Coaching Soccer Weekly: Methods, Trends, Techniques and Tactics from WORLD CLASS COACHING: Recent Episodes
Tom Mura: Soccer Coach, Skills Director, Co-Owner WORLD CLASS COACHING and Blogger
Get an in-depth look at the methods, strategies and techniques used by a youth coach working full time with players of every age and skill level. This includes training plans, team management and planning ideas, latest trends in coaching and education, as well as interviews with other coaches and trainers that are on the cutting edge of soccer development.
In this episode
In this episode, we shift our focus to the indoor soccer season, providing a comprehensive preview of what lies ahead. From tactical considerations to player conditioning and mental preparation, we’ll explore the strategies and tips that will help you make the most of the indoor season. Whether you’re a coach, player, or soccer enthusiast, this episode equips you with the knowledge to excel in the unique challenges and opportunities that indoor soccer presents. Tune in for a head start on a successful indoor season. please contact me directly if you are interested in hosting the show. https://www.instagram.com/gladiatorsocceracademy/
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In this episode
In this episode, we turn our attention to the recent hiccups experienced by Manchester City, a team that has long been a powerhouse in world football. Delve into the analysis as we dissect the moments of decision-making that have led to two unexpected losses in the past weeks. We’ll examine the tactical and strategic aspects of these games, shedding light on what might be ailing this prominent club. Whether you’re a Manchester City fan, a soccer enthusiast, or a coach looking for lessons in overcoming setbacks, this episode provides valuable insights into the intricacies of the beautiful game. Join us for an in-depth discussion on what’s going wrong and how it can be set right for this top-tier team.
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In this episode
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the intriguing debate between coaching philosophies on the right wing and left wing of soccer development. On the right wing, we delve into the coach’s focus on individual player development, honing skills, and maximizing potential. On the left wing, it’s all about nurturing passing, teamwork, and collective understanding. Join us as we dissect the merits of both approaches, drawing insights from real-world examples and expert perspectives. Whether you lean towards player-centric coaching or team-oriented strategies, this episode aims to help coaches strike the ideal balance for holistic player growth and team success. Tune in to find your coaching philosophy sweet spot!
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In this episode
n this episode, we’re delving into the world of small-sided games with a focus on 4v4+4 and 3v3+3 Rondo drills. These drills are more than just fun; they’re a powerful tool for enhancing ball control, decision-making, and team cohesion. Join us as we explore the intricacies of these dynamic exercises, offering insights into how they can transform your team’s performance. Whether you’re a coach seeking innovative training methods or a player looking to sharpen your skills, this episode is your gateway to mastering the art of small-sided play. Get ready to elevate your game with 4v4+4 and 3v3+3 Rondo drills!
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In this episode
In this episode, we dive deep into the reason I decided to stop using line drills as a coach. Line drills have long been a staple in training sessions, but sometimes, change is necessary for growth. Join me as I discuss the factors that led to this crucial coaching shift. We’ll explore alternative training methods, player engagement, and the overall impact on skill development. Whether you’re a coach looking for fresh approaches or a player curious about training evolution, this episode sheds light on the rationale behind my decision and the benefits of breaking free from the line drill routine.
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In this episode
In this insightful episode, we delve into the art of coaching when faced with diverse skill levels within the same soccer session. Whether you have beginners taking their first steps on the pitch or advanced players honing their craft, finding the right balance can be a challenge. Join us as we explore strategies, drills, and coaching techniques to ensure that every player, regardless of their skill level, benefits from your sessions. From fostering a positive learning environment to tailoring exercises to individual needs, we’ll equip you with the tools to excel as a coach in these mixed-skill scenarios. Tune in to discover how to nurture growth, boost confidence, and create a unified team experience that leaves no player behind.
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In this episode
In this intriguing episode, I take on the role of a skeptic to delve into the world of the Law of Attraction in coaching. Join me as I approach this concept from a purely logical angle, aiming to decipher its true value in the realm of soccer coaching. We unravel the mysteries and misconceptions surrounding the Law of Attraction, seeking to understand if there’s any practical merit behind it. With an open mind and a commitment to logic, we explore how harnessing this phenomenon can potentially offer valuable insights, enhance problem-solving, and elevate coaching strategies. Tune in as we embark on this logical journey to uncover the hidden potentials within the Law of Attraction, allowing you to decide if it’s a tool worth exploring in your coaching endeavors.
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In this episode
In this episode I talk about the importance of using space between the lines when building out of the back. This is an important concept that teams can use to negate the threat of a counter attack. I also talk about some strategies that will help you control match games better. Join me as I discuss this controversial topic and leave your thoughts on the coaching soccer weekly Facebook group!
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In this episode In this episode, we delve into the tactical intricacies of soccer formations and the pivotal decision to shift from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3. Join me as I share insights on the strategic considerations that prompted this change, delving into the challenges and dynamics that arose with the 4-2-3-1 formation for my...
In this episode In this special episode, join us on a heartfelt journey as we return to Kansas, where memories and soccer tales intertwine. We share the experience of reconnecting with Tom, the former host of the show, and witnessing the vibrant Kansas Legends practice sessions. Coaching soccer mastermind Website! https://www.soccercoachingmastermind.com/ Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5657724124295969 Connect...
In this episode In this enlightening episode, we explore the strategic concept of going back to go forward in soccer, revealing the art of reverse passing and its impact on creating space and opportunities. Join us as we dissect how deliberately passing the ball backward can deceive defenders, open up passing lanes, and provide time...
In this episode In this exhilarating episode, we delve into the mesmerizing world of dribbling, dissecting the secrets behind Lionel Messi’s legendary prowess. Join us as we break down the nuances of Messi’s dribbling technique, agility, and close ball control. From the signature “La Pulga” style to the intricate footwork that leaves defenders in awe,...
In this episode in this exciting episode, we delve into the art of the Offside Trap and its strategic impact on the game of soccer. Join us as we explore how defenders work in unison to catch opponents offside, disrupting their attacking flow and creating opportunities to regain possession. Learn the intricacies of timing, positioning,...
In this episode In this enlightening episode, we dive into the strategic concept of the push press and its impact on defensive pressure in soccer. Join me as I unravel the intricacies of this tactical approach, where players on the weak side shift to replace those closer to the ball, actively engaging in pressing the...
In this episode In this captivating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of midfielders and explore the diverse roles they play on the soccer field. Join us as we uncover the secrets of midfield mastery and reveal the strategies behind connecting players, breaking lines, and attacking space. We analyze the unique attributes and responsibilities...
In this episode In this episode, we explore the intriguing world of tactical flexibility and delve into the signs that indicate it’s time to change your team’s formation. Join us as we discuss the strategic considerations, benefits, and challenges of adapting your formation to suit the needs of your players and maximize your team’s performance...
In this episode In this episode, we delve into the essential aspects of coaching that go beyond the X’s and O’s. Join us as we explore the power of effective communication in building strong player-coach relationships, strategies for creating a positive and inclusive team culture, and the value of self-reflection and continuous growth as a...
In this episode In this enlightening episode, we delve into the world of coaching and explore the undeniable advantages of copying and learning from other coaches. We discuss the power of observation, adaptation, and adopting successful coaching strategies from experienced mentors. Through engaging conversations and real-life examples, we uncover the valuable insights, fresh perspectives, and...
In this episode In this episode, we delve into the art of losing your defender off the ball in soccer. We explore various techniques and strategies that players can employ to create separation and gain a tactical advantage over their opponents. Through insightful discussions and practical insights, we provide valuable tips and drills to help...
In this episode
In this episode, we delve into the concept of a fixed mindset and its impact on player development in youth soccer. We explore the characteristics of a fixed mindset and its limitations in hindering growth and improvement. Through insightful discussions and practical strategies, we provide coaches, parents, and players with tools to recognize and overcome a fixed mindset, fostering a growth mindset that embraces challenges, persistence, and continuous learning
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In this episode
In this episode, we explore the concept of soccer IQ and its impact on player decision-making. We discuss strategies for coaches to develop players’ awareness, anticipation, and tactical understanding, enabling them to make effective decisions in game situations. Gain valuable insights on how to enhance players’ soccer intelligence and elevate their overall performance.
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In this episode
In episode 371, we dive into the art of designing practice sessions that deliver optimal results. Join me as I explore the different techniques I use to ensure that every practice session is purposeful, engaging, and productive for our players. This episode will equip you with the tools to create impactful and rewarding practice experiences.
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In this episode
In this episode, I reflect on my recent experience at a weekend festival with our U9-U11 soccer teams and share insights on how to keep your team motivated during halftime when they seem to have no energy left. oin me for a thought-provoking discussion on the art of motivating young players and learn practical strategies for keeping your team energized and ready to take on the game.
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In this episode
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating insights presented in Malcolm Gladwell’s book “The Outliers” and explore how they apply to youth soccer. From the 10,000-hour rule to the importance of a players birth month and access to resources, we examine the factors that contribute to success in soccer and how coaches, parents, and players can use these insights to improve their own performance. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how to cultivate a culture of excellence and unlock your full potential in soccer.
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In this episode
In this episode, we’ll be exploring the importance of mental toughness and resilience in youth soccer players. Soccer is not just a physical game, but also a mental one, and players who are mentally tough are better equipped to handle challenges, setbacks, and pressure on the field. We’ll discuss practical strategies for coaches to help their players develop mental toughness.
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In this episode
In this episode, we’ll be diving deep into the crucial aspect of defending in soccer. We’ll discuss techniques, strategies, and games to help players become better defenders, Whether you’re a coach, player, or parent looking to improve your understanding of defensive play, this episode will provide valuable insights and practical tips for mastering the art of defending in soccer. Join us as we unlock the secrets to becoming a solid, reliable defender on the field.
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In this episode
In this episode, we’ll discuss the fundamentals of the small-sided game of 2v2.. We’ll cover topics like spacing, movement, and decision-making, as well as some tips for coaching 2v2 effectively. This game is a great way to teach young players key concepts of attacking and defending, and can be adapted to suit players of all ages and skill levels.
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In this episode
In this episode, we’ll be discussing one of the most important aspects of coaching youth soccer: parent meetings. As a coach, communicating effectively with parents is key to creating a positive, supportive environment for your players. We’ll cover topics like setting expectations, addressing concerns, and fostering a collaborative relationship with parents. Whether you’re a new coach or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their communication with parents and create a successful, enjoyable season for all involved.
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In this episode
In this episode of Coaching Soccer Weekly, we discuss the many benefits of learning how to handle failure. From building resilience and problem-solving skills to fostering a growth mindset and encouraging risk-taking, there are many valuable skills that can be gained through experiencing and overcoming failure. By embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning, players can develop the mindset and skills needed to succeed both on and off the field.
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In this episode
In this week’s episode, I talk about the march break camp, and some new coaching points for my attack vs defence game
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In this Episode
In this week’s episode,I talk about the last two days of trip to Chelsea’s academy.
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In this week’s episode, I discuss my second day on my trip to Chelsea FC.
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In this week’s episode, I discuss my first day on my trip to Chelsea FC. I talk about my first impressions and the presentations on day one of the coaching experience.
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In this week’s episode, I discuss the importance of scanning the field, choosing the right opportunities, and taking action on the pitch, as well as sharing my thoughts on the Canadian women’s national team
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On this week’s show I discuss a question on positions from our Facebook group. I also talk about a new session that I created to help our players in positional play.
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https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.comVeo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1Techne Apphttps://www.technefutbol.com/Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbolInstagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time, strength, and more.Special Coaching soccer weekly link: https://www.blazepod.com/segev-rabinoviz
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https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.comVeo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1Techne Apphttps://www.technefutbol.com/Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbolInstagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time, strength, and more.Special Coaching soccer weekly link: https://www.blazepod.com/segev-rabinoviz
On this week’s episode, I discuss The 5 Different ways of Creating Separation as outlined by Marcelo Bielsa
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https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.comVeo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1Techne Apphttps://www.technefutbol.com/Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbolInstagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time, strength, and more.Special Coaching soccer weekly link: https://www.blazepod.com/segev-rabinoviz
Great to be back! On this week’s episode, I discuss what we did on our first week back along with answering some questions and answers from the listeners. I also talk about an interesting new soccer league in Spain
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Great to be back! On this week’s episode, I discuss 5 reflections from the past year and provide my thoughts on them
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https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.comVeo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1Techne Apphttps://www.technefutbol.com/Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbolInstagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time, strength, and more.Special Coaching soccer weekly link: https://www.blazepod.com/segev-rabinoviz
In this week’s show, I discuss the France vs England game. I also talk about how I am focusing on marketing for my soccer academy and share some free tools that you can use. Lastly, I talk about the significance of horizontal lines in soccer and how you can adapt this to your training philosophy and tactics. . Tune in to learn more!
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https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.comVeo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1Techne Apphttps://www.technefutbol.com/Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbolInstagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time, strength, and more.Special Coaching soccer weekly link: https://www.blazepod.com/segev-rabinoviz
In this week’s show, I talk about my weekend games. During those games, I played against an opponent that changed my mind about the way our 9v9 play. In this week’s show I go into detail about the 3-2-2-1
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https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.comVeo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1Techne Apphttps://www.technefutbol.com/Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbolInstagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time, strength, and more.Special Coaching soccer weekly link: https://www.blazepod.com/segev-rabinoviz
In this week’s show, I explain how I run my 4v4 activity. I talk about the offensive and defensive coaching points that I make for our players.
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https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.comVeo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1Techne Apphttps://www.technefutbol.com/Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbolInstagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination, reaction time, strength, and more.Special Coaching soccer weekly link: https://www.blazepod.com/segev-rabinoviz
In this week’s show, I answer some questions I got from listeners. I also talk about the world cup and the trends that I am noticing with some of the most successful teams. Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5657724124295969 Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Veo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch,...
After a difficult weekend of games, I noticed some real issues with the way our teams play. As a result, we have decided to change the way that we train and on this week’s show I talk about the new changes Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/5657724124295969 Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Veo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly 1v1 PDF...
In this week’s show, I discuss some questions I got from listeners. The first, leads me into a discussion about something that I am going through at the academy which I compare to something called the red herring fallacy. In the second, I talk about how I prepare my teams for penalty kicks. Facebook group!...
In this week’s show, I talk about the importance of players in different half spaces along with a new phrase I use for Defending. I also created a facebook group as a way for listeners to interact and share their knowledge https://www.facebook.com/groups/5657724124295969 Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo ...
In this week’s show, I talk about a cool new way to assign value to players during the game. No matter if you are working on development, trying to win, or even just finding the best player for a specific position, this is a tool that you can pull out when you really need to...
In this week’s show, I talk about how to spot defensive changes during the game. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://go.veo.co/lp/coaching-soccer-weekly Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an...
In this week’s show, I talk about the tactics of what to do if one of your players gets red-carded. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Blazepod BlazePod is a...
In this week’s show, I talk about how I ran my yearly season parent meeting. I share what did and why it is important Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10...
In this week’s show, I talk about the importance of creativity off the ball. I talk about third-man runs and give multiple examples of how to use them and create them. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram:...
In this week’s show, I start by reviewing this past weekend’s games. I noticed there was an issue of player trust on the field and address why I thin that is along with something that happened in training that had me thinking about the false 9 in a 7v7 formation. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/...
In this week’s show, I speak to Jono Callaghan. In the episode, we talk about the youth soccer landscape in the USA and we also talk about Veo and all the amazing new things they are doing. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne...
In this week’s show, I talk about Fridays session which was one of the best sessions I’ve ever run. I talk about the Manchester United vs Arsenal game. Lastly I talk about something that recently reminded me why I love 1v1 so much Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1...
In this week’s show, I reflect on the summer season and talk about three different things that are important to me as an academy owner. I reflect on the camp, our practices, and our games. I also look forward and talk about what my teams will be doing in the indoor season. Connect with me!...
This weeks episode is short but super important. So much of what we see in the media today is all about being perfect. In reality, the opposite could not be more true. In this weeks show, I share a very important message that took me a while to understand Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email:...
In this episode, I talk about a new addition to shark attack. I provide an easy tip for those smelly soccer shoes we all have and lastly I address the big issue I think is negatively affecting youth soccer. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code:...
One of the most important things I do with my players is to allow them to explore. In this week’s show, I talk about why that has such a powerful impact on the player’s future development. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App...
This week our teams didn’t have a game. As a result, we focused on shooting, 1v1 and 4v4’s. I talk about a new game that I am using with my young players. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol...
In this episode, I review last week’s games and talk about how we implement new moves in our academy. This week, I am using the half game to teach our players the concept of switching the ball. I talk about some of the changes I made to the half game and how to implement them to...
In this episode, I review this weekend’s games, talk about some new details when teaching my players to shoot and lastly, I talk about how I use both a 4v4+3 and a 4v4+4 to help teach our players their roles on the field. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1...
In this episode, I talk about the CWNT and their qualification for the world cup. I talk about how I teach my players how to move in their formation and a new way I am teaching my players the proper shooting technique. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo ...
In this episode, I talk about my experience this week running the soccer program at a local summer camp. I also share a message about how I like to teach my players about the importance of taking responsibility. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100...
In this episode, I interview Jeff Lowdermilk, who coaches at Braden River SC and has a USSF C license. He shares with me how he uses auditory teachings to help his players understand his tactics. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/...
In this episode, I interview Andrew Clifton host of the coaching inside the box podcast. We talk about shooting and 2v2. Andrew talks about his club’s unique training techniques and provides coaches with great coaching tips! Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App...
