be all about the counter-attack, and soccer played at a breakneck pace. "<br /><br />To read the full article, click:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/fifaworldcup/features/story/2009/12/09/spf-counter-attack.html" target="_blank"><font color="navy" size=4>Fast Break Soccer at World Cup 2010</a></font> <p></p><br />We predicted it and now you can train your team the way the pros will at FIFA World Cup 2010. Check out this great resource by clicking on the book or the text link below:<br /><br /><br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/fastbreakcover3.gif" /></a></p><br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><font color="navy" size=4>Fast Break Soccer</a></p></font><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-75866726447494987902009-07-31T12:03:00.000-07:002009-08-01T04:33:53.437-07:00Coaching Soccer - Strategic Planning<P>In this article, I would like to deal with a slightly different aspect of coaching.<br /><br />When discussing the coaching of soccer players and teams, we often focus on the technical areas such as individiual skill improvement, team tactics, fitness, or mental preparation. Depending on your coaching situation, you may need to consider the business side of raising funds, team budgets, team support staff selection and management, or even facility management. Typically, the emphasis is on the upcoming season and issues are dealt with and decisions are made on an "as needed" basis.<br /><br />Working in the business world, I have applied many of the soccer coaching principles, especially around team building, team development and individual people management. There is an aspect of business management that I don't see too often in the soccer coaching environment, yet I have found it extremenly helpfull. That is STRATEGIC PLANNING.<br /><br /><P>I would like to briefly review the strategic planning elements and give a few pointers as to how they may apply to operating a soccer team, or a soccer club for that matter. The intention is not to deliver a comprehensive review of the strategic planning process, but rather to introduce the basic concepts.<br /><br />I would also like to point out that the strategic planning process in its entirety is best suited for situations in which the coach is involved with a team for more than a single season. Certain elements can be used in single season environments.<br /><br />The first step in the strategic planning process is to define the <strong>VISION</strong> and <strong>VALUES</strong>. This is followed by stating the team's <strong>MISSION</strong>.<br /><br />The second step is to develop broad <strong>GOAL</strong> areas.<br /><br />Third is to define specific and measurable <strong>OBJEJCTIVES</strong> for each goal area.<br /><br />Fourth is the development of detailed <strong>STRATEGIES</strong> stating how to meet the objectives.<br /><br />Fifth (and somewhat optional) is to develop specific <strong>TASKS</strong> or <strong>ACTIONS</strong> for each strategy.<br /><br />Finally, in very complex environments, it may be of value to sequence all the tasks and strategies into an implementation plan.<br /><br /><U><strong>VISION</strong></U><br /><br />My favourite way to develop a vision statement is to think of it as a future newspaper article describing the accomplishments of my team. For example, it may start like this:<br /><br />HOMETOWN KICKERS WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP !<br /><br />We are happy to congratulate our very own Hometown Kickers on their first ever national soccer championship. After winning their division going undefeated,.....<br />When asked about the reason for their success, Coach Tom credited a process that began some five years ago .......<br /><br />The vision is best developed by the coaching staff with the support of the athletes and their parents if coaching a youth team.<br /><br /><U><strong>VALUES</strong><br /></U><br />It is important to define three or four key values that will not be compromised under any circumstance. A way I was taught to think about values is to imagine a time capsule that is being developed and sent into space. What are the three or four key statements I would want the team to be known or remembered for.<br /><br />Create a long list and then narrow it down through a collaborative filtering process until there is consensus on the final list.<br /><br />Some common values are fairness, integrity, sportsmanship, excellence, teamwork, family orientation, responsible, etc.<br /><br /><U><strong>MISSION</strong><br /></U><br />The vision and value sets are typically somewhat intangible, in a sense a bit of dream oriented. The mission statement supports the vision and values in a very tangible and concrete way. Here is how to very quickly develop one. Good mission statements follow this template:<br /><br />We are .... who do ... for ...leading to.....<br /><br />Example:<br /><br />We are a passionate group of soccer players and coaches who excel in the game for the benefit of our club leading to national championships.<br /><br /><br />When you are in agreement on the statement, run a "sufficiency" check by asking this question:<br /><br />If we accomplish the mission, will we reach our vision and maintain our values. If the answer is yes, you've got it right.<br /><br /><U><strong>GOALS</strong></U><br /><br />You now need to establish general goal areas to accomplish the mission. We recommend that you use 4-7 goal areas. We also recommend that the following four are used for any team. They are:<br /><br />Technical Skill Development<br />Tactical Development<br />Physical Fitness<br />Mental Fitness<br /><br />This leaves you up to three specific goal areas for your team. Examples might be Finances, Community Improvement, Health Improvement, etc.<br /><br />Again, when you have defined the goal areas, ask yourself if by achieving these goals you will fulfill your mission.