By Dev K. Mishra, M.D., President, Sideline Sports Doc

To recap: I don’t think there’s any better playing surface than a well-maintained grass field, but I’d prefer one of the newer varieties of turf fields over a poorly-maintained grass field any day.  Some people have also suggested that the interaction between the athlete’s shoe and the playing surface can have some effect on injury rates.  It turns out that this is an issue that’s been studied pretty extensively in the scientific literature for older artificial surfaces like AstroTurf®, and there’s some good information relating to the newer surfaces that use soft rubber infill like FieldTurf® too.

There are two competing issues at work here, and both come down to friction.  From a performance perspective athletes like a lot of friction between their shoe/cleat and the playing surface- it results in what we’d commonly call “traction”.  A lot of traction allows them to start and stop very quickly and also to turn on a dime.  As you can imagine, if you’re slipping (less friction) it will have a negative effect on your quickness and cutting ability.  But from a medical standpoint friction can lead to injury.  Injuries to the ankle, knee, and hip often are the result of forces created on the joints when the foot stays planted firmly on the playing surface and the body goes another way.  The engineering term for this is a “rotational moment” and the higher the rotational moment the greater is the potential for injury.

The main points they found were that for the field surface, the infill-type artificial turf surfaces all had higher rotational traction values than grass, regardless of shoe type.  For the shoe types they found no differences in rotational torques for the 7-stud, 12-stud, hybrid, or blade types; but the turf shoes had significantly less rotational torque than any of the other cleat types.

So what can I recommend based upon the studies I’ve looked at (there are many more than just the one above)?  Remember that my viewpoint for this post is biased towards player safety, and as discussed above this could affect performance.

• If you’re playing on turf the data would indicate that a turf shoe could very well be the “safest” type of shoe, but you might find that you slip a bit too much in these.  If possible I’d recommend that you test a turf shoe out on your field.  If it allows you to perform the way you’d like I’d recommend that you wear it.  If the turf shoe causes too much slipping your next choice should likely be a firm ground cleat.
• If you’re playing on grass the data doesn’t show a difference in traction amongst cleat types. In spite of that I wouldn’t ever recommend a soft ground cleat on firm grass.
• The study also shows that the type of upper material will affect the rotational traction too, for very complex reasons.  A stiff non-yielding upper (like a hard synthetic material) might produce higher rotational traction.  So if possible I would recommend a soft leather upper material.

You can read the whole article HERE

The below was taken from the CYSA May 2011 newsletter.

Submitted by Philippe Blin, CYSA ODP Technical Director

One of the difficulties that players face is realizing how coaches are assessing their talent and potential as a student-athlete. How you perform under game conditions sets the yardstick on how you will be measured. The game demands infinite variety technically, tactically, physically and psychologically. The game features the excitement and power of two teams trying to score goals on the attacking side and defying that goals will be scored on the defending side.

Coaches will see in this competitive environment which players are totally committed on maintaining or regaining possession of the ball, under the pressurizing challenge of opponents who are restricting the space and time for players to read and to assess a situation and to adapt themselves successfully. Can they collect a ball safely, initiate a pass, a run, a turn, a feint, or carry out some surprising unpredictable moves, in order to help themselves or a teammate score a goal?

Good defenders will be able to read and anticipate attacking methods (pursuing and chasing the ball immediately, closing down the attacking space, smothering the attacker’s reaction time), intercept passes, steal the ball back and quickly initiate the attack. All successful coaches are looking for those players who have the skill and desire to attack and to defend.

Every good defender in possession knows how to switch from defending to attacking play. Their agility and skill allow them to run forward, dribble at opponents, play one-twos by using up front players, shield the ball and to have the courage to shoot at goal and score.

Players are complete only when developed in all areas. Outstanding skill with a weakness in speed, strength and power makes a player less desirable. The same holds true of players who are physical specimens, but have below-average technique. And what of the player with good physical prowess and skill, yet who has no idea of the tactical elements of their team’s play? Even less desirable are those players who fall apart psychologically under pressure, “hiding” or lashing out at opponents, teammates, referees, coaches, or parents during the big game.

These elements are developed by exposure to highly challenging daily training sessions and frequent highly combative matches. This will insure the development of the following vital components of the highly recruitable player.