In this episode, I talk about this past weekend’s games, and go into detail on what I do with our very youngest players ages 5 and 6 years olds. I also share a session I am doing that is helping my players understand how to defend the ball from crosses. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/...
In this episode, I talk about this past weekend’s games. I have started using veo in a new way to help do some marketing for my academy and I share how I use Veo along with a free marketing tool to help showcase my players. I have made some changes to the 4v4+4 to reflect...
In this week’s episode, I talk about the mistake I made when teaching our players how to build from the back in our 9v9 system. I talk about the new building out of the back format and the activity I am using to teach this to our players. I talk about how to teach players...
In this week’s episode I talk about the key points I am implementing to build a defensive structure with my teams. I talk about the difference with attacking and defending formations and what you should think about during the transitional moments in the game. UEFA course https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/6962/scottish-fa-uefa-c-licence-brochure.pdf https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football-development/coaching/find-a-course/ Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email:...
In this week’s episode, I share my experience at a recent seminar that was hosted by Bev Prestman and Bob Bradley. This weekend I also had a really unique experience at the TFC game that I am excited to talk about. Lastly, I talk about the role of the defenders on my team as quarterbacks...
With the outdoor season starting and my team’s transition into 9v9 I talk about how I approach coming up with a new formation. I go into extreme detail on the 4-3-1 formation and I want my players to move off the ball along with where I want my teams to attack. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw...
In this episode, I continue to focus on keeping possession in the opponent’s half. After watching how the players reacted to the change from indoor to outdoor I made some adjustments to make last week’s session more fun and engaging. If you are a North American coach and have recently taken a EUFA course I would love to hear...
In this episode, I talk about the parents meeting I ran this week, a course I took online, getting ready from 9v9, and my new philosophy on building from the back vs playing in the opponent’s half Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/...
In this episode, I talk about my frustrations with the meeting held by Ontario soccer regarding a new club licensing program and the click bait associated with rondos Veo Ontario soccer meeting – best players don’t develop in these fancy environments The big trap – rondo Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF...
In this episode, I talk about the next step that I am taking with my players. I also talk about what I would do if I would move to a new city to make full time income as a soccer coach. Veo Weekend games Canada soccer The next step 4v3 2v2 Connect with me!...
In this episode, I talk about the importance of using the ball as a tool to distract the opponent. I also talk about how to use this distraction to penetrate through defensive lines and move up the field. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com 1v1 PDF and Video https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1186608942/1v1-game-with-video-and-pdf?click_key=edfb442690a39aae47be3e460d3767b94a4d10b2%3A1186608942&click_sum=ce8b53b7&ref=shop_home_feat_1 Veo https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/...
In this episode, I talk about my upcoming March break camp. I break down how I am going to run my camp and share activity ideas for each topic. I will be away next week, but I will report how my camp went in a couple of weeks time. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email:...
In this week’s episode, I talk about our team’s struggles to build from the back. In the game I noticed our players making small mistakes which has prevented us from building out of the back consistently. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com https://event.veo.co/ Veo Code: CSW100
In this week’s episode, I talk about a new activity I am using with my player to develop their Attacking decision-making. This Activity is a great way to teach players what they should be scanning for before making a decision Link to download Session PDF https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1170143928/ready-to-print-3v3-ssg-game-csw-episode?ref=listings_manager_grid Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com
In this week’s episode, I talk about a cool new way I am teaching our players how to shoot. I also talk about how I started my academy and all the different challenges that I faced. For any listeners who are thinking about starting their own academy, this is a must-listen!
In This weeks show: Possession is a large part of my training philosophy and during our most recent game I’ve noticed some common issues my teams are having. This week I talk about those little details that make a large difference for a team that wants to keep to possession. I also talk about what...
In this Episode: Lockdown – over Training this week Games coming up Canada vs USA Stats XG and PPDA Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10
In this Episode Lockdown Canada vs Honduras Broadcast 3 scissors Style of play No way out/ can’t see a pass/close is The pace of the game Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code:...
In this Episode United soccer coaches convention Watching Liverpool vs arsenal Watching Liverpool vs Brentford 3-0, 1st goal turnover, second goal uncrowded box, third goal turn over Manchester city difference in half-space and wide area Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch,...
In this Episode Back online till Jan 26 What soccer really means to me Don’t let coaching get in the way of development Fun 4 cone game Working on the final third Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch,...
In this Episode No games this weekend strength training on Monday – When we should start to think about the counter-attack Too late if they already have it Think about it when you have the ball where do you most lose the ball two points strong side and weak side Center midfield awareness Connect with...
In this week’s episode, I share part two of my interview Anson Dorrance. Anson is Current UNC women’s Hall of fame coach Anson Dorrance, 22-time national champion, 8-time national coach of the year, 10 time ACC Coach of the year, 1991 US women’s world cup winning team, Podcast host – vision of a champion, Author....
In this week’s episode, I interview Anson Dorrance. Anson is Current UNC women’s Hall of fame coach Anson Dorrance, 22-time national champion, 8-time national coach of the year, 10 time ACC Coach of the year, 1991 US women’s world cup winning team, Podcast host – vision of a champion, Author. We talk about player development,...
In this week’s episode, I talk about my past weeks game, What we’re doing for our new goalkeeper training, and the 4v4+3 session In this Episode Lose your Defender – check-in, check out , check your shoulder, passing lane If player is tight space is behind Transition – get in your shape with speed switching...
In this week’s episode, I talk about Canada vs Mexico and talk about some of the small things you should do to create a possession style with your team. Canada vs Mexico Need a safety net usually in the back Overload the back to keep possession in case you get in trouble Space From defenders...
In this week’s episode I reflect on last week’s game and what I did to change our tactics to fit our playing philosophy. I talk about what I did during the week to get us ready for this weekend including a new Rondo game that we did. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Coaching...
In this episode, I am so happy to be joined by Tom Mura. Tom was the original host of the show and has had a large impact on so many coaches’ development over the years. It was a real honour to speak to him and catch up on how his year has gone since leaving the...
In this episode, I talk about what I do with my teams to build a press and more importantly how I build a defensive structure for my team. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo...
In this episode, I reflect on the recent course I took called Keeping girls in sport. I also talk about a new way I teach my players to protect themselves and some changes I made to 1v1 training. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10%...
In this episode I interview Johnny Carter who operates the Copa Training center, A unique technologically advanced soccer center. COPA | Comprehensive Objective Performance Analysis www.COPAstc.com @copastc @officialspeedlab COPA Wondo Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcvm-zlqhao COPA Cube Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQWXTByrzig COPA Speed Lab- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmMzwkO3p0w COPA Double SpeedCourt Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BvWmhq1nGw Jonny Carter Head of Curriculum & Coach Development COPA Soccer Training Center JonnyC@COPAstc.com...
In this episode, I speak about different strategies on how to effectively use your voice during a session. I break it down into three different categories and go into detail about when it is appropriate to use each one. Speed Volume Tone Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol...
In this Episode What are triggers Moments in the game that prompt an action Defensive phase Pressing Example when the opponent controls the ball badly When the forward cuts off a passing lane into the middle of the field When to tackle in 1v1 When the opponent makes a mistake Offensive phase How to move...
Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility,...
In this episode, I talk about Yesterday game, share my thoughts on the outdoor season, introduce what I will be focusing on in the indoor season and lastly I talk about how to dictate the speed of the game. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol...
In this episode, I talk about Yesterday game, when its time to move on to different 1v1 moves with my team, the Ontario soccer Town meeting I had, my Rise garden and everything you need to know about Inverted full-backs Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch,...
IIn this episode I talk about my unique experience in last night’s game, talk a little Can vs USA, and I break down how I play against teams that are physically stronger than my players. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code:...
In this episode I talk about this past week’s game, going to the Canada vs Honduras game and I share what I noticed was the secret to Manchester city’s Final third success over the years. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code:...
In this episode, In this episode, I talk about an exciting new warm-up game that I use with my players. I talk about three points that I use that are super important to making this game really effective with my players. Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram:...
In this episode, I interview Andy Barney. Andy is the owner of the Kansas City legends club and my former coach. His unique coaching style has had a big influence on me and I am excited to have him on the show to explain his coaching philosophy. Connect with Andy! Coaching resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGEsHshsOgc&list=PLZn5kCxF_DPUWsYX41ph7MxTuvefhaIea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkYQGJp9YCU&list=PLZn5kCxF_DPUKxJFeoHloxl7hDS8kZCqS&index=3 Andy’s...
In this episode, I interview Andy Barney. Andy is the owner of the Kansas City legends club and my former coach. His unique coaching style has had a big influence on me and I am excited to have him on the show to explain his coaching philosophy. Connect with Andy! Coaching resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGEsHshsOgc&list=PLZn5kCxF_DPUWsYX41ph7MxTuvefhaIea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkYQGJp9YCU&list=PLZn5kCxF_DPUKxJFeoHloxl7hDS8kZCqS&index=3 Andy’s...
On the show this week Recap of the friendly games last weekend Hot Topic: Olympic women soccer How to build a Tactical defending activity Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Blazepod BlazePod...
On the show this week Recap of the friendly games last weekend Hot Topic: The importance of Switching the ball The four parts of building a tactical rondo Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo...
On the show this week Recap of the friendly games last weekend Hot Topic: House league The bears and Bees game Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based...
On the show this week Recap of the friendly games this weekend Question about U5 and U6 game ideas An activity to help your players learn how to Build out of the bac Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/...
Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination,...
Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Blazepod BlazePod is a smart light-based reflex training system that brings an element of competition to your workouts, offering a fun way to improve your agility, balance, coordination,...
Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Connect with me! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Today I’m joined by Kevin Grogan who grew up playing in Ireland and for Manchester united academy. During his career, Kevin also played for his country and represented...
Techne App https://www.technefutbol.com/ Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol 10% off Promo Code: COACHINGSOCCERWEEKLY10 Coaching Gear https://www.avantisports.net/ 10% 0ff Promo Code: CSW21 Intro Today I’m joined by Yael Averbuch . Yeal is a two time NCAA Women’s College Cup champion, USA national team member, played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and also founder of techne....
Sponsors: Twitter: Yael_Averbuch, TechneFutbol Instagram: yaelaverbuch, technefutbol technefutbol.com Guest Website: amydirkssportsnutrition.com or amydirkssn.com Instagram; amydirkssn Facebook is the same. Soccer Today; amy@soccertoday.com Segev Rabinoviz Social Media ► Don’t forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw ►Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Intro Today I’m joined by Amy Dirks. Amy is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Personal...
Website: amydirkssportsnutrition.com or amydirkssn.com Instagram; amydirkssn Facebook is the same. Soccer Today; amy@soccertoday.com Segev Rabinoviz Social Media ► Don’t forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw ►Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Intro Today I’m joined by Amy Dirks. Amy is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer. Former MLS’ Sporting Kansas City sports performance...
Segev Rabinoviz Social Media ► Don’t forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw ►Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Intro This week I am excited to talk about one of my favourite exercises. I use Rondos in every one of practice and today I share my thoughts on what they are, some common misconceptions, and how to use...
Segev Rabinoviz Social Media ► Don’t forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw ►Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ Intro This week I am excited to talk about all the different resources that I use to constantly improve my coaching. From youtube channels to courses to other great podcast this is an...
Segev Rabinoviz Social Media ► Don’t forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw ►Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ John Fisher Social media ►YouTube: www.YouTube.com/YPTusa ►Website: www.YPTusa.com ►Email: info@YPTusa.com Intro Welcome back to coaching soccer weekly presented by World Class coaching. I’m really excited for this episode today, I got to share part two of the interview from last week. And...
► Don’t forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw ►Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ John Fisher Social media ►YouTube: www.YouTube.com/YPTusa ►Website: www.YPTusa.com ►Email: info@YPTusa.com INTRO Entertaining educational and inspiring content to help make you a more effective player, coach, or soccer parent. Hello, and welcome back to coaching soccer weekly presented by World Class coaching. Well, things aren’t much better...
► Don’t forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw ►Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ INTRO Entertaining educational and inspiring content to help make you a more effective player, coach, or soccer parent. Hello, and welcome back to coaching soccer weekly presented by World Class coaching. I hope you liked the new intro song, it took me...
► Don’t forget to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEbnehX2jFfYOmzEJkvwQw ►Connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/segevrabinoviz/ ► Email: Segev.rabinoviz@gmail.com INTRO Coaching soccer weekly Episode 271 entertaining educational and inspiring content to help make you a more effective coach. Hello and welcome back to coaching soccer weekly presented by World Class coaching. My name is Segev Rabinoviz. And this is...
Last weekend I had three of my teams in a tournament. It was a cold and windy weekend in Kansas. All of the teams played well and make some good progress over the course of the weekend. There were a couple of really good stories that came out of the weekend. I share one about...
Our spring break is spread over two weekends so two weeks ago I had only two games two weeks ago and none last weekend. It was good timing though because I’ve been putting the final preparation for our recreational league. That means counting jerseys and doing the schedule. The schedule took about 10 hours spread...
All of my teams played at least one game last weekend. It’s great to get back to outdoor soccer on a regular basis now. After a couple of weeks of training the kids are back in the flow again as well. Our weekly training now consists of a Technical Training Day and a Team Training...
It’s great to get back outside for the start of the spring league season. My first game of the spring wasn’t even with my own team. I covered for another coach who had a conflict. It’s always difficult to step in as the coach of a team you haven’t worked with before. They don’t know...
With no games last weekend I had time to complete the individual player and parent meetings for my high school girls team. They’re all freshman and sophomores getting ready to start high school tryouts. We discussed their feelings about the year, expectations for high school, interest in college soccer and plans for next year. It’s...
We finished up our Futsal season last weekend with the US Youth Futsal Regional Tournament. It was a patch-work event because teams dropped out last minute due to a winter storm coming through. Then some left early because they were afraid they wouldn’t be able to get home on Sunday. We should have been playing...
I find myself apologizing for missing an episode again last week. My hectic schedule got away from me again last week and I just didn’t have the time I needed to put the episode together. I had to use that time to review D License assignments and provide feedback. Our recreational league is also in...
I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to post an episode last week. It was a crazy week and with everything going on I just didn’t have the time to finish the episode and get it posted. I lead two virtual meetings for the D License course that I’m an instructor for. The rec season organizational...
It was an easy weekend of Futsal for me last week. I only had seven games (seems like more when I say it like that). Three on Saturday and four on Sunday. At this point in the season my players have hit their stride with Futsal; they all understand what we’re trying to do and...
It was nice to have a break over the holidays. Although it was a strange time since we couldn’t see our extended family in person. We kept it to just my wife and children. That’s not the way we wanted it to be but it was the most responsible decision under the circumstances. It was...
Last weekend I coached 18 Futsal games from Friday to Sunday. That made for a long weekend for me but it was great for the teams to get a chance to play four games each in one weekend. There is no better way to start the season than we a bunch of games one after...
I had a fun weekend with my two older teams playing the last of their outdoor games for a while. The 2009’s won one and lost two competitive games in another 2007 division. more important than the score, they played really well. They struggled a bit to score but that’s to be expected against the...
After a very hectic fall season it was great to have break over the Thanksgiving week. As with everything in 2020, the holiday week was very different from the way it usually is. My extended family usually spends a lot of time together over this period but that wasn’t possible this year so I had...
The boys divisions of the final tournament of the fall were held last weekend so I didn’t have any games on my calendar. For me the weekend was packed with home projects that have been neglected during the busy fall season. The one soccer activity I did have was the process of putting together my...
Well, We had a tough three games in State Cup last weekend. The level of competition and athleticism was just two much for us. We didn’t help ourselves with some unforced errors that cost us goals at key points in the game. We also didn’t create as many chances as we needed to in order...
My schedule has really slowed down in the last couple of weeks. The end of the fall always brings with it a much more relaxed pace. I’m grateful that we were able to complete our season. That was definitely not guaranteed when we started back in August. This weekend is State Cup for my 2005’s....
Last weekend should have been State Cup for my 2005 but it was moved to the November because the facility that was supposed to host it was closed to all non-professional sports. I had blocked out the whole weekend for my other teams so they didn’t have any games scheduled. We ended up moving a...
One of the benefits of coaching as many teams as I do is that I see just about every situation you can imagine. Last weekend I had eight games from Friday through Sunday. Two games Friday, two Saturday and 4 on Sunday. Today I thought I’d pull out one takeaway that I had from each...
Two weeks ago three of my teams participated in a tournament. That meant that I had 10 games from Friday to Sunday. It’s not a huge physical challenge to coach 10 games in a weekend. But it is a mental challenge because you’re focused and intense for each of those games. It can be an...
I had a pretty easy schedule last weekend. With just four games over three days. One game on Friday and Saturday as well as two more on Sunday. That’s almost a weekend off by my usual standards. One of the games was on a grass field. It’s the first game I’ve had on grass in...
What is it about round numbers that make them more meaningful to us? Getting to 200 episodes was huge and now 250 seems like another milestone. I suppose it is but I’m looking at it as being halfway to 500. That’s my goal at the moment. I had two teams in a tournament over the...
My teams were back to a full schedule of games last weekend. On Friday evening my U12 goalkeeper broke her hip taking a goal kick. It was the strangest injury I’ve ever seen. I watched the replay on the Veo recording and it look like it happened when she landed on her right foot after...
The season started quickly and we’ve packed a lot into the first six weeks. When I was planning the season I decided that Labor Day weekend would be a good one to take off for all of my teams. The break would be just as important for me as it for the players. Getting the...