<br /><br /><U><strong>OBJECTIVES</strong></U><br /><br />For each goal area, develop a maximum of seven specific and measurable objectives. Lets use the Technical Skill Development goal area to illustrate this and future points. A specific and measurable objective may be:<br /><br />Complete 90% of passes longer than 20 yards.<br /><br />Again, after the development of all objectives for a specific goal area, ask the sufficiency question.<br /><br />Depending on the number of people you have helping you coach or manage the team, you can assign a specific person to be responsible for each objective.<br /><br /><U><strong>STRATEGIES</strong></U><br /><br />Strategies are the "how to's" for meeting the objectives. In the case of technical, tactical and physical fitness objectives, I would suggest that the strategies are in fact your practice plans and drills.<br /><br />Once again, ask the sufficiency questions and assign individuals to each strategy.<br /><br /><U><strong>TASKS</strong></U><br /><br />You may go beyond your strategies and develop task lists. You can pick and choose where necessary. If you do define tasks, then list all the tasks for a given strategy, check for sufficiency and assign people.<br /><br /><U><strong>IMPLEMENTATION</strong></U><br /><br />So far you have created a list of acticities, strategies, objectives, and goals. In most cases you can't start everything at once, nor should you. Some things must be completed before others can start, some have different priorities. So it is good practice to sequence all the tasks/strategies including dependencies. For example, you may need to decide on a tournament you wish to enter before you can establish a budget, which then allows you to set fundraising targets and to develop fundraising activities.<br /><br />This implementation plan will result at the very least in your season plan and at the very most in a long term strategic plan.<br /><br />How far out you want to go in time depends on the initial parameter you set wen developing your vision - is it for one season, three years, five years, or??<br /><br />If it is for more than one year, you will actually be developing successive season plans and you will want to update the following season with new information before it starts. In other words, a long term strategic plan must remain dynamic.<br /><br />Coach Tom<br /><br /><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-53987314401109770412009-04-12T07:51:00.001-07:002009-04-12T08:21:06.002-07:00The Role Of The Soccer CoachAs we get ready for new seasons in parts of the world, we thought it would be good to give some reminder perspective on what it takes to coach.<br /><br />Soccer coaching is more than running a practice, pick the line up for the enxt game and call in substitutions. Depending on the level of competition, it can be a lot more complex.<br /><br />Coaching little kids at entry level requires you to have the ability to communicate the purpose of the game, the practice exercise to a bunch of little kids who may have no idea why they are there. They just want to have fun and be entertained. So it is important that you plan your practices and incorporate a lot of fun, even non-soccer drills. Be patient and let them go at it, this is not the time to stop them, instruct them and insist on proper soccer behaviour. You are more of a social facilitatot than a coach. Parents at this level are also engaged with their kids, they want to enjoy the occasion and see their kids have fun. It could be useful to involve them in some of the activities. Make sure there are water breaks and little rewards for the children, just for coming out each time.<br /><br />As you coach youth players (8-12), you can expect the kids to be there because they like soccer. Regardless of whether you are coaching in recreational or competitive leagues, the idea of winning exists and it becomes more and more important. So does the individual performance of the kids, to themselves and their parents. It is now appropriate to move away from strictly socializing and fun activities during practice to teaching skills and introduce tactics. Flexibility, fitness concepts can be introduced and trained. Attentional control may be a challenge. This is also when playing time may become an issue with parents, i.e. why is my Johnny only playing 30 minutes when some kids are out there the whole game? So managing parents becomes important. This can best be handled through expectation setting meetings before the season starts. Practice drills must be releveant and practices must be planned properly, allowing for breaks and some unstructured fun time. Social events such as pizza or pool parties are appropriate.<br /><br />Coaching adolescents represents a new challenge. With kids going through puberty all sorts of interesting situations and sudden behaviour changes can occur. This is where you need to develop your highest degree of patience. While caring about individuals, objectivity must be maintained. This is also where a split between recreational and competitive soccer occurs. Children are in one of these streams because they like the sport, but some are more skilled and competitive than others. <br /><br />The recreational program very much carries on in the same way as with younger kids. Results should not be a focal point, everyone wants to win anyways. Playing time should be equal and basic skill, tactics and fitness must be trained. Coaching demands are still fairly relaxed in terms of time, psychological and emotional investment.