Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Soccer Practice Games: Secrets Revealed

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in Soccer practice games and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. To explode your players' skills and make training fun, download your free Soccer Training ebook at: Soccer Training Tips.




You've probably heard it a hundred times that in order to plan and execute soccer practice games successfully, there are numerous factors that play important roles. These factors include division of players into groups, changing formation, frequently rotating the activities of groups, availability of adequate equipment, and presenting game like soccer drills. Let me elaborate on these factors a little for a better understanding.

Sort the players into groups: Employ frameworks for the purpose of naming the boundaries of common space for all groups. It is of utmost importance to take safety of players into consideration. Also, you should be able to effectively observe them during the soccer practice games. This particular scheme has the advantage of providing several opportunities for each player to touch the ball. A new method to split the players is grouping them with kids that are of equal age.

Varying the formations; build your team by means of frequently changing the blend of players between groups. Consequently, the players will get a chance to play with one another. When soccer training is planned like this, players get to accomplish relatively more in a shorter time period. In the capacity of a coach, you also have the benefit to add more and more activities to the sessions.

Changing the activities regularly; during soccer practice, make sure you spend just 10 to 15 minutes on each drill. When you continue varying the drills, the players get to participate in a variety of them.

Therefore, they are always motivated due to less monotony and perform well. Altering the order of the activities makes the drills progress efficiently. For instance, you must introduce soccer exercises that use triangles, squares, and circles for drill work and this brings freshness to the sessions.

Managing enough equipment: Since there are now several groups working on different drills, they should have enough equipment. It is an absolute must to have 24 small size game markers of different colors, scrimmage vests, and a ball for every player. Also, seek temporary goal posts in addition to the regular ones.

Making the kids enjoy in a game-like atmosphere: That said, it is of utmost importance that the kids enjoy their game. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that drills are enjoyed in a game-like environment. This will lead to players developing skills while at the same time enjoying the game. The practices discussed above do not include designated times for water breaks and stretching. This time needs to be separately scheduled in your practice wherever appropriate.

Your next step? To take what you've just learned and start creating soccer practice games for your training sessions. If you would like to know more about youth coaching, subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community that has a wealth of articles, newsletters, videos. Your players will positively see a marked improvement in their skills using these techniques.


Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in Soccer practice games and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. To explode your players' skills and make training fun, download your free Soccer Training ebook at: Soccer Training Tips.


Soccer Practice Games: Discover The Secrets



In relation to soccer practice games, there is more that one factor that needs your undivided attention for an effective implementation of drills. These factors include division of players into groups, changing formation, frequently rotating the activities of groups, availability of adequate equipment, and presenting game like soccer drills. Let me elaborate on these factors a little for a better understanding.

Organize players into groups: Make use of crisscross lines in order to categorize the limits of regular space for groups. Player’s safety is of prime importance here, so take it seriously. Also, you should be able to effectively observe them during the soccer practice games. Through this plan, every kid gets numerous chances to get in contact with the ball. Another way to divide players into groups is on the basis of their age group.

Varying the formations; build your team by means of frequently changing the blend of players between groups. Thus, all the players find it easy to get their hand on with each other. In any soccer training that is planned in advance, kids learn more in a relatively short time span. As a coach, you also get the leverage to introduce more and more activities during each practice session.

Changing the activities regularly; during soccer practice, make sure you spend just 10 to 15 minutes on each drill. When there is variety, the players get a lot of novelty.

So, they stay inspired and perform to the best of their abilities. If you modify the order of the activities, the drills go uninterrupted. As a case in example, you must select soccer exercises that extensively use triangles, squares, and circles for drill work so that there is a newness in the sessions.

Having sufficient equipment: Now that you have several groups of players that are engaged in different activities simultaneously, you need to have sufficient equipment. You will need to arrange 24 small size game markers of different colors, scrimmage vests, and a ball for every player. Arrange for temporary goals in addition to regular goals for various drills.

Making the kids enjoy in a game-like atmosphere: That said, it is of utmost importance that the kids enjoy their game. Hence, it is necessary that the drills are played in a game-like scenario. What will happen then is that the players will learn and enjoy at the same time. I have not included the water breaks and stretching times in the above schedule. This time needs to be accounted for separately.