As I write this post it’s Thursday evening which marks the end of another week of training for me and my teams. I feel very fortunate to be able to train with my teams on the field because I know where are some places in the U.S. that haven’t been able to start their fall...
I’ve been focusing my teams on a few key areas at the beginning of this season. Our attacking focus has been on finding 1v1’s, 2v1’s and through balls. I think you can break down just about every attacking situation into one of these. I want the players to have a plan BEFORE they have the...
We had our first 11 v 11 games of the year. Two teams played in the preseason tournament. The first is a 2009 team that’s playing up with the 2008’s. These were their first games in the larger format. Luckily we were scheduled on one of the smaller full sized fields in the area. This...
Last weekend my teams were finally able to get back on the field and play games. My youngest two teams played three games each as a way to get a jump start on the season. There was definitely a lot of rust but they both played better and better throughout the weekend so it was...
Tonight was the end of my first week of training with my teams. My schedule is a bit crazy this fall. I’m at the fields every night until 9 pm expect Thursdays when I come home to record the podcast. Being on the field for three to five hours every night is going to take...
This was my last week of ‘Summer Training’. It’s been great to get the players back out on the field. I thought it was important to do something this summer to get them started. These sessions have also turned into a bit of a Pre Season for my teams. They gave the players a chance...
I’ve just finished my third week of ‘Social Distancing Practice’. To be honest, I’m really missing high fives and pats on the shoulder. I didn’t realize how much those simple acts helped me connect with players. Nothing can really replace those. We tried, ‘foot fives’ but those seem awkward and forced. It may not happen...
I’m sorry there wasn’t a podcast last week. I’d forgotten that it was the Fourth of July holiday. With family in town I didn’t have time to put the episode together. With everyday seeming like the day before I’d really lost track of where we are on the calendar.It was great to have a bit...
Our tryouts were last Friday. I don’t know of any coaches, players or parents who enjoy the necessary process of tryouts. Everything has been different this year and the same can be said for tryouts. We only had new players attending so there were a few times when there were only had slightly more players...
Well my voice is coming back slowly but it wasn’t helped by having Pre-Tryout Camp this week. It’s a four day camp that helps prepare new players to our club for tryouts and gives current players a chance to get together after not playing for a while. Our tryouts are tomorrow. None of our current...
I’ve been really struggling with my voice (as you’ll hear in this episode) so I decided save the Social Distance Training Session for another week. I have uploaded the printable show notes with all of the diagrams and descriptions of the activities to our Patreon site so that Members can view it or download. I’ll...
This week was the start of our tryout process for the 2020-21 season. We started by contacting parents and finding out if they were planning to return to the club and let them know what tryouts would look like this year. Since we decided not to move players down this summer, only up, then they...
Last weekend was Memorial Day weekend. This is the first time in years I wasn’t in Chicago. With soccer being on hold I actually forgot that it was coming up. Who looks at a calendar anymore. I had planned for my teams to play in a local tournament and stay home anyway but I always...
The discussion I’ll share this week is pretty long, like last week, so I’ll give you a quick update and then get right into the conversation. I feel that my players are experiencing a lot of, ‘At Home’ training fatigue. It’s only natural since they’ve been stuck at home for two month without a chance...
We have a pretty long conversation that I want to share with you about VAR today so I’ll just give you a short recap of my week and skip our usually Q & A. My team meetings followed the same format we’ve been using. We reviewed the players progress on the Techne App and our...
One week is looking a lot like the last these days; lots of Zoom meetings with teams and coaches as well as a constant stream of webinars. I can feel my players starting to get a bit tired of isolated training at home. I’m trying to do everything I can to switch things up and...
It’s week six of, ‘Soccer Coaching through Social Distancing’. I don’t have any practices or games to tell you about so I’ll let you know how my team meetings went this week. We continue to use the Techne Futbol app for skill training and Flipgrid.com to complete assignments and share videos. These have been great...
Welcome to Week Five of Coaching at Home! This week my son and I build a new computer because my old one just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I’ve heard this described as, “Adult Legos”. It was a bit cheaper and more specific to my needs to build it rather than buying one off the shelf....
In the fourth week away from training I’m starting to get into a routine. On Mondays and Tuesday’s meeting with my teams over Zoom. It gives us a chance to all see each other and interact. We go over our progress with the Techne Futbol app and discuss any issue or questions as well as...
We’re now into the second full week of the ‘Stay at Home’ order in Kansas. I wish that more people were following it strictly. I’m seeing too many people on the news that are just acting as if nothing is out of the ordinary. Kansas hasn’t seen the huge spike in cases and deaths that...
This is the first full week of the ‘Stay at Home’ order in Kansas. The schools are out for the spring, the league has been delayed until the end of April and now everyone has been asked to keep their distance if they have to be in public. I think I’ve been every bit as...
Well, I can safely say that it’s been the weirdest week I’ve ever had during a spring season. Things seemed to be changing by the hour not just by the day. At the end of my intro last week I said that I hoped to be back on the field in two weeks. Now it’s...
My games last weekend were really a tale of two entirely different days. On Saturday my teams played well and were very successful. Part of that could have been due to the fact that we played teams that were were just better than. On Sunday the games were very challenging. Especially the game with my...
It was great to get back to outdoor games last weekend. I was curious to see how the teams transitioned back to the outdoor game. Each team had a slightly different reaction. My youngest team that plays 7v7 didn’t really have an issues. They seemed to pick up right were they left off but with...
This is the 5th Anniversary of the CSW Podcast! It’s hard to believe I’ve recorded 223 episodes that have been downloaded more than 1.6 million times. I really appreciate everyone who listens, contributes or spreads the word about the show. THANKS! Last weekend we had our last Futsal games of the winter. It was weird...
The Futsal Nationals took place in Gardner Kansas last weekend. I had two teams competing. One team missed out on the semi-final due to a close loss in their third game. The other team reached the final but lost on penalty kicks. I go into detail about the weekend in this episode. It was a...
I continued to focus on defending with my teams this week. With the younger teams it was more about individual defending while the older teams worked on defending as a team in preparation for the US Youth Futsal Nationals this weekend. During the session I wondered if I might be spending too much time on...
The last two weeks have been crazy; I finish the second meeting for the Grassroots Instructor’s License Wednesday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. The first meeting back in November covered the course content for the Grassroots In-Person Courses (4v4 through 11v11). The second meeting was focused on presenting the D License Course. The D is like...
Last weekend we had the U.S. Youth Futsal Central Regional Championship. It was a long weekend with all four of my teams participating. Two of the teams were actually playing up an age group while the other two played with teams their own age. The teams played up because they won’t have been challenged in...
I’ve been working through some issues I’ve had with the audio quality of the podcast for the last few weeks. I’d appreciate it if you would leave a comment below if you’ve noticed a problem in previous episodes and if it’s been resolved in this one. If you haven’t noticed a issue then I’d like...
My family and I enjoyed a great winter break. We went to Glenwood Springs, Colorado to ski at Sunlight Mountain. If you’re a skier in the U.S. and haven’t visited Sunlight you’re missing one of the best kept secrets in Colorado. It’s especially great for families. It’s inexpensive and consolidated in one area so it’s...
Last weekend was set to be a normal winter Futsal weekend. I had seven games on Saturday and I was all set for another five on Sunday. Overnight a storm came in and by 9 am it was obvious that it wouldn’t be a good idea for anyone to be traveling if they didn’t have...
I’m into the flow of Futsal practices and games at this point. My teams are training less during the week but the weekends are crazing because most of my teams are split into two teams for the league. This gives them more playing time but that means more games for me. It’s worth it though....
I really enjoyed the weekend off for Thanksgiving. Lots of time for family, friends, food and football (mostly American Football). The week before my teams started their Futsal season. I never know what to expect on that first weekend of Futsal but the teams all played really well and made a much quicker transition than...
I had last weekend completely off. No games! I always take the first weekend of the futsal season off. This provides a welcome break between the outdoor and indoor seasons. It also gives me one more week of practice with my teams before we play our first futsal games. For the first two weeks of...
Since I didn’t have a podcast last week I have to catch you up on what I’ve been up to. Two weeks ago I had my last outdoor tournament of the fall. Two teams played in the tournament and it was a great way to wrap up the season. I go into all of the...
With only one game last weekend it left me with a lot of time on my hands. Saturday consisted of work around the house to get it ready for the winter (which seems to have started already!). My game on Sunday was at 8 am but first I decided to get up early and watch...
Last weekend was a busy one; I had six games between my four teams. The results were 3-2-1. The interesting thing was that the teams were 1-1-1 on Sunday and I LOVED the performance of my teams in every game. My approach was different with each group but I think it really matched with what...
Thanks to an email from listener Kevin I discovered how to allow iTunes to include up to 300 podcast episodes in the feed. I’ve made that adjustment so we have a couple of years before we have to worry about older episodes dropping off of the feed. Thanks Kevin! I don’t usually use guest players...
I followed up the out of town tournament two weeks ago with an in-town tournament last weekend with two different teams. One team played their own age group and the other was playing up. They both faced some good competition and didn’t end up making the finals but they both had great experiences that will...
I took one team to a tournament in St. Louis last weekend. This was my first trip to St. Louis in many years. In the past they just didn’t have the same quality of fields that we could find by staying closer to home. The teams have always been very competitive but I just never...
It was a crazy wet weekend. I know this podcast sometimes sounds like a weather report but it has such an impact on the game and my coaching that it’s an important factor. You can listen to the episode for the details. I’m continuing to experiment with not coaching during running play. I think it’s...
It was another hot weekend on the soccer fields. I’m hoping that it was the last weekend we’ll have like this before we start to get some relief. I really enjoy the fall season so I’m looking forward to some cooler temps. It also makes it a lot easier on the players. Three out of...
Last weekend I only had one game for each of my teams! It seemed like a weekend off 🙂 The great part about it is that the games were spread out; one on Friday, one on Saturday and two on Sunday. Even the games on Sunday were spread out by a couple of hours so...
Last weekend I took one team to Omaha for a Labor Day tournament. This is a tournament hosted by Sporting Omaha that is played on a nice complex of grass fields. When we got to our first game we discovered that it was going to be played on a field that just had turf installed....
I had three teams in a tournament last weekend. As with all early season tournaments in KC it was HOT. Two of my teams were playing in their own age group and one was playing up. The two playing on-age both made the final. One lost on PK’s and the other won. I think the...
I only had one team in the tournament last weekend so it was almost like having a weekend off. It was nice to focus on just one team for the whole weekend. It was my U12 team that is playing in the U13 11 v 11 division. They’ve really made the move to 11 v...
Wow! It’s hard to believe that this is the 200th episode of the podcast. I’m so grateful to everyone who listens and supports the show by commenting, emailing a question or posting a link on social media. Even just mentioning the show to a fellow coach helps to spread the word. This was the first...
It was great to get back to training with my kids this week. I’ve missed being on the field with them. Everyday this week I’ve enjoyed taking a break from preparing for the rec season and running training sessions. The first session of the week for all of my teams used the Play – Practice...
It’s great to have completed the Director of Coaching course. Last weekend I finished the revisions for my assignments and the reflections on each assignment. Now I’m just waiting to hear if everything I’ve turned in is satisfactory or not. Now my attention has turned to preparing for the recreational league season as well as...
The last week has been crazy as I continue to prepare for the fall season while also finishing the second in person meeting for the US Soccer Director of Coaching Course being held at the Pinnacle National Development Center. We still have a two week development period after the this week as well but the...
Last Sunday was one of my favorite days of this year. I called it, “Soccer Sunday”. With the US Women’s National Team in the World Cup Final in the morning and the US Men’s National Team in the Gold Cup Final that night it provided a great day of soccer. The Women’s World Cup Final...
With no coaching last week I could focus on preparing our recreational league for the fall season and take some time to watch World Cup and Gold Cup games. Something I noticed is how VAR was not just being used to correct, “Clear and Obvious Errors”. In some games they seemed to be re-refereeing the...
With tryouts behind me. The focus this week switched to preparing the recreational league for the fall season. We also have our preseason team meeting this weekend so I’m getting ready for that as well. The USYS Presidents Cup Midwest Regionals was hosted by the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex last week. That gave me...
There were so many things going on last week that there just wasn’t time to put the podcast together. I had every intention of doing it but by the time Wednesday came around I knew it wasn’t going to happen. Two weeks ago my U11’s participated in Jr State Cup. As you can see from...
I always take a team or two to Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend. This year was no different but unfortunately the weather they had up there was even wetter than we’ve been experiencing in our area. Only about half of their fields are turf so they had to compress the schedule once the grass fields...
I had a team play in a tournament that used grass fields last weekend. This is the first time any of my teams have played on grass this spring. In my opinion a good grass field is better than a turf field but it has to be a good grass field. The fields we played...
We’re starting to wind down the 2018-19 soccer year. This is the last week of practice for one of my teams while the other two just have one tournament left for each of them. I’m always surprised at how fast the spring season goes. It’s no shorter than the fall but it just seems to...
First of all I have to apologize for not uploading this episode last week. I had everything planned and then my internet connection went down. If you’ve ever had to deal with a cable company you know that nothing ever gets fixed quickly. I wasn’t going to have internet back until Monday so I decide...
Each of my teams only had one game last weekend. They all played really well despite only one of them winning their game. One of the hardest things for me to get some parents to understand is that we can play really well and still lose the game. We had worked hard on playing our...
With just one team in a tournament last weekend I was able to put all of my focus on them and not have a crazy schedule that had me going from one game to the next. Our first game was on Friday night. This team practices on Thursdays so we had a great preparation and...
It was a pretty easy weekend for me. Each of my teams only had one game so I had a lot of time to get some spring cleaning and yard work done. I would have rather been coaching 🙂 Coming back to league games after a mostly successful tournament weekend can be unpredictable. Sometimes a...
I had three teams that played in the SPORTING Next Gen Invitational last weekend. The event was organized by SPORTING KC for it’s affiliate clubs. The 12 SKC Affiliate Clubs sent teams in the U8 through U12 age groups on both the boys and girls side. The divisions were rounded out by other good local teams...
I finally had a normal week of training and games! A few more like this we’ll be able get into the flow of the season. Two of my three teams are playing up an age group this season. The speed and physicality of the opponents is something that is going to take time to get...
Last week was Spring Break in our area. I’m usually a fan of breaks in the schedule but that’s only when they’re preceded by a long period of sustained effort. Unfortunately, the period between Christmas and now has been disjointed and inconsistent. This week we start our Technical Training Curriculum. I’ve talked about this in...
We were finally able to play some early season games last weekend. With the stops and starts we’ve had to our training during the late winter and early spring seasons it was hard to know what to expect. Add to that the fact that we were missing a number of players from each of my...
The high school girls that I coached during the fall and winter had their school tryouts last week. A couple of my best players weren’t picked for any teams at their school. These are Juniors in high school that could have played “C” Team, JV or Varsity. There are players that were selected for these...
I took last week off from the podcast to prepare for our 3rd Grade and older coaches meeting for the spring season. So I spent a lot of time getting the rosters and cards ready for our older recreational teams that play through our local league. That means that I didn’t get to share my...
Last weekend we had our last Futsal games of the league season. The second half of the season was very choppy because of the crazy weather we’ve had in the midwest but it’s been great to watch the progress of the players. They’ve developed a very solid understanding of how we want to play the...
We’re starting to wrap up the winter Futsal season. There’s just two weeks left in the league and then we have the US Youth Futsal Nationals. There are 160 teams entered in the tournament and only 20 of them are from the KC area according to the organizers. It’s always a great event and I’m...
We finally got in a full weekend of games without any weather interruptions. The “Polar Vortex” moved in for the week so we weren’t able to train outdoor until Thursday but indoor training went ahead as usual. As I suspected my youngest team were pretty rusty. They looked like they hadn’t played a game in...
We had the US Youth Futsal Regionals here last weekend. I’m going to talk about my teams’ experiences and tournaments in general in the main part of the show so I’ll save that for later. We had another major winter storm here earlier this week. My teams train on Tuesdays indoor and my oldest team...
Last week we had a major snow storm in the midwest and it forced the cancelation of games on Saturday. This came at the worst time for me because we just came off of a two week Christmas break and no games scheduled last weekend. Unfortunately, we’re going right into the US Youth Futsal Regionals...
It was great to get back to training this week. The break was fun but I’ve missed my teams and working with the kids. There was an interesting comment on last week’s podcast. John said, “The US has not and will never produce a world class talent because of lack of culture, the fear of...
I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday season. I just returned from a great family ski trip. We’ve been going to the same little ski resort in Colorado since I was 16. It’s not crowded and very family friendly. My kids learned to ski and snowboard there and now my young nieces and nephews are going as well. I...
Last weekend I had just one game with each of my teams. Really not much to tell. The kids played well and are continuing to make steady progress in the areas we’ve focused on. Looking through my session plans I realized that I haven’t done a shooting session in a while. Striking a Futsal ball...
My teams had their first Futsal games last weekend. I love the change in to a different form of soccer during the winter. What’s the old saying, “A change is as good as a rest.”? We’ll I had a rest over Thanksgiving and now a change to Futsal from outdoor soccer. I’m very happy with...
I really enjoyed my Thanksgiving holiday break this year. It was a great opportunity to recharge my batteries and get ready for the start of the winter Futsal season. The extra time I had gave me the opportunity to observed SPORTING KC Academy Sessions. The quality of the players is obviously very high but what...