<br /><br />Competitive youth coaching steps it up a big notch for coaches. Players and parents expect the coach to be very knowledgable about the game, have the ability to teach players new skills, bring them up to high fitness levels, prepare the team mentally and WIN GAMES. WE recommend that you take coaching classes and become certified to coach competitive youth. Often extensive travel is involved and expenses run high. Sponsors are needed, special team uniforms and equipment as well as training tools are essential. This is like running a business. Typically this involves a team to run the team, such as Head coach, assistant coach(es), team trainer and manager. As coach you are responsible to design the season program, both on and off the field. But your role during practices and during the year changes. Your assistants should run drills and you should observe, evaluate and corrct. You need to think about team development as well as individual development. <br /><br />You are now managing (for performance, for satisfaction, for enjoyment and for success) several diverse groups: Your players, your coaching staff, your parents, your club administration, your sponsors, your club administration and your game officials. <br /><br />You need to evaluate all aspects of soccer specific fitness and design programs to improve or maintain the correct level. You need to know about motivation, constructive criticism, reading people, communicating, conflict resolution and problem solving.<br /><br />You need to know how to evaluate skills of already highly skilled players and how to design programs to improve them.<br /><br />You need to know tactics and gane strategies and be able to advance your team, get it to be flexible and adaptable to opponents and game situations. You need to mold individualists into a cohesive unit on the field.<br /><br />You need to be a public person with PR skills and programs. You need to be a fundraiser, organizer and travel agent - tasks can be delegated, the decisions and design of programs are yours.<br /><br />As you coach adult competitive teams all the way to the pro level, everything we said about coaching competitive youth teams just gets bigger. Budgets, staff, programs, hours spent, complexities, pressure - everything gets agnified. You need to ensure that your skills and abilities grow with the requirements, ideally, stay ahead of them.<br /><br />This is why knowing and having played the game isn't enough anymore. You need to know how to manage groups of people, know about physical fitness training and evaluation, mental training and sports psychology, communication, managing money and season schedules, know how to elevate the performance of team and individuals.<br /><br />This is not meant to be an all inclusive coaching profile discussion. We hope it gives you a good idea of what is involved at various levels. We hope that if you feel lacking in certain aspects, that this article encourages you to seek out the appropriate coaching development program for you.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-59237287132593959842008-12-31T13:17:00.000-08:002008-12-31T14:22:52.511-08:00Winning Soccer Games - Mental TrainingThe mental aspects of soccer are the third corner stone of winning soccer games. Previous articles dealt with technical and tactical skills, the fourth and last article will deal with physical fitness.<br /><br />Mental preparation is more than a pep talk before the game. It is a strategic and comprehensive program to get individual players and the team to perform at its best. We will outline all of the elements a coach needs to consider in developing the appropriate mental strategies. Examples will be provided to enhance certain points and concepts.<br /><br /><strong>The People Involved</strong><br /><p>The following individuals or groups need to be considered:</p><p>Individual Players</p><p>Each player has their own ideal performance state (IPS), the mental state that allows them to perform best. As coach, you need to identify what that state is. The level to which you need explore this depends on player age, competitive environment and team goals, factors which will be reviewed further down. Suffice it to say that the IPS of a 5 year old in a fun league might just be to feel happy with his friends while that of a college athlete prior to a championship game might be an intense state provoked by visualizing his most aggressive play in the last game.</p><p>The Team</p><p>Although players have their own IPS, they need to function together as a team. Team dynamics play a key role. How do you get a group of individuals to work together and help each other as a team? As coach, you need to sense the "team spirit" at any one time and you must decide what you want it to be like. For example, if your women's regional team performs best after a 10 minute "social time" prior to warm up, then build that into the schedule. If your team responds to loud and vocal pep talks, deliver them appropriately at the right time.</p><p>You - The Coach</p><p>How you act and project yourself means more than the words you say. If you want the team to approach a game in a relaxed fashion, you must project a relaxed state of mind. Do not be tight, stern, clenching, rather usem open body language, smile and speak calmly. If you build your team on respecting each other and others, don't be the one yelling and screaming at the referee.</p><p>Game Officials</p><p>This one is easy. Game officials hardly ever change a call and never respond well to an irate coach. So regardless of how you feel about the official's performance, remain calm. Your best opportunity to take positive influence is to approach the official calmly and factually at half time. If the official doesn't want to talk to you, suck it up and move on.</p><p>Parents</p><p>If you are coaching non-adults, you likely will deal with the parents of your players. The key to remember is that most parents look out for the interest of their kids. That is natural, they don't have your insight into each player, the team dynamics, etc. Be prepared to prepare the parents. Have a pre-season meeting laying out expectations and accept their input. Lay some ground rules (such as "I will not let the line-up be determined by parents") and set boundaries (appropriate behaviour by parents during games is required). As the season goes on, take time to communicate with parents as a group, as individuals - in writing and in person. Always take time to listen to a patrent's concern.</p><p>Media</p><p>At high levels of competition, you may deal with media after games, during games or even before games. Develop a strategy of how you want to deal with media - short and factual, humurously, sternly, not at all. Be sure that your media message is consistent with the rest of your messages.