Now, you must absorb what you’ve learnt and include in the soccer practice games that you create. To get more of such tips and tricks on youth soccer, be a part of our youth soccer coaching community that has a wealth of articles, newsletters, videos, etc for the soccer. It is guaranteed that your player’s skills will improve vastly.


Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in Soccer practice games and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. To explode your players' skills and make training fun, download your free Soccer Training ebook at: Soccer Training Tips.


Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Soccer Practice Games: The Truth About Winning Tactics



What if I told you that players aged above 11 years should be ready to play soccer practice games on a large field? Hearing this, you might be assuming that I’m insane but believe me, the dynamics of soccer as a game are changing radically. This is what I am referring to. The sports ground should have a length of about 100 yards and width of about 60 yards. The dimensions of the goal post should also be somewhat like 8 feet high and 24 feet wide. All the official rules of soccer game shall be applicable at this level.

Whenever three additional players i.e. a forward, a midfielder and a defender are included to form a third dimension, a change in their roles is called for. It implies bringing the newly added players into set plays, an extended role of the goalkeeper, and a series of system plays.

When in comes to individual skills soccer exercises must lay more emphasis on technical skills. These include long passing, heading, and individual movement with the ball. Making long passes will now become simpler for players because of their height and their good built.

This ability of players brings in loads of diversity to their attacks. Therefore you must always encourage them to make the long passes without losing the possession of the ball. Some of the benefits offered are as follows.

1. The capacity of the players to throw in longer passes also lets them change fields instantly. 2. Long passes also help the players cross the ball from wing positions thereby making the cross a shaky tool.

Heading, is one skill that requires a special mention at this level of soccer practice games. Players of this age group have generally conquered most of their fear related to the skill of heading. Help them understand that if they are able to head the ball well, they shall be able to retain the ball longer and also have more opportunities to score.

The range of individual movements for creating spaces with the ball should spread out at this level. When executing the soccer drills, players should concentrate on finding new ways to work with speed, direction, and level with the ball, along with developing their own tactics.

With the players maturing to this level, they develop the tendency to practice offensive tactics and use them as and when required. It is exactly opposite when they work as defensive players.

However, it's necessary at this level that players realize that they have responsibilities of both offensive and defensive players. By designating them as defenders or offenders, you're just identifying the player for the purpose of balance and spacing on field.

Now that you know what clicks, help your players start soccer practice games in training sessions. These will make them skilled enough to take on any opponent at any time. If you would like more information on youth soccer, become a part of our youth soccer coaching program that has a lot of articles, newsletters, videos, and other resources on youth soccer.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Soccer practice games. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Training guide at: Soccer practice games.


Soccer Practice Games: Uncover The Winning Tactics



What if I told you that players aged above 11 years should be ready to play soccer practice games on a large field? Hearing this, you might be assuming that I’m insane but believe me, the dynamics of soccer as a game are changing radically. This is what I am referring to. The field should have a length and width of something like 100 yards and 60 yards respectively. The goal post should have an approximate height of 8 feet and 24 feet of width. Every single rule of the soccer game otherwise applies at this level.

A third dimension created by way of three more players, a defender, midfielder, and a forward requires you to make alterations in the roles of players. It suggests that the extra players will be employed in set plays, there’ll be a collection of system plays, and that the goalie’s role will be expanded.

In developing individual skills of the players, introduce soccer exercises that emphasize more on technical skills. These include long passing, heading, and individual movement with the ball. Now the players will be in a position to make long passes because of their height and toughness, not possible earlier.

This ability of players brings in loads of diversity to their attacks. So you should make it a point that your players are encouraged to make long passes along with retaining the ball with them. Following are some of the benefits it presents.

1. The capability of the players to carry out long passes helps them change fields instantly. 2. Long passes also help the players cross the ball from wing positions thereby making the cross a shaky tool.

Heading, is one skill that requires a special mention at this level of soccer practice games. Players in this age group are not scared of heading. Help them understand that if they are able to head the ball well, they shall be able to retain the ball longer and also have more opportunities to score.

The scope of individual movements for creating spaces with the ball must be elaborate at this level. At the time of soccer drills, players should be looking to find new ways change speed, direction, and level with the ball, along with developing their own tactics.

By the time the players grow up to this level, they develop the tendency to practice offensive tactics only when they are selected to play as offensive players. The situation is exactly opposite when they act as defensive players.

But the players should not forget that at this level, they must perform both the roles with equal ease. By selecting them in different roles, you are just balancing out things on the field.