My teams didn’t have any games this weekend fortunately because the weather in KC was more like winter than fall. I took the extra time I had to start my player evaluations. I spread them out over two weekends so that I can take the time to focus on each player. The way I plan...
I’m now officially finished with my fall season. Two of my teams played in a tournament last weekend to finish off the fall. I always put this tournament on my schedule but it’s hard to know what to expect from the weather. We were really lucky last weekend as it was mostly dry and not...
I only had one team playing last weekend. My U17 girls competed in the Presidents Cup tournament. For those not familiar with how the state tournaments work in the U.S.; the top teams in each age group compete in the State Cup for a chance to win and go on to Regionals. The winners of...
We had our last league games of the fall season last weekend. It was great to see so much of what we had been working on come together in those games. We still have a lot to improve but we’re definitely headed in the right direction. I had an encounter with a parent from one...
One of my teams had two interesting and very different challenges this week. During their first game of the weekend they played a team that they were clearly better than but were just coasting their way through the game. There was on urgency or intensity in their play. They knew they could get by on...
Last weekend was another tournament weekend. It was local and it was nice to play a tournament close to home especially because the forecast was for rain all weekend. I had three teams in the tournament which may seem like a lot but it was manageable because it was spread out over three days. Friday...
I only had three games again last weekend; one Friday, one Saturday and one Sunday. The teams all played very well. It doesn’t always work out that way so it’s fun when it does. We’re at the point in the season where I’m seeing the results of what we’ve worked on in training. It’s great...
I took just one team to a tournament last weekend. We had a great schedule; we played at 8 am and noon on Saturday and Sunday and then we headed home. There were only five teams in our group so we played each of them once. Not having to stay around to play a final...
This was a pretty easy weekend for me. I had one game a day over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I almost didn’t know what to do with all my extra time.! During these games I was thinking about the way I change the positions that players are in during games. The way I used to do...
Reaching 160 episodes got me think that I’m sure there are many people listening now have not been listening from the start and may not have gone back and listen to the episodes that were produced before they discovered the show. I’m getting to the point where there are times that I’m not sure if...
I’m sorry about not telling you that there wouldn’t be a podcast last week. I forgot that it was Labor Day weekend and I had two teams going to a tournament. I didn’t remember until after I’d already recorded and posted the last episode. The two teams I took to the tournament played very well...
This is the fourth week of training for the teams in our club. I’m finally getting into the flow of the season. Each team has had a number of games and I’m starting to learn more about the players and they’re starting to understand what I’m look for from them. The recreational league games started...
I’m sorry for missing last week’s podcast. Everything just piled up and I ran out of time. On top of a crazy week I also had three teams in a tournament so there was no time to get it done over the weekend as I’ve been planning to do. With all of that taken care...
This week has just been insane. Create cards and rosters for our older team and getting the uniforms and coaches meeting organized for the younger teams has been a bigger job than I could ever have imagined. his weekend I have to get the schedule done and then hopefully I can get my life back into...
If you’re anything like me you when through some serious World Cup withdrawal. I’d been spoiled by being able to watch so much good soccer over the last month that I didn’t know what to do with myself now that it was over. I discovered the Rugby World Cup Sevens last weekend. I would describe it...
I want to give you some info that will help explain how I’m going to present episodes in the future. Usually I record on Thursdays but it’s going too hard with my coaching schedule this fall. I’m now going to produce them on Sunday so I’ll have a bit more time to put it together...
I enjoyed the bit of time off I took over the last couple of weeks. It gave me some extra time to spend with friends and family over the 4th of July holiday. Things are still in full swing with preparations for the recreational season coming up so it wasn’t a complete break but still...
I wasn’t able to schedule a time to talk with Scott Moody of SoccerFIT about their new soccer conditioning app this week. I decided I would spend my time putting the show notes together for last weeks show on directional rondos. So go back to episode 152 and you’ll find a link to those notes....
I had to take last week off from the podcast because it was our week for tryouts. I’ve described our tryout process in detail in a number of previous podcasts so you can do a search for, “Tryouts” and listen to those episodes if you’re interested in more information on those. At the same time...
Well, my 2017/18 season has finally come to an end. The team I had in State Cup lost in the Semi Final. Only one team per age group really ends the season having accomplished its goals and having won the title but looking back I’m very happy with the progress of my team and especially...
Last weekend I traveled with three teams to a Memorial Day Soccer tournament in Chicago so I didn’t release a podcast. I talk about the tournament and out of town tournaments in general later in the show. Tonight I had my last practice of the year with the team I have playing Jr. State Cup...
I had a huge tournament weekend a week ago. Having four teams in a tournament makes for a busy weekend but it’s the best way for me to give all of my teams a chance to play with the least amount of disruption to our league schedule. This was the last tournament for one of...
Last weekend I feel like I coached three great game and one awful one. The players weren’t awful, it was me. I have a team that’s playing up an age group and there were promoted to the first division after a very good fall season. The difference between DI and DII is substantial and it’s...
We’re finishing up our spring league season in the next couple of weeks. Then there are a couple of tournaments to end the season and we’re back to tryout time again! This is also the time of year I set aside time to complete player evaluations for all of my teams. If you’ve listen to...
I had some good and bad last weekend in terms of weather to play in. One game started at 10:30 am and was miserable. It was hard for the girls to play anything like the way we usually try to. I found myself coaching their effort to fight through the conditions more than anything else. By 1:00...
It seems that I’m always talking about the crazy weather we’re having this spring. Last week was our third weekend with snow this spring. I ended up only have one game because of thunderstorms on Friday and bitter cold and snow on Sunday. I helped referee some tournament games on Saturday night. The snow was...
I was fortunate to have an opportunity to tour the new US Soccer National Training Center. It’s an amazing facility that was built as a partnership between US Soccer, Sporting Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital. The three entities all have their separate areas build to suit their specific needs but they also share areas...
I only had a couple of games last weekend. One of them was with a team that is playing up an age group. Not only that but they’re playing in the top division against teams a year older. It’s been a great way to expose some weaknesses that we need to work on but it’s...
I took a break from the podcast last week but it wasn’t to go on a vacation or take some time off as much as it was to get ready for our Spring Recreational Coaches Meeting. The week was spent pulling together paperwork and uniforms in preparation for the spring season that starts this week....
This week is our spring break in this area so we’re missing a lot of players. This has created opportunities for players to guest play with the teams above them and experience a higher level of competition. As a coach I’ve enjoyed watching how players respond to this opportunity. All of the players that guest...
In the opening of this week’s podcast I describe an incident from one of my games last weekend. It’s a story that’s better heard than read. This week’s question comes from Evan. He’s asking about formations. Evan says, “This high school girls soccer season has just begun where I live, and I coach a local JV...
We had our first outdoor tournament last weekend. I like this tournament because it gives my teams three or four quick games before the season starts. The weather was really cold the week before so we weren’t able to train much. Two of my teams didn’t practice at all. I had all four of my teams in the...
Last weekend was US Youth Futsal Nationals. I know that talking about ‘National’ tournaments for youth players can sound a little over the top. There weren’t teams from all over the country but there were some great teams from the midwest and east coast. Talking about it as a National tournament is really more of a...
This weekend is the US Youth Futsal National that are held here in the KC area. I have one team in the tournament and I’m looking forward to seeing how they do against some very good opposition. It’s great to finish up the season with an event like this. It lets me see how far we’ve...
For three weeks I’ve focused on fast footwork and lateral movement with my players. It’s been great to see their increased on comfort and confidence on the ball. Each practice I’ve given them ‘homework’ to do that related to the movements we did during training. Hopefully they’ll continue to do these exercises at home so that...
We’re starting to wrap up our Futsal season. I’m continuing to work on technical skills that will help the players in Futsal but I’m starting to plan for the transition back to outdoor. I’ll talk about that more in the coming weeks. We wrapped up a three week MicroCycle where we did a progression of...
Now that my teams have been playing Futsal for a few months we’ve gone over and over the basic Futsal tactics that have helped my teams to understand the shape and structure needed to play Futsal effectively. That’s not to say that they can always execute effectively. We could keep working on our shape and...
The Central Regional Championships for the US Youth Futsal Nationals was in Kansas City last weekend. I had one team win and qualify for Nationals while the other had a tough weekend. They played some very good teams but didn’t play as well has they have recently. I’ve said before that the only thing consistent about...
Last weekend I had my first games back with my teams after the long holiday break. Because of the way the schedule worked out we didn’t have a practice before our games. I knew we wouldn’t be really sharp but I was surprised by just how rusty the players really were. You could tell that...
It was a great time for a break! I really enjoyed the time away from the field and the chance to spend time with family and friends. It was also a productive time as I was able to complete my spring league and tournament plan as well as the Technical Training curriculum for next season....
I had a ton of Futsal games last week. As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve divided my teams up for the Futsal season to make sure they all get plenty of playing time. This is great for the players but it doubles the number of games I have on any given weekend. I love working with...
The first full weekend of Futsal for my teams is always interesting because it’s first time some of my players have been in a Futsal game. Some are surprised how much they enjoy the new experience while others aren’t as sure. It’s just too different than what they were used to with arena soccer. I...
My Thanksgiving holiday week was full of family, american football and too much food. It was a great break and chance to reset. I usually have my teams take the first week of Futsal off because that gives them a two-week break between the end of the outdoor season and our first Futsal game. This...
Well, last weekend was the end of the outdoor season for the last of my teams. Just in time too because the weather has really made a turn to the colder side in the midwest. All of our training sessions from now on will be focused on the techniques and tactics of Futsal. It’s almost...
My teams are making the transition to indoor Futsal training this week. Some of them still have an outdoor tournament this weekend but our club always moving inside on the first of November. I enjoy the change of pace and the focus on different skills and tactics. Some coaches focus on training Futsal in isolation...
As I mentioned last week, my weekend was focused on refereeing as I renewed my outdoor and Futsal certifications. I was asked to do a presentation to the group from a coach’s perspective. I tried to show how coaches, referees and players need to work together to create a positive experience for everyone. I let...
Last week was our final weekend of league play which came just in time because the weather is due to get much colder this weekend. Since I don’t have any games this weekend I scheduled my recertification courses for outdoor and Futsal refereeing. It’s always interesting going into a room of referees as a local...
This is the last weekend of league play in our area. It’s great to see the players really starting to understand the key aspects of the game that we’ve been focusing on. They’re not always getting it right but seeing them work hard to play the game in the right way is always very satisfying....
I can’t believe I’m sitting here today NOT looking forward to the World Cup this summer. Having the US miss the World Cup for the first time in my adult life is a very hard pill to swallow. This is a youth soccer podcast so I usually don’t focus on national team or professional results...
With one of my teams last weekend I decided not to coach while the ball was in play. The team had played a tournament the previous weekend and they had heard enough from me :-). I wanted them to take total ownership of the game and make their own decisions whenever the ball was in...
I had another tournament with some of my teams last weekend. It’s been a crowded schedule lately which I think contributed to a slow start for a couple of teams. I could tell early on that they just weren’t up for it the way that they usually are. They just weren’t competing with the other...
Last weekend’s tournament in Iowa went well despite some weather issues. The tournament did a good job of managing them but on the show I talk about the best way I’ve seen of dealing with weather delays. As I’ve said before I enjoy having my teams play multiple games over the course of a weekend...
This weekend I’m taking my girls teams to Iowa for a tournament. This year I split up my teams and took the boys to one tournament and the girls to another. This gives me more time with the players and families away from the field. These are the only two out of town trips I’ll...
Last weekend I had two teams in a tournament in Omaha. We travel with our teams that are U10 and above at least once a season. It’s a great way to see some new competition, in a new environment. The fields were grass as opposed to the turf fields that we normally play on. They...
Our club has started a program called, ‘RecConnect’ to provide a resource for recreational coaches. Five of our club’s premier coaches have ‘adopted’ a 2nd grade boys or girls division. We send out weekly tips and suggestions, make ourselves available to answer questions and attend the games on the weekend. This helps create a stronger...
I’m working with five different teams this year, U9 boys, U10 boys, U11 girls, U13 boys and U16 girls. That may seem like too many teams but I’m able to schedule the practices easily since we have lighted fields and the league and tournament scheduler does a great job making sure I don’t have any...
I was watching the US Open Cup game last night with Sporting KC vs San Jose. The game went to PK’s and it got me thinking about the differences between youth and adult PKs. The goalkeepers are usually much smaller in relation to the goal so the things that will work for young players will...
After two weeks of training my teams are getting ready for their first games. I’m starting to get an idea of how the teams fit together. The formations I use for small-sided soccer keep it pretty simple. I always use a 2-3-1 for teams playing 7 v 7 and 4-3-1 for playing 9 v 9...
We started back to training this week. It seems earlier than usual but that’s just how the calendar came together. There are still a lot of families on summer vacations so attendance has been spotty. That affects what I try to cover because I don’t want to have to repeat myself once I have everyone...
This is the last week before our club starts training for the fall season. The weather in the midwest has been incredibly hot and humid. Fortunately, the heatwave is going break over the weekend and next week won’t be as hot. The first few weeks of training are always inconsistent because families are taking the...
Last week provided a nice break over the 4th of July holiday. Stepping away from the field and not thinking about coaching for a bit is always a welcome change of pace. We now only have two weeks remaining in our summer break. It seems like it just started and now it’s half over! Now...
I continuing to enjoy my summer break from the field. The summer doesn’t start for me until the team meetings are completed and that happened last weekend. I’m using the extra free time to work on the Fall Technical Training Curriculum for our U8 through U12 teams. Talked about that back in episode 18 Creating a...
With tryouts behind me I’ve had a nice break from coaching. It’s given me more time to attend and watch some professional games. Unfortunately, the international leagues have finished but the Confederations Cup has had some good games. I was watching the Mexico v New Zealand game when an incident happened in the box that...
We completed our club tryouts last weekend. It’s a crazy time for player, parents and coaches but an important one to make sure that our players are challenged at an appropriate level. I’ve talked about our process in previous episodes including Episode 105 just a couple of weeks ago. We’re not working to prepare our teams...
We concluded our State Cup tournament in Kansas this week. Each state holds it’s own competition for U13 to U19 teams. The winner of each age group advances to one of four different regional championships where the winners earn the right to attend the US Youth Soccer National Championship. This is one of my favorite times...
I took last week off from the podcast to take some teams to Chicago for a Memorial Day weekend tournament. It was a great weekend and a fun way to wrap up the year for the teams. We played on grass fields which really slowed the game down compared to what we’re used to when...
I had my teams in a tournament this last weekend. We enjoyed great weather and very good competition. These end of the season tournaments are great for me and the players. I can see how far they’ve progressed over the course of the year and the players have a chance to put all of our...
Coaching my games this weekend and covering for a couple of other coaches the “kickball” being played by some of the teams we played against was killing me. It was hard to play against because anytime we build the play up if the opponent won the ball they just kicked it as far up the...
The weather was so bad in the midwest last weekend that we weren’t able to play most of our games. It rained pretty much non stop from Friday morning through Sunday morning. They had it even worse in St Louis where many of their fields are built in 100 year floodplains that flooded much more...
First of all, thanks to everyone that sent me an email, left a comments on the site or provided a rankings and reviews on iTunes about the 100th episode of the podcast. I truly appreciate everyone who takes the time to listen each week and I love hearing from you when you have a question...
100 Episodes! When I started this podcast more than two years ago the idea of getting to 100 episodes seemed so far off. Just producing the first three was a huge challenge. Now thousands of coaches listening to each episode. There have been more than 690,000 downloads of the show since I started. I owe all...
In the last month my teams haven’t played every weekend due to spring break and a number of local tournaments that took up field capacity. One team hasn’t played in three weeks. This has given us time to do some concentrated training. We’ve been able to work on improving some areas of our play without worrying...
Last weekend I had a game on turf Friday night, a game on very rough outdoor field on Saturday and then back to the turf for our match on Sunday. The grass field was so uneven that it made it very difficult to try to play the kind of soccer we normally attempt. I decided...
I actually spent more time refereeing last weekend than coaching. I’ve always enjoyed refereeing. Especially when I get to work with new referees. I can see why so many young referees quit. It takes a level confidence that most kids just don’t have naturally. Experience and success breeds confidence but we don’t give them a chance to develop...
Last week I talked about what you should and sometimes shouldn’t say during your team talks. Planning that episode made me realize that most of my effective pregame, halftime and postgame team talks followed a similar pattern. If you didn’t have a chance to listen to the show last week I’d suggest that you go...
We had great feedback to last week’s episode on checking your shoulder. The combination of the description, diagrams and actual training video really helped to paint the picture and show how the exercises are organized. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to that one or see the videos in the show notes I...
Technical Training for our club started this week. Once a week all of the teams, U12 and below, complete the same training session. It’s focused on a particular technical topic. I talked about how we structure our technical training back in episode 18 – Creating a Technical Training Plan. It’s a great way to make...
This week is the two years anniversary of the podcast! It’s hard to believe I’ve produced 93 different episodes in that time. I really appreciate everyone that listens to the show each week. If this is the first episode you’ve hear, WELCOME! If you’ve been here from the start then THANKS! This week my teams...
Last weekend the US Youth Futsal Nationals marked the end of the Futsal season. This week we’ve started our spring outdoor training sessions. Then we go right into an outdoor tournament on the weekend. This makes for a quick transition between seasons but starting any season with a tournament helps to knock the rust off...
