Archive for January, 2010

Tips To Coach Youth Soccer

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Soccer Coaching Drills

Have you ever imagined the amount of complexity involved to coach youth soccer team? Actually it is not, if you have the right attitude, flair to deal with the kids, and some handy tips.

Originally, be practical and begin with the basics. During this stage, the kids are offered with the opportunity to enjoy thoroughly, thereby developing a professional attitude. What’s more, once the players know the basics of soccer, they will be more comfortable and confident about the nature of the sport.

On way to teach youth soccer, begin with doing nothing. Yes, be very observant but let the kids be on their own. Don’t attempt to be hugely organized or teach a great deal. This allows kids to have a lot of fun which is vital to the game.

Kids should be given regular feedbacks to enable them to work upon themselves. But remember to provide feedback while closing the session and not during it. Always keep in mind that it is important to interact with the kids in the language that they know.

Coaching Youth Soccer

Kid’s parents show a lot of concern in their advancement. That’s why, it’s great to engage them form the beginning. This is the best way to ensure that kids don’t lose their interest in the game when they are not in the field. It is important for you to confirm accurate understanding and handling of kid’s questions.

Keep all the communication channels open. Personal meetings, telephones, email are all acceptable and effective modes of dialog. But let me warn you! Never instruct the kids are let their parents do that when they are on field. Remember that a player’s feedback, especially negative, should never be talked about in front of everyone.

It is very important to coach youth soccer by staying in touch with the fellow instructors. The event opens up new modes of communication for all coaches involved who share their special experiences and their advice.

Organize the drills beforehand. This essentially means that you do your homework well in advance. At times, the coaches adopt a plain approach because of the feeling that they are managing the kids. It this attitude is wrong. Expert coaching and respect for budding players is no less relevant as is in case of soccer as a sport.

Train your kids in the basics of the game in a fun way by involving them in exciting drills. At times, it is also advisable to take them out on excursions and small picnics. Provide sufficient time to kids so that they can communicate their feelings and thoughts with each other. It helps them gel with each other and promotes unity among them.

While teaching soccer, talk to kids about the need and importance of discipline in soccer. It is critical that the kids follow what are called the best practices in soccer.

To end the discussion, teach the kids how they can enjoy soccer to the fullest. Use these tips to train your team and the results will surprise you.

For more such tips to coach youth soccer, subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community. What you’ll get here is wealth of resources to coach youth soccer along with a cooperative and string coaching community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: Coach youth soccer.

 

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Chelsea’s Star Players

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Chelsea’s squad is so packed with talent you may claim it’s hard to find the players that make the team work. Without these players Chelsea just wouldn’t be on the same level.

1. JOHN TERRY (England, Central defender)

Terry is captain of club and country and he sets the benchmark which the other Chelsea players adhere to. A tough, uncompromising and brave defender, what often gets lost in the plaudits given to Terry is that he is a very technically sound defender. Not afraid to lead by example and always managers to be a danger for teams set pieces, he is a fine example of a strong team leader and an outstanding choice as captain of the club and his country.

2. ASHLEY COLE  (England, Left back)

He may be booed roundly by Arsenal fans every time he lines up against the Gunners, despite the criticism Ashley Cole is still considered by many to be the best left back in the world. Certainly he has struggled for form and confidence at times, but at his best his marauding runs down the left and quality balls into the box are only matched by his ability to shut down some of the world’s best players. He is known for keeping players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi quiet in games. That’s not luck, that is because Ashley Cole is a world class left back.

3. MIKAEL ESSIEN (Ghana, Central midfielder)

Essien’s injury last season showed how sorely he could be missed, even in a midfield that boasts so many outstanding, world class players. Essien helps balance the midfield. He is a technically gifted soccer player with a great work rate and defensive skill. He gets forward well and packs a powerful shot from distance. The 24.4 million pounds Chelsea paid to land the midfielder from Lyon in the summer of 2005 looks to be a bargain at today’s prices.

4. FRANK LAMPARD (England, Central Midfielder)

Every team needs a midfielder like Lampard who can weigh in with plenty of goals, if they are to be successful. Lampard is one of the best around. He has started scoring goals again this season due to Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to give him a slightly deeper role in the team. His willingness to join the attack along with his ability to link with other players in the team make him dangerous up the front.

5. DIDIER DROGBA (Ivory Coast, Attacker)

It is hard to dispute the claim that Didier Drogba is the best striker in the world at the moment. Didier Drogba wearing the new Chelsea soccer kit makes all defenders fear the upcoming game. He may be known for his ability to fall over during tackles and arguing with officials and opposing players but no goalkeeper wants him with the ball when he’s playing well. His goal scorring ability and excellent presence are vital for Chelsea, and at times he has carried the team on his back. He alone may end Manchester United’s dominance of the Premier League.

Five world class stars to make up just under half of a world class team.

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Dimensions of a Soccer Field

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

When it comes to soccer field dimensions, it is worth noting that the dimensions are uniform, regardless of the level of play. According to FIFA, for certified events which involves 11 players for each team, the soccer field be supposed to have a span of 100 to 130 yards and a width between 50 to 100 yards. Soccer fields in United Kingdom are believed to be smaller than that consequential to more physical games. In contrast, in South America, the fields are much bigger giving more space and time on the ball.