Since you are now aware of these things, encourage your players to start playing soccer practice games in sessions. These will make them so skilled that they will be able to take on any team anytime. If you would like more information on youth soccer, become a part of our youth soccer coaching program that has a lot of articles, newsletters, videos, and other resources on youth soccer.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Soccer practice games. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Training guide at: Soccer practice games.


Monday, April 26, 2010

Soccer Practice Games: 4 Action Ideas To A 4v4 Game



Significance of soccer practice games particularly in the 4 v 4 small-sided soccer games will be very well understood by the time you’ve read this entire article. It is most beneficial for players that are young and in the age group of 5 to 6 years. It’s best to play this game in a field that has the dimensions of length and width of 50 yards long and 30 yards respectively. For soccer training like this, it’s imperative that you also develop a suitable goal post.

The rules of this game are intentionally kept very simple. It’s intended to keep the kids focused on enjoying the game to its fullest without thinking too hard about the rules. As a result the player’s talents and movements are positively impacted.

Begin the game by means of a kickoff. Next the kick off should be utilized only in the event of any one team scoring a goal. Every time the ball is kicked outside the touchline by either team, the opposite team gets a throw-in. The typical rules for goal kicks and corner kicks are changed as a result of this game. And there are no goalkeepers.

The kids get the opportunity to score lots of goals thus adding to their confidence level. It also helps them in building skills such as shooting, dribbling, and passing. They learn to hit the goal at exactly the right spot. It has one more advantage that kids suffer lesser injuries as there are fewer clashes.

Another significant rule of this game is that no one should enter the safety zone unless the ball is lying there. Safety zone falls right in front of the goal. But any player can take the ball if it is present in the zone.

This rule allows the defense to defend a goal and the offense to mount an attack. But the defenders cannot stand in front of the goal. And off-side rules or penalty kicks are also not necessary. Only free kicks as and when someone commits a foul.

The best way to play these soccer practice games is making the 8 players stand in the field when the other 8 stand along the sidelines. The players in the field start playing among themselves and then after about 10 minutes, the ones on the sidelines take their places.

Especially since the players are young, it is vital that they do not play soccer drills at a stretch for more than 10 minutes. Else, they will feel exhausted and fatigued leading to chances of injuries.

The best part about the 4 v 4 games is that it allows for continuous motion with several opportunities for dribbling, passing, collection, and distribution. Kids score a lot of goals which makes them happy and confident.

Finally, the game should last for close to 30 minutes. The kids can workout a lot and using these soccer exercises and at the same time build skills.

Know that these soccer practice games are the only way to make a great soccer team. Enroll for our youth soccer coaching community for more soccer resources, news, articles, and tips covering soccer coaching.


Andre Botelho is known online as "The Expert Youth Soccer Coach" and his free Soccer practice games ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. To skyrocket your players' skills and make practice fun in record time, download your free Soccer Training ebook at: Fun Soccer Drills.


Soccer Practice Games: Discover A 4 v 4 Game



This article focuses on making you realize the importance of soccer practice games especially in the 4 v 4 small-sided soccer games. It is more helpful to players that are between 5 to 6 years of age. This game is best played in a field that is approximately 50 yards long and 30 yards wide. Soccer training like this also needs an appropriately created goal post.

Here the rules are purposely kept very simple. The purpose is to allow the kids to enjoy the game more than focusing on worrying about the rules. This facilitates development of skills and movement.

Initiate the game by way of a kickoff. Next the kick off should be utilized only in the event of any one team scoring a goal. When a team kicks the ball outside the touchline, the opposition gets a throw-in. The conventional rules of corner kicks and goal kicks are changed by this game. And this game has no goalkeepers.

The kids get the opportunity to score lots of goals thus adding to their confidence level. At the same time it serves the purpose of developing shooting, dribbling, and passing skills. Besides, they get to hit the goalpost quite accurately. Since the players collide less, they suffer fewer injuries which is an additional benefit.

Another important point is that no player can enter the safety zone unless the ball is present there. Safety zone is an appointed area just ahead of the goal. If the ball is there, anyone can enter it and take the possession of the ball.

This rule facilitates the defenders to defend the ball and attackers to mount an offensive. Nevertheless, the defense cannot stand in front of the goal. And there is no place for off-side rules or penalty kicks. Only free kicks when someone commits a foul.

