Inadvertently Failing Our Players
Fortunately – Our younger players are the Best in the World when it comes to playing eye-foot coordination FUN games like Sharks & Minnows, King of the Dribblers, Simon Says’ and countless more. Unfortunately –Providing them with opportunities to play against other teams in similar games is a challenge due to the lack of dedicated […]
CERTIFIED SOLUTIONS
After publishing ‘An Initiative That Virtually Suppresses Referee Abuse.’ You, the readers, followed up with ‘Garnered Lively Responses!’ When I asked for more suggestions on how to work together to ensure these initiatives become national mandates. An overwhelming number of you responded, “Mandates, especially for the national level, would take years and years to put […]
ADDRESSING ONE OF THE CRITICAL ISSUES
In his article, ‘CRITICAL ISSUES THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED,’ John Kennedy stated, “What quickly dawned on me: no one was playing soccer. I bet half of these kids had passed through local soccer leagues, but I didn’t find any playing in PE, at recess, or after school. Many kids play organized soccer, but far too […]
ADDRESSING EXCUSERS
Soccer Scene USA — The monthly meeting is held in the soccer office if one is available; or someone’s home with plenty of room to accommodate the semi-large group. Each attending has a title such as “League President.” The meeting is called to order by the Chairperson, and the minutes of the previous meeting are […]
Unleash Your Players’ Potential: World Cup Activities for Their Development
Here are our FUNdamental SOCCER ideas for players to implement while watching the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup games from July 20 to August 19. Coaches can consider assigning these activities to their players, as they provide a great opportunity to learn and improve by observing the best players in the world. Materials needed: Marking […]
NO NEED TO RE-INVENT THE WHEEL
Youth development programs in Belgium, Croatia, and the USA have many things in common. Here is a breakdown of how coaches from each country use similar tools that lead to success. Belgium: Kris Van der Haege – Director of Coach Education Croatia: Martin Novoselac – Youth Football Developer USA: Karl Dewazien – FUNdamental SOCCER Belgium: One of the main principles is that the main actor is […]
Watch With a Purpose
Presenting FUNdamental SOCCER ideas for you to consider and assign your players to complete when watching WC games! Need: Marking pen and sheets of paper. Drawing a soccer field on the sheets is helpful. Assignment: Observe A Particular Player Instructions: Jot down the plus (+) mark for every Pass when possession is Retained.Jot down the […]
Getting Ready for the 2022 Season
Establish a ‘Pre-Practice Ritual.’ For yourself and the players as they arrive at the practice site. PLAYERS: COACH: -Greet the coach and report any injuries -Arrive early to check weather & field conditions -Greet teammates and Socialize with them. -Greet the players and check for injuries -Check your equipment. -Check players’ equipment -Juggle and […]
Words Communicate More Than Information
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but well-spoken words will serve to heal and teach me.” Peter Fox How often have your players come to you during a practice session and asked, “Coach, can we please do the following soccer drill?” vs. Having them come to you and ask,” Coach, when are we going […]