For recreational soccer, playing on a smaller soccer field is recommended. By doing this, players will surely make the game enjoyable and learning is more achievable. The size of the playing field should be proportional to the size of the player. In a large field, recreational players would waste their time running and become tired by half time. Consequently, the kicks will be much longer.

Another disadvantage of playing recreational soccer in a large field is that teaching strategies and team play is unlikely. Smaller soccer fields are finest for average players who are slower and be short of stamina, which is usually common in 50% to 75% of recreational players.

The Penalty Area

This is the area where the goalkeeper usually uses their hands and fouls are punished. It includes the penalty spot, which is 12 yards from the goal and the six-yard box 6 yards more from the goal. The top portion of this box includes a small arc commonly referred to as “the D.” It has a radius of 10 yards and has no function in the rules of soccer but merely serves as a guide for the players.

The Goal

Despite of the level of play, the goal has a uniform measurement of 8 feet tall and 24 feet wide.

Center Circle

It divides the soccer field into two zones and is where the kickoff takes place. No player is allowed to cross their area until kickoff commences. It has a 10-yard circle in it and only the two players kicking off is allowed to stand within the inner circle.

Although soccer field measurements stay unchanged regardless of the players competing, the rules of the game allows the dimensions to be smaller for female players, persons with disabilities, or those who are below 16 years old and more than 35 years of age.

related article:
Dart Board Dimensions
World Cup Trophy Dimensions

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Soccer Coaching Drills : A Guide to Soccer Conditioning

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

Soccer Coaching Drills

I wonder what is it about soccer coaching drills that makes kids so keen on it. Kids regard these drills as a prospect to have fun and enjoyment instead of only a game. It is youth soccer drills which require a coach to present his skills in a way that kids eagerly wait for their turn.

You can achieve it using a range of methods. Offer them to participate in fun activities that direct their energy in building up a feeling of competition amongst them. Please recognize the fact that soccer’s a team-game. Consequently, add playoffs that cheer the players to keep the team spirit alive.

One of the best soccer coaching strategies to get started with kids is fun soccer conditioning. It has the effect of directing their energy and keeping them focused on the game.

Guide the kids to first warm up their bodies by going for a small round of jogging or running. Ensure that they do not overdo it. It is easy for them to go overboard since they are full of energy and would not know when to stop. Ensure a few breaks between them. Kids will therefore stay fresh and ready to go anytime. Utilize these breaks to get close with them by telling them about following exercises.

Soccer Drills

Next, involve the players in individual or group activities. For example, the player to arrive first at the training session gets to do juggling. He is then joined by players who keep coming in. In this manner, the entire group gets involved in the activity. If the group becomes large for these soccer coaching drills, make two groups and so on.

There are different activities such as soccer golf where the kids must aim and throw the ball at a distant object. There is another activity called the soccer volleyball in which the kids play in a small area and the idea is not to let the ball touch the ground. These soccer coaching exercises add a great deal of diversity to the sessions.

In addition, teach the players to dribble with the ball as also use different body parts except hands. Do not over assert. Note that they are young and will take their own time to learn. As the ball approaches the player, shout the name of the body part that you want the player to use in trapping it. Then the player needs to bring into play only that body part. This helps them concentrate on it.

Circuit training is another interesting drill. It is most functional where the number of players is more. It is recommended to divide the players into tiny batches and involve them in great many activities. These activities should be carried out continually with only small intervals in between.

Put these to the test right away. If you are creative, you can make up new and interesting activities every day.

Now that you have learnt these soccer coaching drills, transfer these to the kids so that they can make the best use of them on the field. You can use the tons of resources available on our youth soccer coaching community forums by subscribing to it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make training fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com – Youth Soccer Practice Drills.

 

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Stress Can Hurt Your Teeth…

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

When stress attacks us, the results often show up in our mouth first. Often stress can increase your likelihood of developing gingivitis which can then easily progress into true gum disease.

The problems of stress is two fold. First the chemicals that your body creates may have an impact on your dental health alone. Couple that with the theory that stress can actually cause you to miss taking care of your dental health and you have compounded the problem.

If this goes on for any length of time, it is quite easy for gingivitis to worsen or to set in. Not to mention that, by the same token, your risk for tooth decay may increase as well. Harmful bacteria secrete their toxins onto both teeth and gums. As a result, both are more at risk for developing a disease condition.

Therefore, this article is a reminder to you to take care of your dental health in times of stress. Do not forget because it is easier to do so when you are stressed. Perhaps you are working late, night after night, attempting to reach a deadline. Perhaps you are worried about some matter relating to your family or friends.

It could be any number of things. One thing you can do to alleviate stress is to practice meditation. Try the peaceful exercises of Falun Dafa. They can help your body to relax. The idea is that your mind may follow suite. Stress is tricky and causes many harmful chemicals to be released. In a short term crises, these chemicals are helpful to meet environmental challenges. But when these chemicals remain in a chronic way – that could be the doorway to trouble.

Protect your dental health! You can make your body happier and perhaps even live healthier if not longer by keeping your natural teeth and keeping the amount of dental work you have done down to a minimum!

*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise upon, diagnose or treat any health problem whatsoever. If you have or think you might have a health problem, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article. 

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