</p><p>You may ask what all these external people have to do with the mental preparation of your players and team. The connector is the consistency of your message and your behaviour. Your players will observe you and will get feedback from what you say to others and how you behave. If you want your team to play a confident and composed game, then you better portray a confident and composed image at all times.</p><p><strong>Player Age</strong></p><p>Mental training for different age groups needs to be different. We break these into four groups:</p><ul><li>kids (4-8)</li><li>youth (9-12)</li><li>teens (13-18)</li><li>adults (19+)</li></ul><p>There some general mental training concepts for each age group:</p><p>Kids (4-8)</p><p>Kids just want to have fun. Your job is to motivate them to come to practices and games, and to come back next year. Ignite a passion for the sport in them. Engage kids in fun games that at the same time teach the required skills. Do not run drill that have them standing idle a lot. Let them play different position in games - do not shoe-horn them into certain roles. Add lots of social time around the required practice and game events. If it's hot, have a water gun fight duriong or after or in the middle of a practice. Bring snacks for games. Have a pool party. They need to feel good about the whole soccer experience. be mindful of the fragile egos of the little ones. Don't ever make fun of the chubby boy or treat the shy girl by putting her in the lime light.</p><p>Youth (9-12)</p><p>Here you can be a little more structured in your approach. You will likely have a mix of those who have played for some years and those who are new to the game (in a recreational environment). You may also have a team of U12 in a competitive league. At this age, the concept of winning and success is taking shape in addition to having fun. The seeds of the idea that winning is a big part of fun are sown. You still ned to be sensitive about the emotional state of individuals and how you deal with them. You can start to talk to these youn athletes about the goals they have. You can observe how they respond to individual input and feedback from you. You can engage the team in short conversations about setting some goals for the season. They will start to understand your review of the last game and how you see them do better or as good the next time. They will develop an interest of how peractices relate to games. Team harmony is still developed through social interactions outside a game or practice event.</p><p>Teens (13-18)</p><p>Arguably the most difficult group of athletes to deal with. Why? You are dealing with all the joys and challenges of puberty in addition to trying to advance their soccer skills. Hormones are running interference, rebellions are common. Expect to be challenged by individuals or little groups that may form within a team. You need to be very aware of your individuals and what goes on intheir lives and you need to decide how you will deal with them. If you're too tough, they may rebel and quit on you (mentally). If you're too lenient, they may take advantage of you and goof around. Your sensors and diplomatic skills are most taxed with this group. A middle of the road approach often works. Show you team respect. Lay out the ground rules and get their buy-in. Be firm when you need to be and relax when you can afford it. Explain a lot about what you are doing and why so that they will respect you. They will look at your competence and respond to you based on their conclusion.</p><p>Adults (19+)</p><p>Most likely you will be coaching adults in a competitive setting. Even more so than with teens, your skills and competence will be scrutinized. Engage your team in your thinking, your approach, your strategies for the team. Set goals together and treat them as contracts. The focus here can and should be on individual and team performance, how to optimize each. They understand intuitively that winning is fun and losing is not. Develop communication strategies with your team dealing with losses, winning streaks. The IPS should be explored in depth and each player should have a plan to get into the best mental state before each game. Address the team before a practice, after a practice, before and after games and review objectives going in and results obtained. Be professional with your players and tam and do not over coach them. They don't need endless demonstrations of a drill, they should have the capacity to understand and respond to a quick correction. If you are close to the age of your athletes, avoid the trap of wanting to become a "friend" of every player. Maintain a close and cordial distance. Have rules about behaviour, public conduct and be clear what the consequences of breaking the rules are. Encourage direct communication between individuals, the entire team and you. Choose mature captains and use them to buffer the team from you so that you don't have to deal with all issues all the time.</p><p><strong>Competitive Level</strong></p><p>We touched on it earlier in some of the examples. Competitive level of your team sets the tone for expectations and mental training. If you coach teens in a recreational league that does not practice or rarely practices, don't treat the team as if they were playing for the world cup. The less competitive the league, the more the elements of fun and social interaction take precedence. If you are a coach who is driven to win, dp not coach recreational soccer. On the other hand, if you are not driven to win, do not coach teams that compete at regional or national levels. This seems obvious but failure to recognize the competitive environment has led to many frustrating and unsuccessful situations.