Technical Ability

Ball Control: You must be able to bring a ball played to you under control instantly and smoothly. This is the ability to collect and move in a different direction without stopping the ball completely, yet still maintaining it securely. Develop the technique of receiving a pass at top speed. This means not slowing down to collect a ball coming on the ground, bouncing or in the air. You must be able to protect the ball by shielding it and developing deception in order to get rid of your opponent.

Passing: You must be able to successfully complete short- and long-range passes. This incorporates all of your ball skills, including heading, bending, chipping, and the ability to drive the ball to a partner. You will find that at a high level, it is easier to control and make quick decisions with a ball that is driven to you, rather than weakly played. Develop the skill of one-touch passing.

Dribbling: This is the ability to feint, burst past opponents, change directions and speed at will, and break through packed defensive lines. Can you exhibit quick feet, combined with a sense of comfort under pressure, to penetrate into space to open opportunities for yourself or a partner?

Heading: The ability to head at goal after crosses, heading high, wide, and deep for defensive clearances, heading balls as a one-touch pass (both into space or to a partner’s feet) in order to create shooting chances. Can you effectively demonstrate the ability to do this under the duress of the game?

Finishing: Nothing makes more of an impression on people than the skill of goal scoring. This aspect takes in the correct technique of striking the ball in various ways; driving low balls, hitting volleys, half-volleys, half-chances, chipping, bending, heading, etc. Good goal scorers can also finish with their chest, heel, toe and thigh.

Coaches are looking for that player who can exhibit composed aggressiveness, and swift and secure decision-making at the opportune times. The successful goal scorer has the mentality of a great used-car salesman, very aggressive and not afraid of failure.

Tactical Awareness

Tactical insight incorporates the anticipation, reading, and execution of certain clues that happen during possession and non-possession of the ball.

In Attack:

1. Player not in possession:
   1. Makes himself available for the ball, perhaps by a diagonal run or a crossover run.
   2. Realizes when it is crucial to offer close support and when to stay away.
   3. Recognizes the proper time to execute “take-overs” and “overlaps”.
2. Player in possession:
   1. Has good peripheral vision, allowing him to recognize the correct time to switch the ball to the other side of the field.
   2. Has good penetrating vision, allowing him to see and utilize players who are far down the field.
   3. Recognizes the correct time to play directly, and when it is important to hold the ball (shielding or dribbling), or when to run at top speed past players opening up passing angles for his team.
   4. Sees opportunities to play “one-twos”.

In Defense:

During the immediate pursuit, and desire to regain possession of the ball, the player should recognize:

1. When to race forward to intercept the pass.
2. When to mark the opponent tight in order to discourage the ball from being passed to him (pressure).
3. When, where, and how (posture) to tackle.
4. When to jockey the ball carrier and force them away from the goal (patience).
5. The quickest avenue of attack upon regaining the ball.

Physical Aspects

Physical fitness for the soccer player must condition that person to play better soccer. Too many times, fitness takes the form of running that has nothing to do with the modern demands of the game. Fitness must be designed to help a player’s self-assertion when controlling the ball against tackling opposing players throughout the duration of the game. All physical elements must be in balance in order to become a complete player. Fitness and ball control must grow together!

Endurance: The ability of a player to commit himself diligently throughout the game in attack and defense with no sign of fatigue and impaired ball control. That player must constantly be running into open spaces, demanding the ball or pulling and committing opposing players to create openings. Even though this is also a tactical commitment, it will only be successful if you have the endurance capabilities to run for 90 minutes. The coach will be examining your physical exertion as you are being exposed to tactical problems you are trying to solve in the game.

Speed: The ability to accelerate quickly and maintain that acceleration of the various lengths the player’s position demands. As an example, the forward needs acceleration with changes of speed over three to 20 yards. Elements include:

1. Pure, straight-ahead running spee.0
2. Lateral speed (changing direction).
3. Change of speed (slow to fast, fast to half speed).
4. Deceleration (“stopping on a dime”).

After these basics are attained, speed must be practiced with the ball!

Agility: The ability to change directions quickly. Twisting, turning while dribbling, readjusting your body to control an awkwardly bouncing ball, and getting up quickly after a tackle are a few examples. This area is enhanced by flexibility exercises such as stretching, ball gymnastics and skill training with the ball. Conditioning training must be combined with skill and tactical training!

