Sometimes young coaches feel they have to correct every little thing on the practice field, and all too often they take this approach at games too. “Be slow to correct and quick to commend.” – John Wooden I’ve seen coaches get frustrated with an 8 year old player that hit the ball with a karate [...]

Dan Coyle is the bestselling author of “The Talent Code” a book that discusses and highlights the learning recipe he’s found necessary to create talent. Those things are: Deep Learning (10,000 hours) Immediate feedback Repetition Coaching to oversee and direct the learned behavior   Here is a quick video of his presentation for U.S. Soccer. [...]

I recently took the NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma and enjoyed the 2.5 days of intensive instruction very, very much. The course is full of information and the coaches, both the instructors and the course participants, have a lot of valuable information and perspectives to share. The DOC course is meant for those coaches who [...]

Xavi performed a bit of magic in the first of five goals for Barcelona, as they go on to destroy Real Madrid 5-0. Check out the most recent Clasico on 29/11/2010 to see the wonder that is Barcelona.

Coaches, does this sound familiar?

Our league is trying a “Silent Saturday,” which jabs a knife in the back of “the joy of soccer”. Here is an excerpt I received in an email from the Referee Coordinator: “This SATURDAY ONLY is “Silent Saturday”. No cheers, outbursts, talking of the sort on the sideline – applause only. Only the coach can [...]

Yesterday I had the great fortune of spending the day at a Playday Tournament. A Playday is a one day “tournament” where U8-U11 teams get to play three games on small fields (7 on the field and one in the goal). It is a great way to get teams together, have a great atmosphere and [...]

The Hippocratic Oath is an oath historically taken by doctors swearing to practice medicine ethically.  I think coaches need a similar oath to understand the weight of their influence on children that they coach. As a coach of young players my goal is to encourage them and challenge them and build their confidence. Young players [...]

I’ve coched U10 and U12 soccer. I’ve played competitely, in High School and as an adult and have experienced bad coaching, good coaching and great coaching. Last year I decided to coach my 2nd daughter’s U6 team. The experience was a great one. The expectations were only to have fun and create an environment where [...]