</p><p><strong>Gender</strong></p><p>Coaching male and female athletes is different. Books have been written on this topic and we couldn't do it justice here. At the risk of offending someone, we will state some observations:</p><p>Females need social time with each other, Team bonding and harmony are important. Developing relationships throughout the season is a definite goal of most. Public criticism of females is an absolute no-no. When the team is in harmony, individuals perform best, so spend time on creating that harmony and positive environment with females. Females also tend to respect the coach more and are easier to instruct. They appear to try harder to imlement instructions and are less likely to improvise. Tactically they are easy to coach because they seem to have a built-in capacity to support each other on the field.</p><p>Males also need social time, but that social time is closely related to the game of soccer, alot of it occurs after the game. Males work more as individuals and can be more concerned with individual performance than team play. You need to be astute in providing lots of opportunity for individual improvement. Take more time practicing tactics and team play. Males generally can handle direct and to the point feedback, positive or negative. they are motivated by opportunities for improvement. They will require more discipline, particularly in the teen age group.</p><p><strong>Situation</strong></p><p>Have a strategy for preparing your team for practice, for a game, for a road trip. Different situations require different game plans in terms of mental preparation. Discuss with your team on how to deal with media. Prepare for half time speeches during a great and an awful game. How do you get the most out in what is left in a game and the next game. Consider short and long term. Be prepared for dealing with unfriendly opposition (players, coaches and fans).</p><p><strong>Strategy</strong></p><p>How do you pull all of it together to have the best mental training for your team? Develop a strategy !!!</p><p>Consider all of the factors discussed earlier and then:</p><ol><li>understand the vision of the organization (club, league) in which you are coaching and be consistent with that vision.</li><li>develop a specific mission for your team, with the input of all critical stakeholders (players, parents, club officials)</li><li>Set specific short term and long term goals for your team. Here, engage mostly the players because they need to make it happen.</li><li>Develop strategies for yourself, each player, the team on how to best deliver the goals. Follow through on implementing the strategies.</li></ol><p>Above all, be consistent, fair, respectful and professional - and communicate at the right frequency delivering the appropriate messages at the right time.</p><br /><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-58160703176089775502008-11-08T21:13:00.000-08:002008-11-08T21:19:46.810-08:00Winning Soccer Games - Fast Break SoccerWe are pleased to introduce you to a revolutionary new soccer training system:<br /><br /><br /><br />FAST BREAK SOCCER<br /><br /><br /><br />The practices, drills, coaching points and game applications are designed for your team to score more goals and win more games. Check out this great resource by clicking on the book or the text link below:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/fastbreakcover3.gif" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.fastbreaksoccer.com/" target="_blank">Fast Break Soccer</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-49996896102983401642008-10-10T08:10:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:07:10.297-07:00Winning Soccer Games - Tactical AbilityThe last article dealt with technical skills of individuals. Today we will look at tactical factors that will contribute to your team's success. All of this information and more is dealt with extensively in our book:<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a><br /></p><br /><br /><u><strong>Formations</strong><br /><strong></strong></u><br />Every team needs a basic formation or system of play. These are referred to by numbering, such as 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 4-2-3-1, etc. In a three number description, the first number specifies the number of defenders, the second specifies the number of midfielders and the third the number of forwards. In a four number system the second and third numbers specify defensive and offensive midfielders respectively.<br /><br />Picking the right formation for your team is critical. There are two main philosophies on how to pick a formation. The first is based on the coach's preference and expertise. the coach picks a formation and then recruits or trains players to play it. The second is based on the abilities of the players available and the likely competition. Here the coach looks at skills and tactical understanding and the relative strengths of the team and then picks a formation. Players still need to be trained to play it well.<br /><br />The first method works well in situation where coaches have time and ability to recruit players who know the coach's system of preference. The second method works well in situations where a coach has a limited numbers of players to choose from, a short pre-season for training and limited recruiting options.<br /><br />The book mentionned above goes into more detail as to the type of players needed for each system, coaching requirements, strengths and weaknesses.<br /><br /><u><strong>Individual Tactical Understanding</strong><br /><strong></strong></u><br />Individuals need to understand their role on the field and the roles of their team mates. Let's look at some key elements with examples:<br /><br />A central defender needs to know when to mark, when to join the attack, when to hold the ball, when to clear it, when to pass it. They need to recognize the spaces available for the opponent and how to close them down. they need to recognize spaces for themselves when they have the ball and passing options. They need to know when to cover for an overlapping outside defender, when to go up for a set play (corner) and when to stay back. they need to recognize the opponent's system of play and strengths and weaknesses and adjust their own play and that of other players if necessary. They need to communicate frequently, clearly and directly (note - tie in to mental fitness).