Strength: The ability to effectively use your body to win physical confrontations. Strength is exhibited during tackling (1v1), winning the aerial duel (heading) and changing directions effectively (explosion). It is also important to learn how to effectively use that strength to your advantage as is demonstrated in using your arms to hold a player off while running at top speed with the ball or in shooting for power. Much of your strength and power training can be combined with technique training!

Attitude and Personal Traits

Regardless of a player’s performance, skill, tactical and physical display, other factors heavily influence a coach’s decision to recruit a given athlete. Coaches will look at their mental and psychological make-up, their mental ability to quickly and correctly read and assess situations, their motivational drive and will power, their self-confidence and emotional stability. Competition reveals character!

Each coach loves to identify key players with personalities and qualities that cause them to become team leaders. The following personality traits are the most recognizable:

1. Drive: Pure will power, eager to achieve goals, a burning desire to achieve success, strong self-motivation, commitment, dedication and determination.
2. Aggressiveness: “Go getter”, strong self-assertions, takes risks, wants to dominate opponents, works hard and ruthless in attack and defense. Danger – bad losers that are inclined to retaliation and revenge fouls, lose self-control and exhibit a general lack of discipline.
3. Determination: Seeks the direct way towards goal, no compromising, doesn’t hesitate when making decisions, willingness, fully concentrated, success-oriented.
4. Responsibility: Intelligent, can read the game tactically (anticipation), conscientious, reliable, wants security, cooperative, ready for compromise, stable and skillful player.
5. Leadership: Intelligence, dedication, pride, bears responsibility for the team, influences the environment, anticipation, intuition, independent and spontaneous, convincing and dominating player, hard worker, no surrender, composed, self-controlled, endurable, communicative, respected, trustful.
6. Self-Control: Discipline, emotional stability, composure, discretion, defying conflicts.
7. Self-Confidence: Secure ball control and determined application of skills and tactics under pressure (both external and self-imposed). Danger – these players tend to underrate opposing players, show a lack of willingness to be coached, and can become easily complacent.
8. Mental Toughness: Persistency, consistency, commitment throughout the game, no surrender, tough self-assertion.
9. Coachability: Ready to learn and to achieve goals, self-motivated, attentive and receptive, willingness, interested, spontaneous, committing themselves, likes to discuss problems, hard worker, self-disciplined, creative, constructive, progressive.
10. Conscientiousness: Sensitive, nervous, pre-contest anxiety, diligent, always wants to give their best, modest, reserved, fearful, pondering, self-critical, depends on success, reliable player in solid environment.
11. Trustfulness: Reliable, self-confident, will be respected and attracts sympathy of teammates, untiring commitments, composed and self-controlled, determined influential and communicative, open-minded and approachable, good team spirit.

Here’s a revelation: eat the least processed food you can find.

Right, that’s not a revelation. You’ve heard it before but it’s not an easy thing to do when feeding the typical American teenage athlete. But it can be done, especially if you try to stick to the 80/20 rule that I’ll outline below.

There are a lot of different diets and recommendations around but the number of choices is very confusing, and frankly, I’m not sure all of them are safe for young athletes. What we’re trying to do with a young athlete is make them as healthy as possible to improve their sport performance — but more importantly I believe that we can set them up with good habits for a lifetime of healthy eating.

What I’m talking about here is eating as close to natural and minimally processed foods as possible. Some nutritionists call this “eating close to the ground” and other call it “eating clean,” etc., and it means stepping back to the old days of eating the most nutrient-packed and least processed foods you can find.

It means shopping on the edges of the grocery store and not down the middle of the store in the pre-packaged frozen foods section. The nutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in natural foods will almost always lead to an improved health profile, improved performance, decreased body fat if the child is overweight, and increased energy levels.

Examples of good food choices for the young athlete
It’s hard shopping for young athletes because they can be pretty set in their ways and are heavily influenced by their friends — who may be eating poorly. Here are just a few examples of what you should aim for in the food choices:

Fruits and Vegetables

• Apples, bananas, berries, kiwis, oranges
• Dried fruits as snacks
• 100 percent fruit smoothies from places like Jamba Juice Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collard
• Beans and lentils
• Avocado

Meat, Fish, Nuts, and Dairy

• Lean meats: chicken, turkey, lean beef
• Fish: tuna, salmon
• Nuts: almonds, walnuts, macadamia, pecans, cashews
• Dairy: low fat milk, low fat yogurt, eggs

Bread, Cereal, and Grains

• Bread: 100% whole wheat or whole grain, rye, sourdough
• High fiber cereal such as Kashi or Cheerios.
• Oatmeal
• Couscous

Let’s get real, kids will be kids: the 80/20 rule
The guidelines above represent the ideal situations but the practical matter is that it’s impossible to have a young athlete follow these suggestions all the time. That’s where the 80/20 rule comes into play.

