| Keep it simple stupid! |
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| on 10 Apr 2008 | |
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My feeling is that coaches try to do too much or are too complicated during a session, whether the coaches are at the rec, select or comp level. I know there are a few coaches out there (me definitely not being one of them) that have the knowledge and ability to fascinate and amaze other coaches and players with sessions that work wonders with the players; however, those coaches are few and far between. I firmly believe in the K.I.S.S. method for the masses. (keep it simple stupid) Somehow the soccer gods must get the message to the mass of soccer coaches across the country who are instructing players up to age 13/14...no matter what the coaching / player level. Footwork: 15-20 minutes. (done as part of the warm up...warm ups have to be done anyway so everyone with a ball) Not go through the motion footwork but game speed footwork Spend only 90 seconds on each footwork skill...no one gets bored, keep it moving; focus on the same 5-6 skills One touch passing, 1-2 yards a part. Again, high speed, on your toes, etc. Two touch passing, same as above but two touch Individual juggling, must be with restrictions...right foot only, left foot only, juggle on the move, juggle above head only, etc. Partner juggling, must be with restrictions...one touch, two touch, must be at least 5 yards between players, must be 10 yards between players, etc. 1 vs 1: 15-20 minutes. Every practice, variations of 1 vs 1 drills to keep the 1 vs 1 competition fresh 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4: 15-20 minutes Every practice, variations of 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4 drills to keep the competition fresh Scrimmage: 6 vs 6 or 7 vs 7 Restrictions: 3 touches or less, 1 touch finish, no restrictions All of this combined with consequences for the losers of each competition...keeps the intensity. These are no brain, simple practices that anyone can run. A little guidance regarding field size to the volunteer dad coaches and let the kids play with very little interruption. In my 20 years of coaching, from my perspective, the overall level of the American player has raised only slightly. With the millions of Americans that have played soccer over the years, I'm embarrassed to say we have not yet produced one world class player. I believe only a fraction of the players in this country get enough touches on the ball to even have an opportunity to be skillful enough to compete at the MLS level or as a mediocre player at the EPL level. We need to get these touches to the masses and increase the chances of the next Ronaldo being an American. Who are the soccer gods? Gregg Thompson Placer United |
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