Soccer Coaching Where Do I Start?

Soccer has been the sports lifeline of many countries including the United States. The love of the game is so intrinsic that parents provide soccer equipment and soccer gear to their kids at a very tender age. Guided by such soccer parents, some children are given a soccer ball as soon as they learn to walk, some even earlier. In some cases, this is the first exposure kids have to the game of soccer.

However, for the right grooming to play professional soccer, it is imperative that soccer coaching be provided at a young age. A youngster with the right soccer training can be groomed to be a quality player and more importantly a better student of the game. It is all about learning the tactics of the game where you learn not only the skills of how to make a great pass, score an incredible goal, dribble by someone with ease; but also to develop strategies to win which is the ultimate aim.

Soccer enthusiasts however, stress on that aspect of soccer coaching, that the ultimate goal of the players in the learning period is not to focus on match results but to work towards creating a level of confidence and comfort with the ball. It is imperative that a youth soccer player loves the game and works on improving skills with regular soccer drills.

Soccer drills are excellent training modules which playing width, defending and tackling, attacking and shooting, goalkeeping, heading, aggression (physical contact), transition and small-sided games. Soccer coaching can be influential in molding youth soccer to the pinnacle of glory.

Experts of the game agree that it is essential to be able to finish off an attacking movement. Many soccer coaches are found to overlook this important aspect of the game and as a result finishing technique suffers. As a result, many players even after having completed the soccer training sessions are found to have never learned to finish off attacking movements, leading to failed opportunities and disappointment.

An insightful soccer coach teaches the finer nuances or the accuracy in the finishing technique. This accuracy is adjudged to be more responsible in deciding the outcome of a match than the power to hit hard. Good soccer coaching always incorporates the art of finishing in the soccer drills.

At the same time it is also essential that soccer parents impart ethical values in their kids without being intrusive enough as not to over-shadow the influences and training offered during soccer drills. To summarize, soccer coaching is all about grooming the future soccer superstars.

The problem for most people is that they do not know where to start. If you are a new parent or a new soccer coach it is difficult to find everything you need to know in the one place.

You need to find someone that has been there done that both as a soccer parent and as a soccer coach.

Murray Peck is the author of a free 7 day mini course called 'Soccer For Beginners', which provides tips on everything you need to know when starting out in soccer. In addition, Murray is also giving away his e book on Soccer Fitness and Nutrition for free when you sign up for the free mini-course. Drop by Soccer Coaching Guide to grab your free copy.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Soccer Goalies - Where Would You Be Without Them?

The Last Line of Defense

Without your fearless soccer goalies, where would you be? They may scream at you, but that is part of their job, and maybe you deserve it? And I am sure that you are not going to go back there and dive on the ground, and on other bodies, to save the ball.

As the soccer goalie you do get some special privileges. You are the only one who can legally use your hands in soccer. Of course you can only do that in the penalty area, also known as the 18 yard box.

Putting It On The Line

Yes, soccer goalies do put it on the line:

Dive hard to keep the ball from going into the net. And sometimes the field is pretty hard.
Jump into the air trying to win the challenge for the ball. And other players often land on them.
They will face down a shooter from just 12 yards away on penalty kicks. 12 yards! And you expect them to stop that penalty kick every time.
They should be respected.

What a Goalkeeper Needs

Soccer goalies, like all soccer players, will need the right soccer goalkeeper gear in order to play properly. Some people will call it soccer goalkeeper equipment. I leave that up to you. What soccer goalies need:

A durable, comfortable pair of soccer cleats, or soccer shoes. It will depend on the playing surface
Soccer shin guards will protect their lower legs.
Soccer socks to cover the shin guards and keep them in place.
Padded soccer shorts or goalie pants. These have padded hips to absorb the impact from dives and falls.
A soccer goalie jersey. It is always a different color than your team's jersey. This is so the referee can distinguish you from every other player. These also have padded elbows to reduce the shock of impact with other players and the ground.
Soccer goalie gloves will provide that extra grip you need to make those fingertip saves.

The Difference

A skilled soccer goalkeeper can make the difference between winning and losing. Their priority is to stop the ball. Obviously, as a soccer player you can help him by keeping the ball out of your end, or covering for him when he leaves his line to win the ball.

However, a soccer goalkeeper must train differently than other players due to his unique role. Performing special soccer goalkeeper drills and using medicine type balls for practice will help you to keep balls out of your net.

Keys To The Position

There are some basic keys that will get a goalie started off on the right foot, no matter what level you play at.

Use your hands to form a "W" in front of you. Put your thumbs together and your index (first) finger together. Face your palms toward the shooter. Applying this technique when facing a shot head on will prevent the ball from slipping between your hands.
Let the ball meet your hands. Do not try to grab the ball as if you are trying to squash a mosquito between your hands.
Keep your body between you and the soccer goal.
When you catch the ball bring it tightly into your body and cradle it. Or of you end up on the ground, protect that ball as if it was gold. You do not want any chance that the ball may come loose or drop to the ground, because you are always very close to the goal if you can grab the ball.
Stay balanced. Mentally and physically.

Not Just For Defense

Although we have been talking about how this position is about stopping the ball, it doesn't end or begin there. Soccer goalkeepers can start a play build-up with a punt, or by tossing the ball to another player.

Haven't you seen a goalkeeper leave his goal for a corner kick late in the game? They can scores goals too! Traditionally keepers have made very good strikers. Is it their independent attitude? Or maybe because strikers and goalkeepers face each other often in a 1 vs 1 situation?

Leadership Role

Many goalkeepers will be made the captain of their team. Besides, who sees more of the field than a goalkeeper? And he is the boss in the 18 yard box, so do what the keeper says. If you don't, you could get hurt by your own goalie. So be sure to work out a communication with your goalkeeper. If he calls the ball, let him have it. He can see, you may not see him.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out Soccer Goalies [http://www.soccer.information-universe.com/soccer-goalies/soccer-goalies.php] for more great soccer information for yourself or your team.

The Soccer Drill Sargeant

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.