This is the last week of Futsal. We start back outdoor next week. This weekend the US Youth Futsal Nationals are taking place here in the Kansas City area. Teams from all over the country are coming here to compete. Boys and girls teams from U9 to U19 will face off to determine the champion...
I really enjoyed the conversation with George about the coach / player relationships last week. It made me much more aware of all the interactions I have with my players. I’m paying more attention to what I say and how I say it. For example, after one of my teams gave up a goal last weekend I...
I noticed a big improvement in my player’s shooting balance and technique during our games last weekend. I talked about the session I did with them in Episode 88 – Balanced Shooting. We talked about the key points before the game so that they were fresh in the minds of the players. I think it’s...
Last week’s episode on the qualities and habits of the world’s best coaches was the most popular episode we’ve had in a few months. If you missed it, I’d suggest that you go back and listen because there’s some great food for thought there. We can all incorporate these qualities into our coaching and become...
I received some great feedback about last week’s episode on developing your own style of play. Some coaches asked for show notes to be included. I usually don’t include show notes on episode where there aren’t any diagrams or training sessions to describe. But for this episode I’ve added show notes that include a worksheet...
It’s great to be back in the swing of things again after the holiday break. Watching the games last weekend it was great to see the players really understanding what it was that we were trying to do when attacking and defending. That doesn’t mean that the players always executed perfectly but the intent was...
I hope everyone enjoyed a great holiday season. It was a welcome break as our club always takes off the weeks of Christmas and New Years to give players and their families time to enjoy the holidays, spend time with their family and recharge for the second halve of the soccer year. I like the...
With the indoor season in full swing it was a very busy week. I coach five different teams that are divided into eight Futsal teams. The smaller teams give the players a lot of playing time but it makes for a lot of games to coach. They’ve made great progress since the start of the...
Last week I talked about the different options for playing soccer indoors during the winter. My teams played their first Futsal games last weekend. The beginning of the Futsal season is always a challenge because the players haven’t adjusted to the speed of the game. They usually try to play too fast and think too...
It was great to have a week off from coaching for the Thanksgiving Holiday here in the U.S. It’s always fun to catch-up with family and friends, eat WAY too much foot and watch WAY too much (American) football. But as always, I looked forward to getting back on the field and preparing my players...
Over the last couple of week’s I’ve been completing referee re-certification courses for both outdoor and Futsal. We all complain about the quality and shortage of referees. I think it’s important that coaches don’t just talk about it but do something to correct the problem. I’m not able to referee a lot but I pick up...
It’s hard to believe that this is the 80th episode of Coaching Soccer Weekly! That’s more than 38 hours of training sessions, commentary and interviews. I really appreciate everyone who takes the time to listen and especially those who contribute to discussions in the comments section of each episode, review the podcast on iTunes or...
The end of the fall outdoor season is a great time to evaluate the progress of your team. I had one of my teams finish the season 8-0. That might sound great but I think it also begs the question: Where they in the right division to maximize their development? There are many factors that...
This was our last week of training outdoors. The season has gone really quickly. It doesn’t feel much like fall right now so it’s hard believe that it will be the holiday season before we know it. We still have one league weekend remaining and then a season ending tournament before we move indoor for...
Everything is easy when you’re playing on good fields. Last week I had a game on an aweful field in a wicked wind. We started off the game trying to play our normal game but it quickly became apparent that it was going to be an exercise in frustration. I explain the change I made...
The weather was really unsettled last week. We ended up having to cancel a number of practices. Outdoor training sessions in the midwest each spring can often be interrupted by bad weather but it’s not usually an issue in the fall. Luckily we didn’t have a busy weekend of game scheduled so it didn’t affect us too...
Thanks to the coaches that took the time to give the podcast a ranking and review on iTunes. I really appreciate your support of the show! One stood out because the coach commented that they would like the show to be longer because I sometimes gloss over important points. This got my attention because if...
I’m Sorry, but I had to get some thoughts about sponsorships off of my chest. I think it matters who’s sponsoring organizations and events. You may disagree but if you do I’d ask you where you draw the line? Which companies or products do you think would be inappropriate to have as sponsors for activities...
We have so many projects going here at WORLD CLASS COACHING that I just didn’t have time to pull together a complete episode for this week. I’m working on a number of topics that I discussed last week but I’ve also added a new one, “What to do when your session is just not working”....
Last weekend was weird for me because I didn’t have any soccer games! The first month of the season can be a very busy time so this break was a welcome one for me and the players. As I talked about in #071 The Importance of Recovery Sessions, it’s important to balance stress and recovery...
Last weekend I had a great trip with three of my teams to a tournament. The kids played great and it was great time for the parents and player to get to know each other better. This week I’m looking at player motivation. I want to talk about what I think motivates players. The difference between motivation for...
Now that we’ve been playing for more than a month of the season I have an update on Episode 58 where I talked about formations for 9 v 9 soccer. I had originally thought I’d go with the 3-1-3-1 or 3-2-3 I ended up taking the advice of our club’s technical staff and have been...
This week I go on a bit of about punting. What’s the point of having a podcast if you don’t get to vent every once in awhile. You can have equal time if you think I’m off base. Just leave a comment below or leave a voicemail message on the number I give at the...
I’ve always enjoyed having an early season tournament to get my teams three or four games over the course of a weekend. This allows us to work on things from one game to the next and see a marked improvement in a short period of time. During a regular league schedule you have to wait...
We started league play here last weekend. With only a few practices to prepare I just pick a couple of key points that I want to focus on because obviously there’s a lot to improve at this point in the year. One of the most important things to do early is to help the players...
I had a fantastic week in Florida. It was actually a break from the heat we’ve had back here in Kansas City. I talk about my takeaways from the week and give you a sample CogiTraining session during this episode. You can also find the diagrams and descriptions in the Show Notes. But first I look at...
This week I’ve been in Florida observing a camp being put on by Michel Bruyninckx, the developer of CogiTraining. The CogiTraining Method is based on research regarding cognitive neurology, neuropsychology, neurobiology, kinesiology, posturology, neuro pedagogics and didactics. The main goal is to understand how the brain is organized and to find out how human performance can be...
My conversation with Andy Barney about his player development methods was very well received last week. I hope to have him back on the show in the future. Be sure to check out Episode 65 if you missed it. Today I give you a tour of our new WCC Training Center. We’ve been working on...
The last few weeks have been great! We’ve launched our new Membership Program for WORLD CLASS COACHING. We’ve also updated our web sites and Coach’s Training Center making it much easier to search for and find exactly what you need for your next training session. There are also a number of new features. I’m going to...
I’m recording this episode a couple of days before its released. I’ve been splitting my time fairly evenly between family time and some exciting updates to WorldClassCoaching.com. The new format will make it SO much easier for you to find what you need for your next training session. Our Training Center will be your one stop for drills, videos...
There won’t be a podcast for the next two weeks because I’ll be spending some vacation time with my family and working on updates to our WORLD CLASS COACHING Training Center. There are some exciting changes coming that I all of our members will benefit from. Last week I interviewed Wayne Harrison. We discussed the common...
Last weekend completed the tryouts for our youth soccer club. This is a year occurrence here is the States. I’d be curious to hear what it’s like in other countries. Do you have tryouts each year or more or less often? Since our system is, ‘Pay to Play’ many parents view themselves as agents. They shop around and...
We just finished up State Cup and a week of Pre Tryout camp here this week. Many of our teams have been off for a week or more after their season ended so this is a chance for them to get some touches before tryout this weekend. Last year at this time I did a podcast...
Since I didn’t put out a podcast last week I thought it would be a good time to do a survey that I’ve been considering for a while. I appreciate everyone who took the time to fill it out. There were a number of things that I’ve learned from it already. Over 80% of coaches who responded...
I don’t have a full podcast this week because I’m traveling with a couple of my teams to Saint Charles, IL for the Midwest Cup tournament. It’s hosted by Campton United Soccer Club. They do such a great job every year that I keep taking my teams there each Memorial Day weekend. I thought this...
In the last few weeks I completed my review of how you can use formations for player development. On Episode 57 I looked at 7 v 7 for U9/U10 teams. On Episode 58 I reviewed the different formations for teams playing 9 v 9 at U11 and U12. Last week on Episode 59 I looked at the transition from small-sided...
Last week I looked at formations for the 9 v 9 format that will be used for U11’s and U12’s in the US next year. A coach pointed out that I missed an important one, the 3-2-3. It’s the formation that is often used by Ajax and others when they are playing 9 v 9. As I looked...
Last week reviewed the possible formations for teams playing 7 v 7. My focus was on U9 and U10 teams but I received an email from Bryan, a coach in Maryland, who coaches a U15 girls team. He found the episode useful for his team even though they play 11 v 11 but they usually play 7 v...
Last week I shared a complete training session for running with the ball. If you missed that one I’d suggest you go back and check out the podcast and printable show notes for all of the details. This has been a crazy week. I’ve jammed a week of work into four days. When this is released I’ll be...
Our Instagram Account now has more than 900 followers. We’ve posted more than 100 images including exercises, drills and small-sided games. The posts from each week are from a section of one of our books. Sometimes they are a complete training session other times they’re a number of activities from one section. If you haven’t...
I made some great progress on several projects last week and I’m looking forward to sharing more about them in the coming weeks. We’re streamlining the way we share all of our information here at WORLD CLASS COACHING and I think it’s going to be great for coaches that listen to the podcast, read our blogs...
One of my favorite things about doing this podcast is the opportunity to talk about soccer training with other coaches. I want to share one email conversation I had this week. I thought that it was on a topic that a lot of coaches can relate to. Hi Tom: I enjoy your coaching podcasts. Relevant topics...
Last week was spring break for the schools in Kansas. The spring time here means that we often alternate between 80 degree temps on one day and snow the next. It also tends to be very windy at this time. I think the wind is one of the most challenging elements to train through. Especially when you’re on...
I’ve settled into a regular routine with our Instagram account. Each week I share a complete training session or progression of exercises from one of our books along with a couple of interesting photos or quotes that I’ve come across. I think it’s a great way to share drills and exercises because the comments section allows enough...
I’ve had some interest from a couple of coaches that are willing to be part of a coach’s roundtable discussion on the upcoming rule changes. I’d like to have four or five coaches involved to get a wider range of opinions. It won’t be difficult or complicated to be involved. You just need a free account...
The roundtable discussion in last week’s episode created a lot of feedback. Most appreciated the ‘behind the scenes’ look how clubs and administrators are preparing for the changes. Some were upset that everyone seemed to be in favor of the changes. We really didn’t get into debating the ideas behind the changes. We came at the discussion...
The focus of this week’s episode is on the upcoming US Soccer rule changes that are affecting youth soccer teams throughout the country. As I mentioned at the end of last week’s, I wanted to put together a group of Club Directors, Coach, League Administrators and State Association Officials to talk about the changes that have...
I received an email from US Soccer Referees Department this week that included a link to US Soccer’s Concussion Initiative. That link with allow you to download a PDF of the document. The US Youth National Teams and Development Academies will be implementing these new initiatives but it appears that each State Association and League...
I was listening to a podcast from Soccer Wire about the upcoming changes to age groups and small-sided game format. You can listen to the episode from this link. It got me thinking about all of the questions we have about the process and how the state associations, leagues and clubs will handle it. I’m...
I want to share a training session that is intended to build confidence and encourage creativity. I’ve always spent a lot of time training 1 v 1 skills with young team so this is not a new concept for me but I was surprised at the impact this session had on my players. This training...
In response to feedback we received from our recent survey to our members we’ve started to add more content to our YouTube channel. Each week Mike Saif or I will add an animated drills video that focuses on one of our favorite games or exercises. You can find our YouTube channel by clicking here. This...
I’m sorry that last week’s podcast wasn’t released until Sunday. Our internet was out from Thursday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. I’ve prided myself on releasing a new podcast every Friday so this was extremely frustrating. If you missed the episode I’d encourage you to go back and listen because there’s some great information there on...
Lots going on this week at WORLD CLASS COACHING. We sent out a survey to all of our members so that we can send them exactly what they’re looking for in terms of coaching information. In exchange for the 60 seconds it takes to fill out the survey we gave them our latest eBook, ‘Modern...
Happy New Year! Our club took a two week break for the holidays. This is just as important for the players as it is for the coaches. It allows for everyone to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the holiday season. For the last 30 years my family has taken a trip to Glenwood Springs, CO...
Each December the coaches in our club complete player evaluations. We used to do these on paper but for the last few years we’ve used ZoomReports for all of our player evaluations. That was long before ZoomReports became a sponsor of this podcast. It’s a great site that makes it easy for our coaches to...
This week I share some of the questions I’ve received from coaches around the world. One of my favorite things about hosting a podcast is that it gives me the opportunity to exchange ideas with a large number of coaches. Most of the times it’s just me talking about what I’m doing with my teams...
Last week I enjoyed a great break over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Lots of time spent with family and friends. It also gave me a chance to catch up on podcast episodes that I hadn’t listened to. I try to keep up with the latest episodes of Youth Soccer Evolution, Winning Youth Coaching, Coach Your...
I won’t have a full podcast for this week because of the Thanksgiving Holiday here in the US. I planned to share one of my favorite exercises but I forgot that I included it in the Fourth of July episode earlier this year. If you missed that, here it is again. I like this exercise because it...
In the last week our State Association has announced that the changes to age groups and small-sided game formats will be implemented at the beginning of the 2016/2017 soccer year. This was not a surprise to most coaches and administrators but it this announcement makes the decision official. As part of the announcement US Youth...
This episode includes an interview with Jonny Carter. Jonny is the Academic Director for ‘Education Football’ which offers UK accredited courses on the concepts of soccer. He is also an author who has published a number of books through WORLD CLASS COACHING including ‘Coaching Possession with a Purpose’ and his latest, ‘Conquering Your Next Coaching Course’....
I’ve been looking into new educational opportunities lately and although I’ve already earned my USSF ‘B’ License I decided to take the new ‘F’ license course that is offered online by the US Soccer Federation. The course is a two-hour online course designed to share fun, activity-centered and age-appropriate exercises and training sessions for five...
At the end of each season the coaches in our club complete evaluations on the players in their team. The evaluations focus on the four key areas of player development: technical, tactical, physical and psychological. We make comments in each area about the strengths and weaknesses of the player and give them feedback on their...
I like to end every training session with a shooting exercise of some kind. Sometimes it’s related to the topic of the session and sometimes it’s not. The important factors for me is that it’s realistic and competitive. Early in the season the exercises tend to be more on isolated shooting technique. As the season...
Teaching your players the key elements involved in effective combination play will give them a framework to combine with their teammates in a free flowing game environment. Today I share three progressive training sessions that I’ve used to teach my players these key elements. These sessions represent a three-week MicroCycle that I used with a...
I think we all have experienced the frustration of running a session on a particular topic where the players performed well and appeared to understand the points we were making but then you don’t see any of those ideas being used in the next game. This week I talk about this issue with Bob Warming, Head...
This week I will share a training session that will help your players make the connection between the work you do on possession in practice to the way they function within a team shape in the match. But first…. Congratulations to Sporting Kansas City for winning the 2015 Lamar Hunt Open Cup! As a coach...
This week I discovered that the training session I did on give-and-goes helped my young players better understand how to stay onside. The coaching point for the wall passer is to stay on the shoulder of the defender. This creates an angle to receive and pass around the defender. When one of my players was...
As we reach the midpoint of the fall season here in the Midwest my training sessions are becoming more focused on small-sided games. Early in the year I spend a lot of time on technical training and individual skill development. This provides a foundation of understanding for dribbling, fakes, passing, receiving and shooting. The players have heard the...
As I mentioned last week I took some of my teams to a Labor Day tournament over the weekend. Taking three teams made for a busy weekend but the teams played well and I enjoyed spending time with them away from home. My younger teams played in traditional tournaments brackets with the top two teams playing...
This week I want to share a session focused on teaching the key defensive principles. The session starts with the basic building blocks of individual defending and progresses to include small group defending and finishes by working with the entire defensive unit. The amount of time you spend in each phase of this session will...
An email came out from US Youth Soccer on Monday, August 24. It was to announce changes that most people had heard something about already.
The first is that they are mandating small-sided soccer for players below the age of 12. They are also standardizing the formats for each age group. The U8’s will play 4 v 4 without goalkeepers, U9-U10’s will play 7 v 7 and U11 and U12 teams will play 9 v 9. This is a change from the 6 v 6 and 8 v 8 formats that many of the State Associations have been using for years.
The second announcement is a change to the age group cut-offs from August 1st to January 1st. The rest of the world has been using the calendar year age groups for more than twenty years. The funny part of this for me is that the US used calendar year when I start coaching more than 25 years ago but changed to get in line with the rest of the world that was using August 1st to fall in line with school year ages. When we changed to August 1st the rest of the world then switched to calendar year shortly after. Hopefully US Soccer has done more research this time so that this is the final change.
I think that the format change is great. Playing 7 v 7 and 9 v 9 makes a lot more sense than 6 v 6 and 8 v 8 when you look at the way they relate to the full sided game.
I don’t see how the age group changes matter one way or another for 90% of the youth players who will never complete for places on national teams.
The final question I have is when will this start. The changes are mandated for August 2017 but USYS has “encouraged adoption of best practices in August of 2016.” So it looks like it will be on a state-by-state basis which will cause chaos for a year when neighboring states make different decisions. Hopefully each region will be able to agree on how to proceed but that seems unlikely.