The 80/20 rule means that 80 percent of the time you stick with the healthy eating rules and 20 percent of the time you’re allowed to “cheat” and stray from the ideal. When one of your teammates has a birthday and cupcakes are the post-game “snack”– go for it and enjoy it with your friends! Having a (very) occasional burger, fries, and soda? OK, then do the best you can with your other meals that week.

Be realistic and do the best you can, when you can. You’ll live a healthier life for the effort and it will allow you to perform at your best during games.

(Dev K. Mishra is the founder of SidelineSportsDoc.com, where this article first appeared. He is an orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Burlingame, Calif. He is a member of the team physician pool with the U.S. Soccer Federation and has served as team physician at the University of California, Berkeley.)

1. Deep Learning (10,000 hours)
2. Immediate feedback
3. Repetition
4. Coaching to oversee and direct the learned behavior

Here is a quick video of his presentation for U.S. Soccer. Check out Good Stuff! to buy his book.

Pressure/delay – To prevent attackers from penetrating your defense, the first defender (the player nearest to the ball) should apply immediate pressure to the ball carrier. His objective is not to win the ball, it is to slow the attack, get the attacker’s head down and to try to force the attacker into a place where he cannot shoot. However, if your first defender is outnumbered he should not put too much pressure on the ball carrier. Instead, he should try to delay the attack by dropping back. This should allow time for other defenders to regain their positions. When support arrives, your first defender should increase the pressure on the ball carrier.

Key coaching points for the first defender:

• Move in quickly but slow down when you get to within about one metre of your opponent.
• Approach at a slight angle, ideally so you are forcing the attacker towards the side line and away from the centre of the goal.
• Watch the ball.
• Be patient.

Cover/support – The defender who is second closest to the ball takes up a position between the first defender and the goal and provides cover. His role is to take over the job of first defender if the attacker gets past his team mate. The distance from the first to second defender is not fixed but he should be close enough to be able to put immediate pressure on the attacker if required. But he should not be so close behind the first defender that the attacker can beat both of them by simply pushing the ball past them. Generally, the quicker the attacker is moving, the further away the second defender needs to be. If the attacker is moving very slowly or is stationary, the second defender can close right up and work closely with the first defender.

Coaching points for the second defender:

• While the first defender watches the ball, the second defender watches the attacker.
• Make sure the first defender can feel and hear your support: tell him you are covering him.

Balance – While the first and second defenders are working on the attacker with the ball, the rest of the defence provides balance. Their job is to cut off passing options, watch for other attackers making runs and to take on the role of either the first or second defender if the need arises. The third line of defense has to work hard: they must be continually aware of where they are on the field in relation to the ball carrier and other players. They should always be able to see the ball.

Key coaching point: work together as a unit. Stay connected to each other. If one moves, you all move.

Compact(ness) - To avoid leaving gaps in the defense that can be dribbled or passed through, defenders should concentrate their numbers in the area of the pitch between the ball and the goal.
Counter attack – The defense needs to have depth. One or more players should stay in an advanced position (between the ball and the opponent’s goal) and if your defenders win the ball they need to play the ball forward at speed.

The principles of play are the building blocks upon which all youth soccer teams should be built.

Competitive

Perspective - A competitive coach who thinks long term when they are developing players. A competitive team is often together for many years, so the competitive coach can take a long view of development and work on the foundations that will pay dividends when the players are 15, 16, 17 years old.

Level of play – Competitive soccer is competitive because the players are developed and play with and against players of equal or less skill. Even kids on the playground will even up teams, if they are lopsided, to ensure a good competitive play. You only get better by playing against better competition, raising your standards and working hard to be better. Playing against kids you can dominate easily is very ego driven and doesn’t lead to long-term development or opportunities. Studies have shown that ego driven development (measurement against peers, vs. goal driven development (improvement of individual goals) result in players dropping out when the going gets tough. The goal driven player perseveres and continues working hard to get better.