The best way to play these soccer practice games is making the 8 players stand in the field when the other 8 stand along the sidelines. The players in the field are the ones to start playing among themselves and are then replaced by sideliners after 10 minutes.

Do not make the kids play soccer drills for more than 10 minutes since they are young. Else, they may face the risk of getting injured due to fatigue.

The best part about the 4 v 4 games is that it allows for continuous motion with several opportunities for dribbling, passing, collection, and distribution. Kids are able to score well and this does wonders to their confidence.

In the end, the game should not last for more than half an hour. This one session of soccer exercises enables the kids to get ample workout as well as work on their skills.

Know that these soccer practice games are the only way to make a great soccer team. Enroll for our youth soccer coaching community for more soccer resources, news, articles, and tips covering soccer coaching.


Andre Botelho is known online as "The Expert Youth Soccer Coach" and his free Soccer practice games ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. To skyrocket your players' skills and make practice fun in record time, download your free Soccer Training ebook at: Fun Soccer Drills.


Sunday, April 25, 2010

Soccer Practice Games: 3 Simple Steps To Fun-filled Sessions



Here's a really simple way to understand the logic behind starting soccer practice games once you have taught the kids basic soccer skills and techniques. Players must be exposed to real match-like situations so that they get to know the stress and pressure involved and accordingly become accustomed to soccer training.

The best way to achieve this is to introduce small-sided games and drills in which the kids immerse themselves. It is of vital importance that the kids get to contact the ball maximum so that they become comfortable with the ball.

These games and drills help the kids learn the art of positional play. The kids learn the following:

1. Run far away from the player with the ball than towards him or her. 2. Get “off the ball” and design a good passing angle. 3. Run onwards and get the delivery of the ball “in space”. 4. Pass towards the rear to enable the team to move backward.

"Positional play" also refers to the ability of the players to play in a particular position. It is common knowledge that a great soccer player can play from all positions with élan. Therefore, a coach must endeavor to teach young players to play in all positions using soccer practice games.

Moving forward, it makes no sense to teach a player to play only as a defender or a striker.

What follows are 2 soccer drills that act as good starting points for the kids.

1. This game consists of 6 players. 5 players make a circle around a player who acts as a defender. Afterwards it’s the defender who attempts to catch hold of the ball that is with the players who try to pass or dribble the ball amongst them. It’s for the coach to see that all players get to act as a defender by replacing them with another, after some time.

Train your players in this game to initially exert a pull on the defender followed by a pass. They must also control the ball to the side and keep the head up. They should attempt to make good passing positions and if possible, camouflage the pass in the end.

2. All that is essential for this game is a grid and 5 players. The one defending the ball stand within the grid and the remaining players outside it. The passers then try to make consecutive passes across the grid without any intersection. Again, change the defender after every 1 minute.

They must be in charge of the ball mostly to the sides. They must make use of the outside of their foot in conjunction with the hip and shoulder fakes.

Both these soccer exercises are extremely helpful in letting the players have a taste of different positions. The players get better at controlling the ball and become flexible as a result of these exercises.

This is the easiest way to teach your players soccer practice games. By subscribing to our youth soccer coaching community, you can get a good amount of knowledge, soccer tips, and tactics to get better at coaching players in the best way. A good number of articles, videos, and newsletters are available here to take you in the right direction of coaching soccer to kids.


The Truth About Soccer Practice Games



Here’s a damn easy way to recognize the need to teach soccer practice games when the kids have learnt basic soccer skills and techniques. Players must be exposed to real match-like situations so that they get to know the stress and pressure involved and accordingly become accustomed to soccer training.

The right method is to introduce small-sided games and drills in which the kids get fully engrossed. It is also important that they get to contact the ball as much as possible because this is what will make them comfortable and confident in handling the ball.

These games and drills help the kids learn the art of positional play. They absorb the following:

1. Run away from the player who has the possession than running to him or her. 2. Stir “off the ball” and make a good passing angle. 3. Run onwards and get the delivery of the ball “in space”. 4. Pass to the back to help the team move to the back.

The expression "positional play" also means that a player can play from a specific position. As it is known to everyone, a skilled player has the ability to play in all positions. Therefore, a coach must endeavor to teach young players to play in all positions using soccer practice games.

In the long run, it is rather ineffective to condition any youngster to play only as a defender or a striker.