This week I finish up my series of episodes on formations for young teams with a look at how the different formations can be used with teams making the transition to the 11 v 11 game.
I’ll review each of the most common systems of play and look at how they can help or hinder developmental goals during this important transition.
11 v 11 Systems of Play for U13’s
When teams begin playing full-sided game it can be a very difficult adjustment. At this age the ball usually changes from a size 4 to a size 5. Also, the fields more than doubles in size but we only add three more players on each team.
These factors totally change the game. In small-sided games one player can take over a game but in the 11 v 11 game the team has to work together to retain possession and create goal scoring opportunities.
This transition is a time when the coach can create a playing environment that encourages the players to see options and make decisions. As I’ve mentioned in the previous two episodes, formations are not the most important factor in your team’s success but they are a framework you can use to train your players to play the game.
Today I’ll discuss each of the most common formations and how they can be used to develop players.
When I’m looking at a formation I’m looking for one that is simple to understand, easy to adjust depending on our players and type of team you’re playing and grants players the freedom and opportunity to make decisions.
I think using multiple formations is important for players because it helps them to understand different systems and ways of playing. The more experiences we give them the more well-rounded they will be.
All formations have strengths and weaknesses. They are just a tool to organize the players and like any tool they can be used to build or destroy.
4-3-3
In my opinion this is the most flexible system. There is a lot of room for player rotation. This has become the most popular ‘base’ system. Your players will likely play in some variation of this system in the future so it is a good one to introduce.
Strengths
- Solid back four
- Three players in the center of midfield
- Most modern formations have three in the middle
- Three attackers
- Covering the width of the field
- Keep opponent’s defenders pinned back
- Space for defenders to get forward
- Easy to open up and play out of the back
- Midfield can be adjusted to suit players and the game
- 1-2
- 2-1
- Free Rotation
Weakness
- Get outnumbered in wide areas
- Center Striker can become isolated if wide attackers drop back to win the ball
- Only one option in the box for crosses
Application for Young Players
- This is the system the Dutch used in the 70’s to create Total Football
- Requires players to move to create options
- Players changing positions
- Midfield
- Gives defenders attacking opportunities
- Space to create 1 v 1’s on the wings
- Easy to rotate wide defenders and wide forwards
4-5-1
This is very similar to 4-3-3 formation. You are just pulling the wide forwards back into midfield.
Strengths
- Very solid defensively
- Wide area are now defended
Weakness
- Isolated forward
- Asks them to hold the ball and bring players into the game
- Young players can become impatient and go on their own
- Out run their support
Application for Young Players
- In my opinion this is a fearful 4-3-3
- It compacts the field
- Makes it hard to get forward
- Need a strong target to hold the ball
4-2-3-1
You might look at this as just another 4-5-1. The difference is the freedom given to the three attacking mids and forward by the presence of two holding midfielders.
Strengths
- Clear distinction between back 6 and front four
- Holding mids create screen for defenders
- Frees up outside backs to attack with confidence
- Closer support for forward
- Creates wingers out of outside mids
Weakness
- Getting holding Mids to hold
- A bit more complicated
- Still have isolated forward
Application for Young Players
- This will take time for the players to understand
- There are so many different roles and responsibilities
- Rotating players asks them to drastically change how they are playing
- Play a number of games in a row in the same position to learn what to do before rotating
3-5-2
This is one of my favorite formations for young teams.
Strengths
- Continue to work with three defenders as we did in 3-3-1
- Lots of numbers in midfield
- Two forwards to work together
- Easy to open up and play out of the back
Weakness
- Defenders need to slide from side to side to cover the back
- Asks a lot of wide mids to get up and down to attack and help defend
Application for Young Players
- The three defenders doesn’t worry me a much at younger ages
- The players lack the ability to switch the point of attack directly
- We can slide as they switch it
I usually play with one holding midfielder who is always responsible for being between the ball and the goal. * This creates a great screen for the defenders * If you have strong defenders and wide players you can dominate possession with this formation
3-4-3
This is my second favorite formation for young players.
Strengths
- VERY easy to understand
- Lots of attacking pressure
- I like to have all three forwards slide to the ball side of the field
- Makes it tough for defenders to play out of the back
- Our width comes from our wide mids
Weakness
- Can get out numbered in the center of midfield
- Three in the back is always riskier than four
Application for Young Players
- This creates diamonds of support everywhere
- Spreads the field and creates the most 1 v 1 opportunities of any formation.
- It does leave the defenders in the back
- They can’t get forward without risking counter attack or asking other players to cover
- I rotate defenders and midfielders (wide for wide and central for central) to solve this problem
4-4-2
This is not a system I see used all that often anymore. Some coaches who grew up playing it may fall back to it but most have moved on to more modern and dynamic systems of play.
Strengths
- The easiest transition for players to understand
- 2-2-1 turns into a 3-3-1
- 3-3-1 turns into a 4-4-2
- Great cover in the back
- Two strikers to play together up front
- Wingers to spread the field
Weakness
- Will get out numbered in the midfield
Application for Young Players
- I think this system will force players to play more directly especially in the center of midfield because they are outnumbered by most other formations
- I don’t like it because morphing into different formations is not easy
- I think it compacts the game and leads to more long balls to relieve pressure
- Frankly it just doesn’t suit my style of play
I accept that ANY formation could be used to train young players to play the game with possession, skill and creativity but I just think that some foster these qualities more easily than others.
Whichever formation you choose to play the most important thing is that you empower your young players to play the game with confidence and skill. If you focus on the process of development more than the results of the game then your players will follow your lead and you will be creating the foundation for the future of soccer in this country and around the world.
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In the Next Episode
Next week I’ll get back to sharing technical and tactical sessions I use with my own teams. I think teaching players how to defend individually and in small groups is an underappreciated area by many coaches. In the next episode I’ll show you a complete defensive training session that I’ve used successfully with a wide range of age groups.
Last weekend was our first tournament weekend. There is always a lot of discussion about whether playing multiple games over a weekend is good for players. I think it depends on the age and level of the players. For high school age and above I think more harm than good comes from playing more than a game a day and no more than three days in a row. These are players that are playing close to if not full 90 minute games and often with limited substitutions.
For younger players who are subbing more often and playing shorter games playing three or four games over a weekend can be good for them.Playing multiple games over a short period of time allows the player to learn from the previous experience and apply that knowledge in the next game. I think tournaments can be a useful tool especially early in the season when you’re trying to get a young team on the same page, very quickly.
This week I want to look at a key transitional period in development. The U11 and U12 years are crucial in the development of a player. You’ll often hear coaches talk about this period as the, ‘Dawn of Tactical Awareness’. The players become much more aware of how they can cooperate with their teammates to achieve mutual goals.
Until now their focus is usually more self-centered. I don’t think this should be looked at negatively because self-centered learning is an important stage of development and helps to provide a great environment for acquiring new skills.
As players make take the next step from a focus on themselves to small group dynamics they start to become aware of the importance of working together. This awareness comes at different ages for each player but U11 and U12 are generally accepted as an appropriate time to focus a bit more on team dynamics.
In this episode I’ll discuss the formations that I’ve seen used with these age groups and how they can help players prepare for step up to full-sided soccer.
U11 and U12 Systems of Play
Twenty years ago or so, every age group played 11 v 11. So you would have eight year olds playing 11 v 11 on a large field. A short time later decision was made to play 4 v 4 for U8’s, 6 v 6 for U10’s and 8 v 8 for U12’s. Then U13 would be the age when teams began to play 11 v 11.
Looking back, it’s obvious that this change was a huge benefit to players enjoyment and development in the game.
Last week, in Episode 24, I discussed the possible formations that you could use for teams playing 6 v 6. This week I want to look at a key point in player development; the U11 and U12 years provide a vital link between small-sided soccer and the full-sided version. The way we organize the players in this stage can set them up for a smooth transition to the full-sided game.
What to Consider When Choosing a Formation
Do you want three lines?
- Attack
- Midfield
- Defense
Cover in the Back
- Three defenders covering the wide of the field
- Two defender working on covering each other with the help of the midfield
Width in the Midfield
- Create wingers to attack the flanks
Lone Striker or Pair
We’d all like to play with two but in 8 v 8 we run out of players to do all of this
Systems
2-3-2
This creates a balanced shape and creates lots of diamonds of support. I focus on creating Right-Left-Split. It also creates an easy transition if you want to play 3-4-3 in 11 v 11 game. Not many do but it can be effective given the right players.
Strengths
- Two forwards
- Good width from outside midfielders
- Lots of outlets defenders
- Easy to open up and play the ball out from the keeper
Weakness
- Only two at the back
- Puts huge pressure on your defenders and goalkeepers
- Doesn’t encourage defenders to go forward
- Not enough cover
Outside midfielders end up being responsible for going all the way up and down the line
This can be a useful formation if you a few solid defenders and a very good goalkeeper. If you know you’re stronger this formation puts more players forward and allows you to take advantage of this but it does leave you open to counter attacks.
2-4-1
This formation allows you to train center midfielders. You can have one attacking and one defending or play them side-by-side. This transition easily to a 3-5-2 formation in 11 v 11.
Strengths
- Wingers can really stay wide
- Two center midfielders can cover without help
- Defensive center midfielder to help back two
Weakness
- Only one forward
- Two at the back still have to cover the width of the field
- Wingers have to go farther forward with only one forward
- They still have to help defensively
I feel that this formation focuses too much on the midfield and not enough on the forwards or defense.
3-3-1
This provides and easy next step from the 2-2-1 formation in 6 v 6 and then to 4-4-2 in the 11 v 11 game.
Strengths
- Cover the width of the field in the back
- Still have width in midfield
- Opportunity to teach overlapping
Weakness
- Only one forward
This is by far the safest formation. It is also simple for the players to understand.
3-1-3
This might be better be described as a 2-1-2-1. It can quickly collapse into a 3-3-1 defensively or expand into a 1-3-3 in attack.
Strengths
- Good cover across the back
- Lots of attacking options
- Teach outside players to get up and down the field
Weakness
- Can create gaps in wide midfield areas
- Players need to understand when to step up and drop back
- Good learning opportunity
- Lots opportunity for mistakes
I would use this formation as a transition once the players gain an understanding of 3-3-1. It also encourages outside defenders to get forward and outside midfielders to attack.
3-2-2
Two forwards that are positioned wide put pressure on the outside backs of the opposition to stay home. If you have two or three very strong and smart players that can play centrally this formation can take advantage of their strength. It also creates lanes for outside defenders to get forward. You can play with midfielders side-by-side or front and back.
Strengths
- Two forwards playing in the gaps between backs
- Other team has a hard time getting defenders forward
- Maintain three in the back
- Allows strong central players to get the ball a lot
Weakness
- Wide midfield areas are tough to cover
- Relies on the strength and intelligence of the midfielders
This is an advanced formation and requires a lot of understanding by the central players. I think you would spend more time coaching the formation than the skills of the game.
4-3
You could use this formation to train the roles and responsibilities of a back four. The midfield three can play with two attacking or two defending.
You might use this system if the other team is stronger and you want to defend and then counterattack.
Strengths
- Very solid defensively
- Tough to attack centrally
- Outside backs can get forward and not sacrifice cover
Weakness
- No attacking outlet
- Allows other team to possess out of the back and keep possession
I feel that this system is far too defensive to be played with young players. It’s too ‘Tactical’. The game should be about learning the principles of attacking, defending and possessing at these age groups not just going for a result
There are probably other ways to organize a team to play 8 v 8 but these are the most common I’ve seen on the field or in my reading and research.
Whichever formation you choose to play you should focus first and foremost how playing that shape will benefit the players and guide them in their transition from small-sided to full-side soccer.
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Make sure you subscribe to Coaching Soccer Weekly through iTunes, or your podcast provider of choice, to be sure you never miss an episode.
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In the Next Episode
I’ll look at the final step in this process and discuss the different systems of play for the 11 v 11 game and how they can help achieve developmental goals.
The questions and suggestions keep coming in each week and one that I received today gave me an idea. Michael K said, ‘I am really enjoying your podcasts and am finding them very informative and educational. Would it be possible to include sessions that focus on set plays and restarts?
This is a topic that I have on my list but it’s one that I’ve avoided because it’s not one of my strengths. I have a couple of corners and free kicks that I use with my teams but I don’t’ have enough to focus a whole episode on this topic. I’ve planned to do some research and put an episode together but I haven’t gotten around to it.
I thought this would be a good opportunity to ask you to share your favorite set play or restart. Everyone has a couple that they use with their teams. If we put those all together we could create a great resource for all of us. If you send me your one or two favorite ideas then I’ll combine those into an episode and eBook. The easiest way to send these to me would be if you use our Session Designer through the Member Drills Database.
You can create the diagram and description there and just send me the URL from that page. You can also email them to me at tommura@worldclasscoaching.com. If you send those to me I’ll put it all together for a future episode.
Formations for Small-Sided Soccer
There are a great many books and videos that discuss the different formations that can be played in the full-sided, 11 v 11 game but I haven’t seen many that look at how coaches should organize their players when they are younger and playing 6 v 6, at U8, 9, 10 or 8 v 8 at U11 and U12.
There are some leagues and associations that use 7 v 7 for the U8’s through U10’s and 9 v 9 for their U11 and U12 small-sided soccer games. We will actually be making the change to those formats next year but I thought I would deal with how we are playing now in hopes that other coaches are trying to decide how they will play and maybe this will be helpful to them.
Some coaches may say that it’s not important which formation you play with these age groups; it should just be about technical development. And I agree that technical development should be our primary focus of our work with young players but which formation you use can have a direct impact on player development.
The formation creates a framework for the choices the players have to make. Each formation present the players with different option during the course of the game. If we want to create lots of 1 v 1 situations then there are formations that will spread the players out and make that happen. If we want to focus on getting them to see angles of support and passing options then another formation might work better.
There are five different formations that I’ll discuss today. I’ll point out why they might be used along with their strengths and weakness.
2-2-1
There was a time that this was the most common formation I saw used with 6v6. It provides three lines, Defenders, Midfielders, A Forward. This creates an easy transition to a 3-3-1 in 8 v 8. That leads into a 4-4-2 in the 11 v 11 game.
Strengths
- Defensively solid
- Easy to understand
- Right and Left
- Teach players to slide to the ball side and cover
- Converts to a 2-3 in attack
Weakness
- Easy to play through the middle if players get stretched
- Lone forward can get isolated
- Middle is empty when the goalkeeper wins the ball and defenders open up
- As a club we want to play out of the back as often as possible
I don’t like to use this anymore because it doesn’t create triangles and diamonds that make decision making much easier.
1-3-1
I don’t see this very often. I observed PSV playing this formation in a 6 v 6 game during a tour we guided to Holland a number of years ago. The center midfielder got back to help cover the defender. Then it looked like a 2-2-1 until they won the ball. The wings would spread out and create a diamond going forward.
Strength
- Stretch the defense with wingers
- Create diamond shape
- Penetration
- Depth
- Width
- Lots of choices so lots of opportunities for improvisation
- Numbers in attack
Weakness
- LONE DEFENDER
- This would create a lot of 2 v 1’s if the CM got caught too high
- Lone forward
- Could become disconnected
- Wide players not tucking in to cover middle with CM drops back
- Hard to play out of the back without having lots of player change position when the keeper has the ball
This formation would definitely add more width to the game but playing with one true defender against at least one forward would put a lot of pressure on that player. I suppose it would be good for teaching 1 v 1 defending and the importance of recovery runs but it would give me a stomach ache.
3-2
I’ve used this formation when I’ve coached weaker teams or when playing a superior opponent. It can also be a good way to introduce the 6 v 6 game to new players.
Strength
- Solid defensively
- Two forwards to work together
- Easy for players to understand
- “Where does a midfielder go?”
- Easy to get the ball wide out of the back
- Switching the ball across the back is easy
- Lots of opportunities for wide defenders to get forward down the line
- Playing give-and-goes with the forwards to join the attack
- Easy to open up when the keeper has the ball
- I’ll talk more about that at the end
Weakness
- Doesn’t teach the concept of playing with three lines
- Three lines of pressure are tougher to break down
- Less attackers if the outside backs don’t get involved
This is one of three formations I use with my own teams. They all morph easily from one to the other and are easy to understand.
2-3
This formation works well when you have a strong team that attacks and defends well. Committing players forward creates lots of chances. Two solid defenders can work together to defend effectively. So this is not a risky fromation with good players.
Strengths
- Width in attack
- Create lots of 1v1’s on the wings
- Beat a player wide and someone will be open in the middle
- Two defenders provide enough cover
- Easy to open up and play out from the goalkeeper
- Two defenders can easily open up and play out of the back
Weakness
- Doesn’t create three lines
- Make sure there isn’t a large gap between the two lines
- Defenders can become, ‘stuck’ in the back
I don’t use this as often as 3-2 and the next formation, the 2-1-2. I don’t think that it encourages defenders to get forward enough. Sure, you can teach the players that they don’t always stay back but it’s hard to create chances for them to get forward in this arrangement.
2-1-2
I love all of the angles and options that this formation presents. It’s easy to put your strongest player in a position where they can impact every phase of the game.