Playing time – I often hear that in rec soccer we get at least 1/2 the game of playing time. I’ve got to say, in competitive soccer, at the younger ages, your players should be getting the same basic guarantee. Coaches that are getting paid want your player and you to be happy. They also want the players to develop, which only happens on the field. As the players get older, in their teens, this may change, a coach may make the decision not to sub in a tight game or in a championship game. My perspective is that, if you are on my team, you are going to play. Most competitive coaches at the youth level, worth their salt, have the same beliefs.

Tryouts – The dirty word… Tryouts are interesting and vary from league to league. But, at the youngest ages… kids are usually not “cut”. U11 and below, you will often see as many teams put together as there are enough willing players and parents. All leagues at the younger ages should call this “PLACEMENT” instead of tryouts. The reason being is that the kids are so young and at the beginning of their soccer lives. Professional coaches know that with guidance and patience, most of the kids will become substantially better. A whole year of development vs. a kid playing 3 months of recreation soccer is like a Julliard professor teaching your child to play the piano vs. a random person picked off of Facebook.

Cost - It is interesting to me that parents will pay tutors, karate teachers, piano teachers, boxing coaches, sewing instructors, singing instructors, but they balk at paying a coach with many hours of coaching courses and experience.

There are major differences, but those differences aren’t really about winning or losing… they are about commitment to soccer and the passion to learn soccer from, in most cases, professional coaches.

I love competitive soccer or “committed soccer” because of the following reasons:

1. You get to really know your team mates, they become like family
2. You get to train a lot under the watchful eye of a person that is passionate about the sport and who has a wealth of knowledge (you usually don’t get this at the recreation level) and patience
3. The passion is contagious. Who doesn’t want their child to find and embrace something that can give them many life skills. The life skills that can be learned are:
   1. Understanding teamwork – very important for careers when they get older
   2. Passion – how to love something and want to do it as much as possible
   3. Discipline – doing things that are tough to get better
   4. Dedication – The will to work hard to get better at a desired activity
   5. Physical fitness – you run constantly in soccer, you begin to understand your body and what fitness really is about
   6. Friendships – built in almost every activity at practice and on the field
   7. Responsibility – on the field, at practice
   8. Determination – how to impart your will in the game
   9. CONFIDENCE – ability to take on difficult situations, interact with many different people, speak in groups

I’m sure you can think of more, but the above are pretty good reasons. If you are looking for a wonderful learning experience, you should consider competitive soccer. I can’t say its the same everywhere, with every coach or team, so do your diligence. But, my kids play competitive soccer, so I do practice what I preach.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN!

WEEK 1
Tuesday, March 15

• Los Angeles at Seattle, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)

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Saturday, March 19

• Toronto FC at Vancouver, 6:30 p.m.
• Columbus at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Seattle at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Chicago at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• Portland at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• Kansas City at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 20

• New England at Los Angeles, 8 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 2
Saturday, March 26

• Portland at Toronto FC, 2 p.m.
• Kansas City at Chicago, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• New York at Columbus, 4 p.m.
• Vancouver at Philadelphia, 4 p.m.
• D.C. United at New England, 4:30 p.m.
• San Jose at FC Dallas, 9 p.m.
• Los Angeles at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• Houston at Seattle, 10 p.m.
• Colorado at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

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WEEK 3
Saturday, April 2

• Chivas USA at Toronto FC, 1 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Columbus, 4 p.m.
• Kansas City at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
• Portland at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Houston at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
• Seattle at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 3

• D.C. United at Colorado, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 4
Wednesday, April 6

• New England at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 9

• Chicago at Seattle, 4 p.m.
• New York at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
• Los Angeles at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Colorado at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• Columbus at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.
• Toronto FC at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

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Sunday, April 10

• Vancouver at Houston, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 5
Wednesday, April 13

• Los Angeles at Toronto FC, 8 p.m.
• Colorado at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.

Thursday, April 14

• Chicago at Portland, 11 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Saturday, April 16

• Seattle at Philadelphia, 4 p.m.
• D.C. United at Toronto FC, 4 p.m.
• Chivas USA at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
• Kansas City at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• San Jose at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 17

• Los Angeles at Chicago, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• FC Dallas at Portland, 6 p.m.
• New England at Houston, 7 p.m.