<br /><br />Outside defenders require similar understanding.<br /><br />Midfielders are the engine of your team. They need to be available to receive balls from defenders and they need to supply the strikers with quality scoring opportunities. They need to recognize space and time for their own opportunities to go in for a shot. When transitioning to defending, they need to hustle back and challenge the other team (i.e. shut off their engine) and close spaces. they are two way players and transition from offense to defense and vice versa more than anyone else. They need to have the ability to perceive plays, players and space aroud them, to anticipate opportunities and runs and to deliver the ball accordingly. They need to make decisions quickly (do I hold, do I pass quickly, do I have space to run with the ball). Central and outside midfielders have different responsibilities and roles.<br /><br />Strikers need to be keenly aware of their position relative to defenders to take advantage of space and to avoid off-sides. Their main tactical ability relates to timing of runs and direction of runs. they need to have extremely quick decision making ability and anticipate play. The main focus is to get into good scoring positions. Also, they need to be able to defend by pressuring opposing defenders in possession. The key is to decide when to challenge hard and when to drop back and wait for the opponent to play. They need to recognize opportunities to hold the ball and lay it off to an overlapping midfielder or defender. When they receive the ball they must be aware of available space and decide if they have room to turn and then take a defender on 1v1 or pass. If they are marked tight, then turning into the defender likely results in loss of possession. Strikers also need to know when to retreat, i'e. hold the ball and dribble toward own goal to look for support or create space to turn.<br /><br />Goalkeepers are in the best position to see the play in front of them. They can vocally help everyone on their team with positional play. In terms of goalie specific tactics, distribution of the ball is the most often used tactic. Do I punt the ball deep, straight or to the side. Do I throw it quickly and long, wide or central? Do I roll it out to a defender to build an attack. Do I ask for the ball back on my feet. If I receive it back, do I kick it out or pass it out? How much time and pressure is there? Same is for goal kicks. On set plays, goalies need to position their defenders, walls and organize marking.<br /><br /><u><strong>Individuals Combining As Units</strong><br /><strong></strong></u><br />We define units as the group of defenders, midfielders and strikers. In essence, each team is made up of these three units. Coaches and players need to know how individuals within the units interact with each other. We alluded to some of these interactions above. Just a few more examples:<br /><br />If an outside defenders needs to step up and challenge an opposing overlapping midfielder, the central defender needs to pick up whoever the outside defender was marking. the other defenders need to recognize that movement and shift positions to provide cover. Playing with the off-side trap is probably the area of soccer requiring the highest level of synchronization. One of the outside defenders needs to take charge because they can have a view across the defensive line and communicate to all others to move up and get "in line". Central defenders would have to look to both sides constantly to organize the line - not possible.<br /><br />Midfielders need to know when to cover for each other when one or more are joining the attack. They need to be aware of where the gaps are when transitioning to defense. For example, if a central midfielder went deep for a shot and the opposing team transitions fast through the middle, then an outside midfielder may need to shift to the middle to cover.<br /><br />Strikers need to know when to make diagonal and crossover runs with each other to lose defenders. they need to know if they should flick a ball on to a sprinting team mate, or if they should play a diagonal ball wide for their partner making a diagonal run.<br /><br /><u><strong>Units Combining As a Team</strong><br /><strong></strong></u><br />The final step of integration is to get the three units combining with each other. For example, outside defenders can make runs all the way to the opposing end and cross the ball, acting as wingers. When that happens, a midfielder needs to be prepared to cover if the opponent breaks out quickly. Strikers may have to follow an aggressive opposing defender all the way into their own defending third in a situation when the other team is pressing hard. that may mean that on your team's next transition forward a midfielder takes that striker's role so that your whole team doesn't have to wait for the striker to move back up.<br /><br />There are endless examples and we only present a few to illustrate the concepts.<br /><br /><u><strong>Game Tactics</strong><br /><strong></strong></u><br />Bringing it all together in a game is what makes the difference. Players and coaches need tio work together in developing a game plan based on your team's abilities and the anticipated play of the opponent. Teams must be flexible and adaptable. If the original game plan doesn't work, the coaches and the players need to communicate "on the fly" to make adjustments. In really great teams, the players will do it on their own if the coach isn't seeing what they see. They need to change formations within a game, they need to change positions within their units and between units.<br /><br />Coaches and players need to be on the same page regarding the objectives. Do we need to score a goal or defend the current score?<br /><br />Teams that are better prepared tactically will win more games.