Strengths
- Two defender
- Two forwards
- Three lines
- VERY simple to open up and play from the back
- Triangles of support all over the field
- Great for laying out easy decisions for the players
- Spreads the field and creates lots of 1v1 opportunities
- I want my players looking to beat players 1v1 so this is perfect
- Easy to switch to 3-2 or 2-3 during the game
- Not hard to explain to the players
Weakness
- Can get outnumbered in the midfield
- Who covers wide players in the midfield CM or Defender
I don’t see a lot of negatives to this formation. I think it can work well for a team with only a couple of strong players. Put them in the middle and they can help everyone. It can also work for a strong team because it creates a lot of 1 v 1 situations to take advantage of.
I may start the season with 3-2 but my goal is to switch to a 2-1-2 as the season progresses.
Playing Out of the Back
I mentioned that as a club we want to focus on playing out of the back. The 3-2, 2-3 and 2-1-2 all provide an easy shape for us to open up from. We end up creating the same shape regardless of the formation
The Risk
Playing out of the back is risky. Even experienced players will make mistakes. You have to accept mistakes as a part of the process and use those times as opportunities to teach the players.
Choosing a formation for teams playing small-sided soccer should be more a matter of finding a framework to train your players how to play than a system to maximize your chances to win the game. I have no problem with winning! But winning while developing creates the Win-Win that will give your players the foundation for future development and success.
Printable Show Notes
The show notes for each episode are accessed through the WCC Training Center.
They are FREE but you will need at least a Free Membership to the Training Center in order to view and print them.
Click on the image of the notes and if you’re already logged in to the Training Center you’ll be taken to the Podcast page. If you’re not logged in your be taken to a login page where you’ll also be able to login or register if you are not already a Member.
Remember!
Make sure you subscribe to Coaching Soccer Weekly through iTunes, or your podcast provider of choice, to be sure you never miss an episode.
We would appreciate it if you would leave us a 5 star rating and/or a written review on iTunes to help spread the word about the show and ensure that we can continue to bring you top notch guests in the future.
In the Next Episode
Next week I’ll discuss the formations that I’ve seen work well for U11 and U12 players. These are important ages because they are getting ready to transition to play the full-sided game. The decisions we make at this stage can make that transition easier or more difficult.
At the beginning of each season I always plan to do a shooting session in the first week. I have a shooting exercise or game in each training session but what I’m talking about here is a complete practice focused on shooting.
I set the session up as a progressive practice that begins with a focus on technique and gradually becomes more dynamic and functional. I feel that this is a session that you could do with just about any age group, especially early in the season. Players of every age and ability level can benefit from working on their shooting technique.
With older, more experienced teams, you may move through the basic technical work a bit quicker and add more complexity and pressure to the second phase of technical work. Then you could spend more time in functional situations and the small-sided game at the end.
One of the most important features of this session is that it gives me the opportunity to teach my players the vocabulary that I use so that we can have a ‘short hand’ when I’m correcting them in training or in matches. They need to know specifically what I’m looking for when I say I want them to bend their run, lock their ankle (foot like a fist), foot next to the ball, see their foot hit the ball and land on their shooting foot. This will allow them to realize what they may have done wrong and make the adjustment quickly without me having to stop and break it down for them.
Training Session
Wembley
I like to start with this to get the players engaged and in a shooting mindset.
Set Up
- One goalie
- Everyone else on the field
All the balls in the goal
Goalie plays out one ball for every three players
If a player scores they become the goalie
The player enjoy this so it creates great energy for the session. This game gives me time to set up the session. I can also watch the player shooting. This is especially important if I have a new team. I can see what are they doing well and what needs to be corrected.
Field Set Up
I like to set up the field once for the whole session whenever possible. This is an easy session to do that with. You’ll need cones, flags (or mannequins) and goals. Along with at least one ball per player.
Volleys – Locking the Ankle
We start with volleys with the laces. I want them focused on locking their ankle with their toes down (ie ‘Foot like a fist’). Then we do volleys with the inside. Also focuse on locking the ankle but with the toes up and out.
Next, I’ll have the server back up as the player volleying the ball comes forward. They need to move their feet to get ready to volley.
Then, the server moves forward as the player volleying the ball moves backward.
Finally, they volley the ball back to their partner and move to the right. When they get to the end the run around to the start and keep going until they return to where they started. Then volley and move to the left.
Passing on the Ground with Laces
Here I focus on bending the run, foot next to the ball, landing on the shooting foot.
The players pass the ball back and forth with their laces. Ball is still when struck. This setup allows you to cover all of the technical requirements.
Progression
Push the ball forward so it is rolling before the players strike it.
Dribble and Shoot
Setup
- Remove cone line but leave the flags
Line of players on the right side of each goal
Each player has a ball
Pattern
- First player in each line dribble toward the half line and shoots
- That player becomes the goalie
- Goalie retrieves a ball and joins the other line
Coaching Points
- Last touch bigger and diagonal
- Foot next to the ball
- Catch up to it
- Lock ankle with toes down diagonal
- Watch your foot hit the ball
- Land on your shooting foot
- Keep it simple for younger players
- Talk about swinging through and across for more advanced players
Progressions
- Move lines to the left side of the goals
- Add gate to push the ball through
- Diagonal
- Have players use a move before playing through
Put flag in front of lines
- Players push the ball past the flag and shoot
- Players use a move and then shoot off of the play away
Defender
- After shooting the player becomes a defender
- Passive at first
- Active only once the player are comfortable
Diamond Shooting
Setup
- Half of a diamond shape on each side of the goal
- A player without a ball at the second and third cone on each side
- The rest of the players lined up with a ball on each side of the goal
Pattern
- The ball is passed to the player at the second cone
- Opens up, receives with the back foot
- Passes to the third player
- Opens up, touches the ball diagonally and shoots
- One side starts
- The other side goes after the second pass is made
- This stagers the shots
Coaching Points
- All previous
- Diagonal touch out of feet
- Twist foot to point at the target
Half Line
Setup
- Two goals with a half line
- Team divided in half each on one side of the field
- Each team starts with two soccer balls
Game Rules
- Shoot from your own half to score in the other team’s goal
- Ball must be moving
- Allow younger players to hit a stationary ball
- No one is allowed to use their hands
- You can designate one goalie
- Or allow everyone to use their hands
- ‘Hitters Getters’ – If you miss the goal you retrieve the ball
- Encourages players to hit the target
Variations
- Give and go before a shot
- Throw the ball up for a volley
- Allow one ‘Trash Man’ / Defender
Small-Sided Game
- Taper the field
- Removing the wide areas in the corners to force everything into the middle
- Ten seconds to score
- Free Play at the end
I’ve used this session with players from U8 to U18. Keep it simple with younger players and raise your expectations for the older players and this can be an effective technical training session for teams of any age.
Printable Show Notes
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In the Next Episode
There are a great many books and videos that discuss the different formations that can be played in the full-sided, 11 v 11 game but I haven’t seen many that look at how coaches should organize their players when they are younger and playing 6 v 6, at U8, 9, 10 or 8 v 8 at U11 and U12. Next week I’ll discuss the formations that I’ve seen work well for U8, 9 and 10 players.
Training sessions have started in our area and it’s great to get back on the field with the players again. The summer provides a welcome break but I enjoy working with kids and watching them develop so I’m always excited to start a new year. I have a range of age groups that I’m working with again this year.
The youngest are our U8 Pre Academy boys and the oldest is a U16 girls team. In between I have U10 and U12 girls teams. I enjoy coaching teams that play 6v6 8v8 and 11v11 so these are great groups to have. It also means that I’ll be able to bring you topics that span every age group. Which will keep this podcast relevant for most coaches.
I really enjoy having discussions with coach who comment on the show or send me an email. This week’s topic comes out of one of those conversations.
The focus is on teaching players the importance of constantly checking their shoulder and scanning the field around them so they are aware of the space, pressure and support that they have.
This is a challenge for coaches at every level and I think that you’re going to enjoy this exercises and games.
Vision and Awareness
I recently received an email from a coach, Daniel A. I won’t use his full name because I didn’t ask him if I could. He is looking for some ways to teach his players to be constantly checking their shoulders. Another way to say it is to, ‘Play with their head on a swivel.
I recently read a stat that Xavi, formerly of Barcelona, checked his shoulder and looked around more than 890 times in a single 90 minute game.
Creating this habit will make your players more aware of the position of the ball relative to their teammates and their opponents. The more they are aware of these factors, the easier it is for them to make decisions about where to move and where to play.
When I read his question from Daniel I instantly thought of a DVD that had been sent to us at WORLD CLASS COACHING several years ago call, ‘Developing Vision and Awareness’. I really liked the ideas and methods they used and I tried them with my own teams.
I’ll give you a couple of examples today and put a link to their website in the show notes because there’s a lot more to their methods than I’ll be able to share with you here.
Training Exercises
Checking the Shoulder
- Three Players
- Two Passers
- One player in the middle
- Player in the middle looks behind them (checks their shoulder) after the pass is made
- Middle player can pass the ball back one touch or play two touch
Identifying a Color
- Three Players
- Two Passers
- One player in the middle
- Player in the middle checks their shoulder after the pass is made
- Calls out the color of the cone or bib that is held up before their first touch
Coaching Points
- The color is held up as the pass is played
- Receiver adjusts to the ball just before checking the shoulder
- Watch for the players moving away to buy time
React Based on the Color
- As before but now two cones are added to the middle
- They match the color of the cones being held up by the passers
- The receiver stays behind the cones so that they can take their first touch outside of the cone to pass it back
Coaching Points
- Continue to call out the color
- Get first touch outside of the cone
- Shift the ball with the inside foot and pass with the outside foot
- Checking over both shoulders
One Ball Progression
- The player now turns with the ball and passes it to the player on the other side
- No cones
- With cones
Add Movement
- Cones are spread wide to create a diamond with the players on the end
- The middle player moves between the cones
- Open your body
- Check shoulder after the ball is played
- Call the color out
- Receive with the back foot and pass to the other player
Progression
- When the color is red the ball is played back to the same player
- If the color is the same as the one you’re standing on you pass it back
Find the Open Player
Setup
- One receive
- Three players with cones (red and yellow)
- Two Players have a ball
Pattern
- One player passes to the receiver
- Free player holds up a color
- Receive calls the color before taking their first touch
- Pass to the open player
Coaching Points
- One or two touch
- Receive with the back foot
- Across the body to set up the pass
- Make sure the players with the balls and colors are always thinking and ready
Progression #1
Position the player in a triangle around the receive
Progression #1
Have the players move freely around the receiver
Two Team Passing and Moving
Setup
- Two teams of player in side an area 20×20
- One ball per team
- One player from each team outside the area with two color cone
Pattern
- The ball is passed from one player to another on the inside
- Receiver calls out the color of the cone held up by their teammate on the outside
- Two teams of players move around and through each other to find space and create angles for passes
Coaching Points
- Move without the ball to receive it
- Always know where the ball and the colors are
- Open body to both
Progression #1
- Pass must be to a player on the other team
Progression #2
- Add a red and yellow ball and make players with cones where either a red or yellow penny
- When receiving the red ball, check the red player on the outside
Fun Game – Soccer Tennis
Setup
- 10×20 with line of cones down the middle
- Two players on each team
Rules
- The ball must bounce before you play it
- You have one touch
- The player who receives it from the other team sets it for their teammate
- That teammate allows it to bounce and plays it over the cones to the other team
- You must check both shoulders before playing the ball
Progression #1
- Add players behind each team with cones
- Call the color of the cone before playing the ball
Progression #2
- Add player in front as well
- First player calls the color behind
- Second player calls the color in front
There are a lot of other great ideas on the DVD. There are some 2 v 1 and 3 v 2 games that help to transfer the concepts to game situations more quickly.
They also have some other tools and ideas for adding even more complexity. I highly recommend you checking the ‘Developing Vision and Awareness’ DVD out soon.
Printable Show Notes
The show notes for each episode are accessed through the WCC Training Center.
They are FREE but you will need at least a Free Membership to the Training Center in order to view and print them.
Click on the image of the notes and if you’re already logged in to the Training Center you’ll be taken to the Podcast page. If you’re not logged in your be taken to a login page where you’ll also be able to login or register if you are not already a Member.
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Make sure you subscribe to Coaching Soccer Weekly through iTunes, or your podcast provider of choice, to be sure you never miss an episode.
We would appreciate it if you would leave us a 5 star rating and/or a written review on iTunes to help spread the word about the show and ensure that we can continue to bring you top notch guests in the future.
In the Next Episode
At the start of each year I always plan a shooting session for my teams regardless of the age group or experience level. Players at every level need to be reminded of the key principles of ball striking and finishing. On next week’s show I’ll share a progressive training session that I used this week with my own teams.
I continue to receive a lot of great feedback on the podcast as well as ratings and reviews on iTunes. I really appreciate everyone that has taken the time to send an email or write a review. I’ll do my best to bring you information on the topics and ideas you’ve requested.
This week we went past 100,000 downloads of our episodes! I’m glad that so many coaches are finding the podcast useful and spreading the word about the training sessions and information that is available here.
This week is the last week of our clubs summer break so this week I want to share what we offer our players and teams in the club to help them prepare for to return to training.
Each year our club offers a preseason camp available to anyone in the club. I like to use this as a Training Camp for my teams if there are enough players available to make it worthwhile. The camp can also be good for individuals who haven’t had their foot on the ball since the end of the spring.
I’ve found that it can be a great way to get to know a new team in a short period of time so I try to get everyone on board if possible.
This year I have a U16 girls team that I’ll be working with for the first time. We’ll have 10 or 11 girls which is enough to get some technical work done and start to build the team. But it’s not enough to allow me to spend much time on team concepts. We could do it but then we’d just have to do it again when we get everyone to training in early August.
The camp runs for an hour and a half for four days. I decided that I wanted to start with a fun activity, then cover a technical skill, add some finishing and end with a small-sided game each day.
I’ll go through each session briefly here but I’ll also put the complete training session in the printable show notes below.
Monday
Tag
One player is ‘IT’ and doesn’t have a ball. Everyone else is dribbling inside the area. If the ‘IT’ player touch a players soccer ball they keep the ball and the other player is now ‘IT’.
Play one round with no rules. Then review the Chop and teach the players the Hook change of direction move. Allow the players to practice the movement until they understand it. Play the game again but now the players can’t be stuck if they perform a Chop or Hook.
Coaching Points
- Touch the ball with ever step
- Keep your head up to see the defender
- Start the COD before the defender gets too close
- Move away from the pressure and into the space
Change of Direction Moves
The players are in groups of three or four. The first player goes out and performs a BOB, comes back and uses a Chop, dribbles back out and does a Hook and then dribbles back to do a Cruyff before dribbling to the far side. Each alleyway is six yards long.
The other players in line perform fast footwork until it is their turn.
Coaching Points
- Lean in the direction you want to go
- Change direction quickly
- Explode out of the cut
- Perform a fake shot with each move to make it more deceptive
Two Lines
Players dribble up to the player across from them and perform one of the fakes before they reach the cone on their side.
Coaching Points
Players must time their move so they do not collide with the cone in front of them. Perform the moves and explode with get away touches under control.
1 v 1
Half of the players have a ball beside one goal while the other half of the players are in a line next to the other goal.
The player passes and pressures. The receiving player uses fakes and moves to beat the defender or create enough space for a shot.
Coaching Points
- Start with a good pass to the attacker’s feet
- Focus on a quality first touch
- Dribble at the defender or at the space
- Fake to one side and attack the other
- Change direction if the defender recovers quickly
Small-Sided Game
Teams defend one goal & attack one goal. Each goal has a goalkeeper.
Coaching Points
Encourage players to use their 1 v 1 moves and change of direction moves to take opponents on and score goals.
They are not allowed to pass the ball forward only sideways or backward.
Progression
Allow the players to beat defenders with give-and-goes to move forward.
Tuesday
Cones Warm-Up
The players dribble from one cone to another in a pattern of their choice. For example: Orange, Yellow, Blue or Yellow, Orange, Blue, etc.
Next, I give them one action to perform at the Orange cone; a change of direction move for example. They continue to dribble in that pattern but perform the change of direction move whenever they reach the Orange cone.
I then give them an action for the Yellow cone; a fake like a scissors for example. Now they perform a change of direction move at Orange and a scissors at the Yellow.
Finally, I tell them to pull the ball back at the Blue cone, shield it and then turn around the cone.
Turning
Player runs/Shows through the gate and performs the turn past the gate. The player that passes the ball runs through the gate to receive the next ball and performs a turn.
Coaching Points
- Passes should be firm with proper pace to make turns easier
- Turns should be clean
- Accelerate out of each turn
1 v 1 Through Cones
Half of the players have a ball and are between two cone goals on one side of a grid while the other half of the players are in a line across from them without a ball.
The first player with a ball passes and pressure. The receiving player uses fakes and moves to beat the defender and dribble through either one of the two cone goals. If the defender wins the ball they try to dribble through the cone goals on the other side.
Three Line Shooting
Player 1 dribble at cone, fakes and shoots
Then Player 1 shows for a pass from Player 2 who follows and shoots
Player 2 then moves to defend Player 3 in a 1 v 1
Small-Sided Game
The players are matched up with one opponent. If their player scores they have to leave the field and run around it completely before rejoining the game.
Wednesday
Gladiator
The area is divided in half with teams of five or six in each half. One member of each team serves as a defender. The defenders go into the other team’s half at the same time. They try and knock as many player’s soccer balls out as quickly as they can. The dribbler is out of the game when their soccer ball leave the area. The last team with a dribbler in their area wins the round. Pick a new defender and begin again.
Play one round and then review the Chop, Hook and teach the BOB. Encourage the players to use these moves to go away from pressure and into open space.