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WEEK 6
Thursday, April 21

• New York at D.C. United, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Friday, April 22

• Seattle at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 23

• Chivas USA at San Jose, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• Columbus at Toronto FC, 4 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
• Kansas City at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Houston at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• Portland at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

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WEEK 7
Friday, April 29

• D.C. United at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 30

• San Jose at Philadelphia, 4 p.m.
• Vancouver at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• Kansas City at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Chicago at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• New England at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Portland, 10:30 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Seattle, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 1

• Los Angeles at FC Dallas, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 8
Wednesday, May 4

• Seattle at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Colorado at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 7

• Chivas USA at Real Salt Lake, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• Houston at Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
• Seattle at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• FC Dallas at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Colorado at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Vancouver at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Portland, 10:30 p.m.
• New York at Los Angeles, 11 p.m. (ESPN2)

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WEEK 9
Wednesday, May 11

• Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Toronto FC at FC Dallas, 9 p.m.
• San Jose at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 14

• Chicago at Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
• Colorado at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Vancouver at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• Houston at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• Kansas City at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
• Columbus at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
• Portland at Seattle, 11 p.m. (ESPN2) – Definitely a game to watch… maybe they could have a camera just on the fans.
  

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WEEK 10
Sunday, May 15

• Chivas USA at New York, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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Saturday, May 21

• Chicago at Philadelphia, 8 p.m. (Galavision)
• New York at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• Los Angeles at Chivas USA, 10 p.m. (ESPN2)
• Kansas City at Seattle, 10 p.m.
• Columbus at Portland, 10:30 p.m.
• New England at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

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Sunday, May 22

• Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas, 7 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Colorado, 7 p.m.

WEEK 11
Wednesday, May 25

• Colorado at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Seattle, 10 p.m.
• Houston at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 28

• Philadelphia at Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
• New York at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
• Chivas USA at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• Los Angeles at New England, 8 p.m. (Galavision)
• San Jose at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• Kansas City at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• Seattle at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.

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Sunday, May 29

• D.C. United at Portland, 5 p.m.

WEEK 12
Wednesday, June 1

• Vancouver at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 4

• Kansas City at Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
• Columbus at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Seattle at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
• New England at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• Vancouver at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• D.C. United at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
• Houston at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. (Galavision)

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Sunday, June 5

• Portland at Chivas USA, 8 p.m.

WEEK 13
Wednesday, June 8

• Real Salt Lake at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 9

• Chicago at Kansas City, 10 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Saturday, June 11

• San Jose at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• New England at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Chivas USA at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• Vancouver at Seattle, 10 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
• Colorado at Portland, 10:30 p.m. (Galavision)

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Sunday, June 12

• Chicago at Columbus, 4 p.m.
• Kansas City at FC Dallas, 7 p.m.

WEEK 14
Wednesday, June 15

• Toronto FC at New England, 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 18

• Seattle at Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
• Chicago at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Columbus at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• San Jose at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Los Angeles at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• D.C. United at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 19

• New York at Portland, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 15
Wednesday, June 22

• Kansas City at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 23

• New York at Seattle, 10 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Saturday, June 25

• Chivas USA at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Houston at D.C. United, 8 p.m. (Galavision)
• Vancouver at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Portland at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• Los Angeles at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

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Sunday, June 26

• New York at Chicago, 2 p.m. (ESPN)
• New England at Seattle, 4 p.m.
• Colorado at Columbus, 8 p.m.

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WEEK 16
Wednesday, June 29

• Vancouver at Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 2

• Philadelphia at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Columbus at FC Dallas, 9 p.m.
• Chicago at Chivas USA, 10 p.m. (Galavision)
• New York at San Jose, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
• Kansas City at Portland, 11 p.m.

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Sunday, July 3

• Houston at Colorado, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Monday, July 4

• New England at Real Salt Lake, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
• Seattle at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

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WEEK 17
Wednesday, July 6

• Toronto FC at New York, 8 p.m.
• Colorado at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Columbus at Vancouver, 10 p.m.
• San Jose at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 9

• Chivas USA at Kansas City, 7:30 p.m. (Galavision)
• D.C. United at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• Vancouver at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• Chicago at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

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Sunday, July 10

• Seattle at Portland, 5 p.m. (ESPN) – and they meet again!
  