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-35954749762085525942008-08-24T17:54:00.001-07:002008-08-24T17:54:55.613-07:00Winning Soccer Games - Technical SkillsToday we will start breaking down one of the four soccer building blocks identified in our last article - technical skills. Our focus is on out players at this time. Goalkeepers will be mentionned in a generic sense, although they deserve the same treatment in all four building blocks. We will deal with goalkeepers in detail in the future.<br />The key technical soccer skills are:<br /><br /><ul><li>ball receiving (ball control)</li><li>passing</li><li>dribbling (running with ball)</li><li>1v1 moves</li><li>shooting</li><li>heading</li><li>tackling</li><li>jockeying</li><li>goalkeeping (generic comment)</li></ul><p>Breaking these skills down further:</p><p></p><p>Ball Receiving:</p><ul><li>approach to ball (attacking ball, waiting for ball, running into space for ball, jumping for header)</li><li>first touch (stopping ball, directing ball for second touch to dribble, shoot or pass)</li><li>decision making (prior to receiving, decide what to do - this is a tie in to the mental fitness building block)</li><li>body position</li><li>part of body to be used</li></ul><p>Passing</p><ul><li>weight of pass (i.e. strength) appropriate to distance of target</li><li>direction</li><li>on ground/off ground</li><li>straight or bent</li><li>cross</li><li>to target or into space</li></ul><p>Dribbling</p><ul><li>keeping ball close to foot or pushing it ahead</li><li>speed</li><li>head up </li><li>parts of the foot (instep, outside, laces)</li></ul><p>1v1 Moves</p><ul><li>body fakes</li><li>direction</li><li>speed</li><li>deceleration going into move, acceleration coming out</li><li>change of direction or straight</li><li>type of move (stepover, scissors, cut back, Cruyff, etc., etc.) - each player should develop a couple</li></ul><p>Shooting</p><ul><li>picking target (look up before shot)</li><li>approach to ball (angle, backswing, hip rotation, striking ball, follow-through)</li><li>power (hard shot or more placed shot)</li><li>part of foot </li><li>low or high shot</li><li>straight shot or bending ball</li><li>dead ball or moving ball</li><li>left or right foot</li></ul><p>Heading</p><ul><li>approach to ball (jump, stand, dive, momentum generating arch-back)</li><li>part of head (forehead straight for power, side of forehead for direction)</li><li>target - high, low, straight, side</li></ul><p>Tackling</p><ul><li>angle of approach</li><li>standing tackle or slide tackle</li><li>eye on ball</li><li>timing of tackle </li></ul><p>Jockeying</p><ul><li>distance from player</li><li>angle</li><li>speed of movement</li><li>eye on ball</li></ul><p>Goalkeeping</p><ul><li>agility</li><li>flexibility</li><li>leg strength</li><li>vertical leap</li><li>reaction speed</li><li>reflex</li><li>diving position</li><li>ready position</li><li>communication</li><li>catching</li><li>foot saves</li><li>ball control</li></ul><p>How do all these tie in to winning games?</p><p>First, you need establish a benchmark for your team relative to age group and level of competition.</p><p>Each age group has a certain level of skill that players should be able to perform. For example, 6 year olds don't need to be able to do diving headers, 16 year olds do. Establish the level of skill expectation for your age group. How do you do this? Typically coaching certification programs will lay this out for you. Alternatively, research books and the internet. You can look at our coaching books and web site and the drills give you the expectation for each age group. Finally, you can travel in your area and observe games and practices to see what players are actually capable of.</p><p>You may want to make a chart for your team. List all skill areas of interest down the left hand column. The next two columns are labeled basic and advanced. The next columns have the names of your players. You now have a grid. Under the basic and advanced columns write in the level of performance for each skill. For example:</p><p>Short Pass (5-15 m)</p><p>Basic: within 30 cm of target, moderate difficulty for receiver to control.</p><p>Advanced: right on target, easy to control.</p><p>Then rate each player on a scale from 0 (cannot perform basic skill) to 10 (can perform at an advanced level consistently).</p><p>Then look at your results and see in which skill area your team is weak in total. </p><p>Now observe your competition and rate them.</p><p>You now know which skills your team needs to improve gainst the "absolute" benchmark and against the competition. They may not be the same. You now need to decide which gaps to fill first based on what you think will lead to the best improvement of your players, team in total, and competitive results. A suggestion is to start with those skills that rank below both the benchmark and the competition.</p><p>You will want to consider the linkage to the other three building blocks. For example if your 1v1 moves are weak, but your game approach is to play a fast/short passing game, you may not need to improve 1v1 moves a lot. We will deal with this linkage in future articles.<br /><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong></p><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-24890111437157011462008-07-29T13:29:00.000-07:002008-07-29T13:40:53.090-07:00Soccer Coaching - How To Win Games<p>We received a very simple question via e-mail from an interested soccer fan:<br /><br />How do teams like Real Madrid, Man U. win games?<br /><br />This soccer fan had researched everywhere and did not find an answer. So we asked ourselves: How do they win? Is there a secret recipe? Is there a magic formula?<br /><br />After some thought we decided that the four fundamental building blocks of soccer provide the answer. these blocks are:<br /><br />1. Technical Skills</p><p>2. Tactical Ability</p><p>3. Physical Fitness</p><p>4. Mental Fitness</p><p>We believe that the team, in any contest, that on that given day exhibits the better combination of those four areas will win the game. Yes, there is luck on occasion, but we believe that less than 5% of games are won by luck.</p><p>No team will ever deliver 100% in each of the four areas at any one time, so it is the relative strengths and the total combination that determines the outcome.