Endurance Workouts
All exercises are dependant on age and experience – if you are under 10 then simply running around
doing what under 10’s do is enough workout for younger bodies.
Youth and Senior aged players – 14+ should be concentrating on more soccer specific exercises
to help build all muscle groups to be able to cope with the stresses and strains of the game.
Striking The Soccer Ball & Body Shape
There are many techniques and situations you can practice for in preparing to strike the ball and making sure your body
shape will allow for the shot – but none of these drills will prepare you more than experience itself – that is, doing it on the
pitch on match day.
The Importance Of Communication In Soccer
Recently, I saw a youth coach set up a 4v4 game with some under 6’s. Some of these kids were totally new to the game,
others had some experience.
Now, you know as well as I do that at this age it’s all about enjoying having a kick about. Nothing too serious or heavy
because that last thing we want to do is put of little ones by being too aggressive.
The coach, in all his wisdom, presumed that the kids understood football commands like ‘throw in’ and ‘free kick’.
Of course when the ball went out of play the kids all followed the ball as if nothing had happened and carried on whilst the
coach chased behind screaming ’stop!’ ’stop!’ ‘throw in!’ ‘throw in!’
Very amusing for the parents but you could see the coach was getting a bit aggravated. (more…)
A Trick From The Ancients….
Now this isn’t a trick in the ‘Zidane 360′ sense of the word but that
doesn’t mean it’s any less useful. Some would even say it’s easier
to master than the ‘360′!
The skill is called ‘Centering’. Have you heard of it?
It’s origin is more in tune with the teachings of the ancients than
modern football (soccer), however it’s a powerful tool that we can
use to develop focus at highly stressful points in the game - like
free kicks and penalties.
Inspirational Video (Turn your speakers up!)
(You have my permission to use, forward and play this to
your friends, players, fellow coaches and parents)
This is a popular topic that is resounding around many clubs.
Simply because its a very valid topic and one that is crucial to the performance and well being of our team, especially on matchday.
If I were to write a formula on Soccer Motivation it would be this:
GOOD PREPARATION + POSITIVE MENTAL AROUSAL = A TEAM WILLING TO PLAY FOR EACH OTHER AND WANTING TO SUCCEED COME WHAT MAY
Bit of a long winded ‘formula’ but I was never much use at maths! However I’m sure you get the picture.
Let’s disect that formula and also discover how to use the concepts of Motivation to create that positive mental state we want our players in just before the game.
Motivation can be used to get our players in the correct frame of mind, energise their performance and create a positive mind set. Obviously their is a lot of work that goes in before hand - the preparation - that supports your players mindset before matchday.
So lets get to the nitty gritty and find out how to motivate our players and how to use motivation on matchday. (more…)
Nigeria - 2007 World Cup Champions Before Kicking A Ball
An Example Of Self Believe and Self Confidence At The Highest Level And How You Too Can Harness That Same Power
The World Cup U-17’s Final brought a spectacular end to a breath taking tournament by worthy champions who had decided before they had even played a game that they were going to win the World Cup for the third time. This is possibly the ultimate form of self belief that you will see at any level of the game. But was this self belief just cocky game play, or over confident spin.
Self Control You -vs- You
It’s the biggest battle of all, bar none.
Sometimes the only person in the way of your success is you.
It’s a mind set that many of us have and one that needs adjusting to help us achieve the best we can. If we cannot gives ourselves the opportunity to excel, then I’m afraid no-one else will either. (more…)
There are a few things to consider when opting for a long range shot - you need vision, good technique and the ability to strike the ball cleanly, to mention a few. (more…)
Penalty Taking Tips From The Wolves Academy
These tips were kindly provided by Kevin Wilson, Coaching Development Officer, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club.
Penalty taking can be a daunting task and takes nerve and courage. To help you, Kevin has kindly provided some excellent tips to help you beat the keeper.
On the same note, any keepers reading this will also gain a good insight into what to expect from top penalty takers. (more…)