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WEEK 18
Saturday, July 16

• Colorado at Seattle, 4 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Vancouver, 4 p.m.
• San Jose at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Portland at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
• Kansas City at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• D.C. United at FC Dallas, 9 p.m.
• New York at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 19
Wednesday, July 20

• New England at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Toronto FC, 8 p.m.
• New York at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.
• Vancouver at San Jose, 10 p.m.
• Columbus at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 23

• FC Dallas at New York, 6 p.m. (Galavision)
• Portland at Columbus, 8 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• New England at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• San Jose at Real Salt Lake, 10 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Seattle, 10 p.m.
• Houston at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

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WEEK 20
Wednesday, July 27

• MLS AT&T All-Star Game, Red Bull Arena, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 30

• Los Angeles at Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.
• Colorado at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Seattle at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• New England at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Columbus at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• D.C. United at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Portland, 11 p.m.

Sunday, July 31

• Chivas USA at FC Dallas, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 21
Wednesday, August 3

• San Jose at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Chicago, 9 p.m.
• Los Angeles at Portland, 11 p.m.

Saturday, August 6

• Toronto FC at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Chivas USA at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Houston at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Seattle at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Columbus at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• New York at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
• Portland at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 7

• Chicago at Vancouver, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 22
Saturday, August 13

• Chivas USA at Seattle, 4 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
• New England at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• Vancouver at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Chicago at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Los Angeles at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Colorado at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 14

• Portland at Houston, 9 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 23
Wednesday, August 17

• Houston at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Portland at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 18

• D.C. United at Chicago, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Saturday, August 20

• Philadelphia at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• New York at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• Chivas USA at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• Seattle at FC Dallas, 9 p.m.
• Vancouver at Portland, 10 p.m.
• San Jose at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 21

• Toronto FC at Chicago, 7 p.m.
• D.C. United at Kansas City, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 24
Wednesday, August 24

• Chivas USA at Portland, 11 p.m.

Saturday, August 27

• Columbus at Seattle, 4 p.m.
• San Jose at Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
• Houston at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
• Portland at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Colorado at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 28

• Los Angeles at New York, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
• New England at Philadelphia, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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WEEK 25
Friday, September 9

• Colorado at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 10

• Houston at Kansas City, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• Real Salt Lake at Seattle, 4 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• Vancouver at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Portland at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Chicago at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
• D.C. United at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

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Sunday, September 11

• FC Dallas at New England, 7:30 p.m.

WEEK 26
Wednesday, September 14

• Houston at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, September 16

• New England at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 17

• Chivas USA at Chicago, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• Columbus at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Colorado at Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m.
• New York at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• San Jose at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
• Kansas City at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• D.C. United at Seattle, 9 p.m.
• Vancouver at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

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WEEK 27
Wednesday, September 21

• Chivas USA at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• San Jose at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 24

• Houston at FC Dallas, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• Los Angeles at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Portland at New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Seattle at Vancouver, 7:30 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• San Jose at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• Toronto FC at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.

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Sunday, September 25

• New England at Chicago, 4 p.m.

WEEK 28
Wednesday, September 28

• Columbus at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.
• Chicago at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.

Thursday, September 29

• D.C. United at Philadelphia, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Saturday, October 1

• Chicago at Houston, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• Seattle at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• New York at Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m.
• FC Dallas at Colorado, 9 p.m.
• Real Salt Lake at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
• Kansas City at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

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Sunday, October 2

• D.C. United at Columbus, 4 p.m.
• Portland at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
• Philadelphia at Chivas USA, 8 p.m.

WEEK 29
Wednesday, October 12

• FC Dallas at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
• D.C. United at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Friday, October 14

• Real Salt Lake at Colorado, 10:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
• Houston at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

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Saturday, October 15

• New York at Kansas City, 4 p.m. (TeleFutura)
• Toronto FC at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
• Chicago at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Columbus at New England, 7:30 p.m.
• Vancouver at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
• San Jose at Seattle, 10 p.m.

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WEEK 30
Sunday, October 16

• Chivas USA at Los Angeles, 9 p.m. (ESPN)

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Thursday, October 20

• Philadelphia at New York, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)

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Saturday, October 22

• New England at Toronto FC, 12:30 p.m.
• Colorado at Vancouver, 7 p.m.
• Kansas City at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Columbus at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
• Portland at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m.
• Seattle at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m.
• FC Dallas at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 23

• Los Angeles at Houston, 7 p.m. (Galavision)

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Pia Sundhage recently mentioned that the players she is seeing come into the U.S. Women’s team are lacking technical and tactical skills and the rest of the world has caught up to the USA.