</p><p>In future articles, we will examine in depth each of the four building blocks and how they work together. We will look at training to overcome specific weaknesses in your own team and how to react to the opponent, who may be better in some or all areas.</p><p></p><p>Stay tuned !!<br /></p><br /><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18408735.post-74151118564837777662008-06-30T09:01:00.000-07:002008-06-30T09:33:02.565-07:00Soccer Coaching Learnings From Euro 2008Now that Euro 2008 has ended with a desrving victor, Spain, it is useful to examine any new trends and learnings from the tournament. Our team at <a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/">http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/</a> <a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/"></a>watched and analyzed every single game of the tournament. Here are our observations:<br /><br /><strong>Formations</strong><br /><br />The trend away from the standard 4-4-2 continued to more teams playing with one striker, mostly in a 4-2-3-1, with the occasional 4-1-4-1. The idea is that the three offensive midfielders can alternate in the support of the lone striker and therefore create a more variable and unpredictable scoring threat. Germany is a key example of this with any of Ballack, Schweinsteiger or Podolski joining Klose in the final attacking plays. The downside is that if the opponent shuts down these midfielders, then the lone striker is a bit lost. Also, there can be a loss of variability because in a two striker system one of them often goes wide for a cross and doing so opens up the space in the middle. Finally, when opposing defenders have the ball and start playing out of the back, then one striker isn't always enough to pressurize the defense and not always did we see the offensive midfielders step up. They tended to focus on the opposing midfielders.<br /><br />The two defensive midfielders provide backing for the attacking midfielders during transition to defense, and have responsibility to start the attack from their own end.<br /><br />The 4-1-4-1 is mostly a response to the 4-2-3-1 putting a defensive midfielder to cover the central attacking midfielder from the 4-2-3-1.<br /><br />In our view, the system you choose depends on the ability of the players you have. What is important is that your team stays disciplined in all areas of the field, that the transition to defense and to offense works and that the attacking play is variable enough to cause problems for the opponent. We advocate that any team is capable of playing more than one system and is able to adjust in a game when the starting formation doesn't work.<br /><br /><strong>Tactics</strong><br /><p>The trend to minimize ball contacts continued. There was a lot of one touch and two touch soccer being played. It seemed like the more skilled the players, the less touches on the ball and the more quick passes. Exception being when they went into 1v1 situations. Some game statistics had over 600 passes per game. </p><p>One or two touch passing is not to be confused with tactics, however. Some teams played a lot of one touch passes in a slow build style, looking for opportunities for final penetrating passes or combinations into the scoring zones (Spain and Holland), we call this horizontal/vertical soccer. Other teams played as quickly as possible into the attacking third, we call this vertical soccer (Germany and Russia). Again, it is a matter of choice for the coach.</p><p>There was a general preference for quick transition play with the entire team moving fast. Almost all teams transitioned to defense very quickly, getting all players but one striker goalside as fast as possible. Transition to offense was equally fast, however the horizontal/vertical teams only broke fast on counter attack opportunities, otherwise they played the possession game. Vertical teams broke fast to the other half, no matter what.</p><p><strong>Skills</strong></p><p>overall ball skills are improving everywhere, and countries that had a lull in the 1990's are producing higher skilled players again, Germany being the prime example. Like aerobic training is the foundation for speed, so fundamental skills are the foundation for tactics. We always recommend, regardless of age of players, to train skills.</p><p>We offer soccer practice books that are up to date on all these development, check them out:</p><br /><p><strong><u>Our Practice Books And Resources</u></strong><br /><p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/kids.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Kids Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/youth.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Youth Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/comp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Competitive Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/goalie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Goalie Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/ind.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Indoor Soccer Drills & Practices</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/indexsystem.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Systems Of Play</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/fit.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Fitness Training</span></a> <p><a href="http://www.soccerpracticebooks.com/skills.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000066;">Soccer Skills Training</span></a></p><br /><br /><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-8251183933413492";
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 60;
google_ad_format = "468x60_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="";
google_color_border = "CCCCCC";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "000000";
google_color_url = "666666";
google_color_text = "333333";
//--></script>
<script type="text/javascript"
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>soccer coachinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00838667398026478101noreply@blogger.com1