Diamond Passing
The players pass ball to the right and follow. Players should receive the ball with the inside of their right foot, open up and play the ball with their right. Switch and go to the left.
Progress to Give & Go if the players are passing well with both feet.
5 v 2
This is a simple game of keepaway to put their passing technique and decision making under some limited pressure.
If an outside player losses the ball they switch places with the inside player that has been there the longest.
Focus on the quality of the passes, open body shape and having a plan before the ball arrives.
Diamond Shooting
The players pass and move from one cone to the next. At the top of the box the first touch should be diagonal toward the penalty spot before shooting. The touch should be firm enough to get it out of your feet and allow for a powerful shot.
Be sure that the players are leaning forward and landing on their shooting foot.
One side begins and the other side waits until the second pass is made before they begin. This will but a space between each shot.
Small-Sided Game
If a ball goes out of play the player who last touched it must retrieve the ball. The team who has possession can take a ball from any cone and continue to play.
When the player returns with the ball they put it on the empty cone before rejoining the game.
Thursday
Rondo
The players on the outside play one touch keep away from the players in the middle. If a defender touch the ball the last player to touch it trades places with the defender.
The Cage
The ball is ball is passed to the receiver in, ‘The Cage’. They take one touch to control and one to leave the cage out to one side or the other.
The coach can dictate which touches are used and which way the players exit the cage or it can be left up to the players.
Transitional Possession
Two teams of players are divided into one half of the field each. The coach passes the ball into one half of the field and two defenders move from the other half to try to win the ball. The team in possession receives one point for every five consecutive passes. The defending team is allowed to send an extra defender to pressure the ball each time the team in possession completes five passes.
If the defenders win the ball they pass it to their teammates on the other half and start to connect passes. Only passes made in their attacking half of the field count. The attacking team should work to keep the ball in their half if a defender gets a touch or wins the ball.
L – Shooting
Player 1 passes to Player 2 who creates the angle to receive the ball back from Player 2 and then pass to Player 3. After Player 2 lays the ball back to Player 1 he overlaps Player 1 and receives a layoff from Player 3. Player 2 then takes one or two touches to the middle and shoots.
Each player moves forward one station. Player 2 returns after shooting. Player 3 collects a ball and goes to the opposite side of the field.
Small-Sided Game
Each team attacks two goals and defends the other two.
Encourage the players to switch fields when one goal is defended to attack the open goal.
There’s nothing special about these sessions.
My goals for the week are:
- Get the players together so they can get to know each other
- Learn their names!
- Knock off the rust from their technical skills
- See where the players are technically and tactically
I would suggest trying to set up a Training Camp if you haven’t done one in the past. If you have done one, I’d love to hear how you approached it and what worked well (or didn’t) for you.
Printable Show Notes
Remember!
Make sure you subscribe to Coaching Soccer Weekly through iTunes, or your podcast provider of choice, to be sure you never miss an episode.
We would appreciate it if you would leave us a 5 star rating and/or a written review on iTunes to help spread the word about the show and ensure that we can continue to bring you top notch guests in the future.
In the Next Episode
I think that at times we’re so focused on training the technical and tactical components of the game that we neglect to train our players how to be more aware of the space, pressure and opportunities around them. On next week’s podcast I’ll share some great exercises and games to help your players learn to play the game with greater vision and awareness.
I’ve continued adding printable show notes for each episode to CoachingSoccerWeekly.com. So you’ll find printable notes for this episode at the bottom of this page.
I’m also working through the previous episodes as well so keep checking back if there’s one your looking for or you can email me at tommura@worldclasscoaching.com and let me know if there’s a particular episode you’d like to have printable show notes for. I’ll prioritize episodes with the most requests.
This week I look at the benefits of training your team to press as a team. I’ve always preferred to have my teams play a high pressure defense. It puts us on the front foot and creates an aggressive mentality that carries over to every area of the game.
We saw this during the recent Women’s World Cup. There were a number of changes that contributed to the US Women’s improved play as they entered the elimination rounds but I think a one of the most important was the fact that we pressed much more than we did in group play.
The training session at the end of the episode will help you train your players to do a better job of pressing their opponents. This will allow them to win the ball higher up the field but more importantly, it will increase their confidence and speed of play across every phase of play.
Women’s World Cup
During the group games the US Women didn’t really press very often. But this changed in the elimination rounds. Two players would not be available for the game against China Lauren Holiday and Megan Rapinoe where out with yellow card suspensions so Amy Rodriguez and Kelly O’Hara would take their places.
The team also changed formations. Some commentators called it a 4-3-3, some a 4-5-1 but I looked at it as a 4-2-3-1 with Morgan Brian and Kelly O’Hara playing as Holding Midfielders which allowed Carli Lloyd to play much higher than in previous games. Amy Rodriguez and Health played on the wings which left Alex Morgan playing up top alone.
These players and this formation allow the US Women to press the China defense and force them into making mistakes and losing the ball close to their own goa.
This totally changed not just the tactics but the team’s mentality. Pressing changes not only your defense but also your attacking mentality. Your speed of play increases because you’re playing hard and fast to win the ball so it’s more likely that you’ll keep this rhythm when attacking. By winning the ball closer to the opponent’s goal there are more opportunities to create goalscoring chances. All of this fosters a, ‘Go for it!’ attitude in the players.
The Keys to Effective Pressing
The first defender, the one closest to the ball, has to make it difficult on the opponent with the ball and make their play predictable. Forcing the player inside, toward their weak foot, into pressure to against the sideline with limit their options. Then the other defenders must be ready to ‘Step On the Next Pass’. Anticipating where the ball will be passed allows you to pressure the next player more quickly and limit their options.
If we hunt in packs then we can force them into a mistake and regain possession. If only one players pressures, they can find a pass, break our pressure and play wherever they want.
I love the energy this type of defending encourages. The players all have to be on the front foot and ready to pressure the ball or step on the next pass.
This is a very effective tactic with youth teams because young players are prone to make mistakes anyway. This puts more pressure on them and puts your team in position to take advantage of their mistakes. It also boosts the confidence of your players which will improve their play.
Training Session
Warm-Up
I found this pressing warm up on, ‘The Coaching Manual’ YouTube page. Here is a link to it.
The player across from the ball presses it. The player with the ball passes right and runs left and the pattern continues with the player across from the ball pressing it.
Then have the player with the ball pass to the left and run to the right. Finally, allow the players to choose which direction they pass but they alway run to the other side. Now the players have to read the defender and attacker to figure out where the ball is going before it has been passed. The question becomes, ‘Do I need to prepare to receive or defend?’
Encourage the defenders to take one side away and force the ball to the other side. This makes play more predictable.
5 v 2
Take these same concepts and put them into a game of 5 v 2.
The first defender cuts off one side and forces the ball to stay on that side of the field. The covering defender positions themselves to prevent the through ball and prepares to pressure the ball played to their side.
The defenders must win the ball or force it to be passed out of bounds. Have the defenders win the ball four times before they switch.
Transitional Possession
Use a space the size of two penalty areas. This is an easy way to make the size of the area relative to the age of the players. Divided the space in half and put eight players on each team. Fewer is fine but keep the size of the area relative to the number of players and their ability level as well as their age. One team is on each side of the area. The coach has a supply of balls at the halfway line.
The ball is passed in to one team and the other team sends two defenders to win it. If the attackers make five passes the defending team sends another defender to try to win the ball. If they make five more passes, the defending team gets another player.
Give five points if the defending team wins the ball before five passes are completed. They receive three points if they win the ball after 10 passes. The defending team receives one point any time after that.
This creates the motivation for the defenders to work hard and win the ball quickly. It also provides an opportunity to emphasize the key points of pressing from earlier in the session.
Small-Sided Game
This is a normal small-sided game but the attacking team scores a point every time they can keep the ball for ten seconds. They receive two points if they can also score a goal.
The gives the defending team motivation to pressure and win the ball back quickly to prevent the attackers from receiving points for possession.
You can change the amount of time the attacker keep the ball depending on the age and ability level of your team. Make them keep it longer if possession for 10 seconds is too easy.
I think that players really enjoy playing in a pressing system. The energy and attitude is positive and aggressive. The whole team is focused on winning the ball back quickly so they can start attacking again.
Go through this training session or one like it the week before a game and then focus on pressing in the next match. This is where you’ll see how well the players understand the concepts. You’ll be able to remind the players of the key points and what to look for as they press the ball.
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Remember!
Make sure you subscribe to Coaching Soccer Weekly through iTunes, or your podcast provider of choice, to be sure you never miss an episode.
We would appreciate it if you would leave us a 5 star rating and/or a written review on iTunes to help spread the word about the show and ensure that we can continue to bring you top notch guests in the future.
In the Next Episode
We’re coming to the end of our summer break in my area and regular training begins again in a couple of weeks. Next week I’ll lay out what our club does in the week before training begins that gives our teams a great jumpstart to the season.
The summer months are an important time because they give our players a chance to rest and recharge at the end of a long season before they prepare for the next one. You can’t constantly train at a high level without breaking down and risking injury and burnout. But it’s important for players, especially as they mature, to prepare for the challenges of returning to training.
Goals of Preseason Conditioning
- Get the players fit enough to start training
- Practice basic skills
- Injury prevention
It’s important for maturing players to have a base of fitness before they start to train. Small-sided games are a risky and inefficient way to create this base. Players are more susceptible to injury when they jump right into playing games without giving their body time adapt. Small-sided games often have too much stopping and starting to challenge the player’s cardiovascular system. You can get fit by playing but it’s going to take you longer than if you go in with a base to build from.
Start with Cardio
I begin by asking the players to run continuously for 24 minutes. I’ll have them do this two to three times a week until they are able to complete this comfortably.
Then we take the last three weeks before training begins to do runs where that are measured. These are best done on a track but can also be measured in other ways. I ask them to run twice a week with at least one day of rest between each run.
The first run is 24 minutes. The players record how far they were able to run in that time. The goal for each of the next four runs is to cover an increasingly greater distance. The second time they go for two 12-minute runs with a five minute rest.
The next week the players start with three eight-minute runs with a three minute rest between each one. The second run of the week is four six-minute runs with two minutes of rest between each one.
The final week the players complete six four-minute runs with only one minute between each run. The players will be shocked by how much more distance they can cover in 24 minutes of running than they could at the beginning of the program. You can have them complete another steady 24 minute run to finish the program.
This base of fitness will help your players get more out of the technical and tactical work you have planned for them.
Change of Direction Shuttles
I like to incorporate strength and fitness training along with ball work whenever possible. This is done once or twice per week but not on days when the players complete conditioning runs.
The players will be improving there touch along with turning and cutting ability while they are preparing their muscles to accelerate and decelerate quickly and smoothly.
How It’s Done
- Two cones 5-yard apart
- 20 Seconds On 40 Seconds Off
- 2-3 sets for each exercise
-
Exercises (Each set is done for two weeks)
- Set 1 – 180 Degree COD Moves
- Repeat Step Over (R/L)
- Repeat Stop and Go (BOB)
- Repeat Cruyff
- Repeat Chop
- Repeat Hook
- Set 2 – 180 Degree COD Moves
- Shuffle In – Shuffle Out
- Repeat Step Over
- Shuffle In – Run Out
- Repeat Stop and Go
- Run In – Shuffle Out
- Repeat Cruyff
- Run In – Run Out
- Choice Move
- Set 1 – 180 Degree COD Moves
-
Set 3 – 180 Degree COD Continuous Shuttle
- Up 10 yards and Back 5 yards
- Step Over (R/L)
- Stop and Go (R/L)
- Cruyff (R/L)
- Chop (R/L)
- Hook (R/L)
Testing
I begin each season by evaluating my players with a test developed by our conditioning experts at AthleteFIT. You can find a complete breakdown of the test with videos and descriptions by clicking this link to the AthleteFIT Game Speed Test.
There are six test: One Fitness Test, Three Skills Tests and Two Speed Tests.
For a complete description visit AthleteFIT Game Speed Test
The really powerful part of their program is that it gives you the ability to upload your results to their site for free. This gives each of your players a breakdown of how they scored in each of the three areas of Fitness, Skill and Speed. It also allows you to compare your scores against the other 30,000 players that have recorded their scores. You can see how you compare in your age group and with the best players ever tested.
This is what the breakdown looks like. I’d encourage you to test some or all of your players and visit AthleteFIT Game Speed Test. Enter their scores and see what a powerful testing and development tool this can be.
I think that it’s important that every coach offers their players some type of preseason conditioning program. You want your players come to your first training session fit and ready to train so you’ll be able to get them ready for their first games as soon as possible.
Printable Show Notes
The show notes for each episode are accessed through the WCC Training Center.
They are FREE but you will need at least a Free Membership to the Training Center in order to view and print them.
Click on the image of the notes and if you’re already logged in to the Training Center you’ll be taken to the Podcast page. If you’re not logged in your be taken to a login page where you’ll also be able to login or register if you are not already a Member.
Remember!
Make sure you subscribe to Coaching Soccer Weekly through iTunes, or your podcast provider of choice, to be sure you never miss an episode.
We would appreciate it if you would leave us a 5 star rating and/or a written review on iTunes to help spread the word about the show and ensure that we can continue to bring you top notch guests in the future.
In the Next Episode
I really enjoyed watching the Women’s World Cup over the last month. The US team progressed very well during the tournament and played their best games in the elimination rounds. Next week I want to talk about one of the keys to their success in my opinion and how I use this core principle with all of my teams.
I won’t have a full podcast for this week because I’m spending some down time with my family during the July 4th holiday weekend. I don’t want to go a week without putting anything out there so here is a 1 v 1 exercise that we use toward the end of our 12-week Technical Training curriculum.
I like this exercise because it incorporates passing, receiving, change of direction moves, 1 v 1 moves and shooting in a competitive environment that the players really enjoy.
The first player on the left passes to the player across from them and sprints to touch the top of the six yard box. The receiving player takes their first touch toward the top of the arc, performs a change of direction move and dribbles toward goal. The attacker beats the defender with a 1 v 1 move and finishes past the goalkeeper.
The players then switch lines. Each team keeps track of how many goals they score. You can give the defender a point if they win the ball and dribble it past the top of the box.
Coaching Points
- Quality of pass
- First touch out of the feet and toward the top of the arc
- Players must dribble with the ball under control
- When they change directions the must explode out of the move
- Be animated & sell the move!
- Check shooting form – ankle locked, toe down, non-kicking foot next to the ball, land on kicking foot
Next Week
I’ll be back with summer preseason conditioning and skills suggestions to get your players ready for the start of training.
We’ve had a number of coaches ask if we could create printable show notes. Earlier this week I started working on doing that. I’ve put together a template using the first episode and posted that to the site. Now that I’ve worked out the technical side I’ll start adding them to each episode. I’ll also go back and add them to the previous episodes. So far I’ve completed five episodes going back to Episode 12 on the Transitional Possession Game. I’ll get the others done during the rest of the summer.
Please let me know what you think of those and if there’s anything you’d like to see done differently. I take your comments and requests seriously because they will give you more of what you’re looking for which can only improve the podcast.
In the last couple of weeks I’ve been working on things to get ready for next season. In addition to coaching teams in the club. I’m also the Skills and Curriculum Director for the U8-U12.
I take this responsibility very seriously because what these young players learn now directly effects their future development. We do something that I think is fairly unique that I believe will make a huge difference in the technical ability of our players so I thought I would share our process with you in this episode.
Technical Training
I think most coaches and club directors would agree that proper technical training should be the primary focus of our teams in their early years of development. Unfortunately, coaches sometimes focus too much on elements that will help the team win today rather than help the players develop in the future. This loss of focus can happen because of pressure to win either from the coach themselves or from the parents and players.
As a club we decided to make one of our two training sessions each week strictly a Technical Training session.
The main purpose of our Technical Training curriculum is to provide foundation for our player’s continued technical development. Gary Allan with Minnesota Youth Soccer said it very well in a article he wrote for their website on developing a coaching philosophy, “Just as it is necessary for builders to cut deep into the ground for a foundation of a tall building, so you are laying the groundwork for the future. No one looks in awe at the gaping hole that is dug, or ever sees the concrete laid for a building’s foundation once it is built, but in order for a beautiful and majestic building to rise, the solid, but unseen, foundation is necessary.”
We also implemented this program as a way to provide equal training opportunities for all levels of players within an age group.
By having a set curriculum we are also educating our coaches as we train our players. The coaches receive a manual that outlines each exercise for each training session in the Micro Cycle. The descriptions include the key coaching points that should be focused on.
Rather than writing out a complete description of the methods we use. I will have the podcast transcribed and added to the printable show notes next week. I’d do it sooner but transcription takes one week to complete unless you want to pay three times as much (and I don’t).
I have included the study on small-sided soccer and the Manchester United 4 v 4 Scheme in the printable show notes below.
Printable Show Notes
The show notes for each episode are accessed through the WCC Training Center.
They are FREE but you will need at least a Free Membership to the Training Center in order to view and print them.
Click on the image of the notes and if you’re already logged in to the Training Center you’ll be taken to the Podcast page. If you’re not logged in your be taken to a login page where you’ll also be able to login or register if you are not already a Member.
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In the Next Episode
Next week I’ll be spending some time away with my family so there won’t be a full podcast but I will share a 1 v 1 exercise that I’m planning to use toward the end of our 12-week Technical Training Curriculum that I think you’ll find interesting.