Technique + Fitness + Focus will result in better tactical play. I often watch other coach’s practice and see laziness from the players. Walking to get water, going through the motions in the drills/activities, too much space, so there aren’t game like conditions. Well, these teams aren’t going to grow because they aren’t being challenged.

How do we get the players to that next level. First, we need to always concentrate on technical skills… every practice should have some time devoted to technique.

Tactical awareness requires three things:

TECHNIQUE. Movement off the ball and quick movement of the ball requires that players have superb passing, receiving and dribbling technique… that’s why it needs to be covered everyday in practice.

CARDIO/FITNESS: I know a lot of coaches don’t involve any kind of cardio into their practices, but how can you make smart tactical runs if your brain is lacking oxygen? How can you fight off a 1v1 situation and then have the wherewithal to pass it to a teammate and continue your run? Cardio can be incorporated every practice too, so it isn’t a huge chunk of time, but it keeps your players on the peak of their fitness.

FOCUS: We need to challenge the players to think faster and focus. In the day of the ipod, ipad, wii, texting and whatever else our kids constantly get distracted by, we need them to learn to focus. Decreasing space in the SSGs and having consequences for unfocused play, will get them focused. I often see coaches distract their own players during the valuable 1.5 hour practice, by asking questions that have nothing to do with the activity – like stabbing yourself in the eye when you are taking a vision test.

To get tactically superior play, you need to be sure your players are physically fit, technically sound and focused. Playing small-sided games with too much space, not having intensity at practice, or not including cardio (with or without the ball) will not get you solid tactical play.

“You play like you practice,” is a favorite quote of mine from Vince Lomardi, a guy who knew a lot about developing good teams, players and winning some too.

I don’t care if you have the most gifted player in the world, the once in a generation type player, they can’t perform if they are injured. So, here is some great information on warm-up and cool-down. Parents, it is important the coaches address this. Coaches, it is your responsibility to protect the health, as best you can, of your players.

Warm-UP!

The purpose of a warm-up is to gradually increase your heart rate,  blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and the elasticity and heat of the active muscles. A warm-up will also release adrenaline, increase the dilation of blood vessels, and enable oxygen in the blood to travel at a greater speed. A warm-up increases the production of synovial fluid located in the joints, reducing friction, and allowing for more efficient movement. Other advantages include an increased speed of muscle contraction, an increase in the metabolism of the muscle, and an increase in the induction of nerve impulses. And psychologically, a warm-up prepares us for the task at hand, and gets us involved in the process.

1. Graduated increase in heart rate and body temperature – slow jog, slow dribble, juggling of the soccer ball
2. Dynamic stretching/range of joint motion – warm-up the joints, hopping, skipping, windmills.
3. Graduation to proper training intensity – increase activity to get to the activity level of the game. SSG of keepaway with limited space, smaller than in practice. Increase the intensity.

Cool-DOWN!

This is the most forgotten part of a sports activity, but very important to fend off injury, to ensure your body recovers quickly and to ensure your muscles stay elastic. The number-one goal of the cool-down is to decrease your heart rate. Cool-down helps prevent blood pooling in the veins, and also guarantees adequate circulation to the heart, brain, and muscles.

1. Decreasing your heart rate – A practice or game should be completed with a jog for at least 5 minutes, followed by 1-2 minutes of walking. If the practice/game was especially intense, a longer jog or walk may be necessary for the heart rate to slow down.
2. Static stretching – The body is at its warmest point at the end of a practice/game, which is the perfect time to increase overall flexibility. This is the time to hit all the major muscle groups. Static stretching is slow and constant and held at an end position for up to 30 seconds. This form of flexibility training is the most effective way to increase range of motion in a joint, and might in fact improve speed and jumping ability.
3. Decreasing your body temperature – should be slow and gradual. Don’t strip off clothes, take shoes off in cold weather. After the game on a cold day, conduct the cool-down in your sweats. On a hot day, removing your shoes while stretching may be a really good idea and soemething to do during the static stretching.

I hope this helps, because I spent plenty of time as a youth player injured and it is not fun. You lose confidence in your ability the longer you are out, the other players are progressing and getting better and you have to watch. Actually, another good subject I’ll cover is the Coach/Parent/Player role to work through injury. Because, even if you do everything correctly, an injury can still happen.

Younger ages, due to their inherent flexibility and youth, don’t require the same focus on the warm-up. Although, it is good policy for coaches to start getting the players and parents introduced to the concept at the U10 age.