Below, there are 2 nice soccer drills to teach the players.

1. This game involves 6 players. 5 players make a circle around a player who acts as a defender. Afterwards it’s the defender who attempts to catch hold of the ball that is with the players who try to pass or dribble the ball amongst them. It’s for the coach to see that all players get to act as a defender by replacing them with another, after some time.

In this game, teach the players to draw the defender and then pass. Also, they must be in charge of the ball and keep their head up at the same time. They should attempt to make good passing positions and if possible, camouflage the pass in the end.

2. 5 players and a grid is all that is necessary in this game. The one acting as the defender stands in the grid and the rest as passers on the outside. Then the passers try to make as many consecutive passes as possible across the grid without an interception. Once more, replace the players acting as defenders, every now and then.

See that the players are able to maintain ball’s control to the sides. The players should utilize the outside of the foot together with using hip and shoulder fakes.

Both these soccer exercises are extremely helpful in letting the players have a taste of different positions. The players get better at controlling the ball and become flexible as a result of these exercises.

This is the best and the easiest mode of training the players in soccer practice games. So without wasting any time, join our youth soccer coaching community to find out numerous ways and simple but effective tips to train your players in the best possible way. You’ll find inexhaustible resources in form of newsletters, articles, videos and like that which assist you in coaching you players.


Andre Botelho is an expert in Soccer practice games. He influences over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his coaching philosophy, and makes it easy to explode your players' skills and make training fun in record time. Download your free Soccer Training guide at: Soccer Practice.


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Drills for Soccer: 5 Action Ideas To Interesting Drills



A majority of the coaches have a tendency to discount the most important aspect; the fun aspect in carrying out drills for soccer. In the absence of fun, kids will not be encouraged to play. Yet, coaches get in the field day in and out conducting drills as if they were classroom lectures.

In such soccer drills, there is absolutely no creativity and no personal touch also. Such a tendency leads to either the kids opting out of soccer or even worse, becoming average players. On the contrary, if you introduce fun drills, the kids will be happy to do even harder drills.

In addition to drills, also include a lot of games and other outdoor activities. This not only brings variety to the regimen but also sustains their interest in the game. But keep it in mind that the games are such that have the potential to instill fast thinking, strength building, and stamina.

It seems obvious that you must have arranged for every single tool without which it would be impossible to carry out certain unique exercises. It is still a good proposition even if it takes a good amount of time to first get it and arrange it. Thus avoid it except when you intend to teach kids something in detail.

While they are taking drills, ensure that they have a ball all the time. Nearly all the soccer exercises must be performed using a ball. They’ll get a chance to better their dribbling skills, passing skills and other skills only then.

Keep the technique that the players employ under observation. It is very important that they are corrected wherever they go wrong. Or, it will lead to them learning incorrect techniques.

Another mistake that coaches make and which takes the fun away from the drills for soccer is that they lecture for a long time while taking briefings. This is totally unacceptable. They should only concentrate on playing soccer.

Just make a quick note of the important points that need to be addressed and finish the session in 10 minutes.

A tested practice that always makes the sessions interesting for the kids is dividing them equally into various teams in soccer practice. The only downside to it is that it must be seen that kids do not get jealous with each other or develop enmity. This is where your coaching abilities are challenged.

Besides don’t encourage the system of incentive or penalty. It’s not required. The plan is to make them spirited.

Last but not the least; ensure that every player has a ball to play. The fact that we are considering that kids must enjoy playing while learning the game of soccer must also include this as extremely urgent. You will become a successful coach only by keeping in mind all these simple points.

What are you thinking about then? Go ahead and use these drills for soccer to spend quality time with your players. Join our youth soccer coaching community that has tons of helpful information relevant to youth soccer in terms of videos, articles, and newsletters.


Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in Drills for soccer and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. To explode your players' skills and make training fun, download your free Soccer Drills ebook at: Soccer Training Tips.


Drills for Soccer: 5 Things You Must Know



Fun is the key ingredient in performing drills for soccer and you’ll be surprised to know how easily coaches give it a miss. When fun is lacking, kids will have no motivation to play the game. Yet, coaches get in the field day in and out conducting drills as if they were classroom lectures.

The soccer drills seem dull due to inadequacy in terms of creative talent, improvement, and a personal touch. Consequently, the players fail to grow up as great players and even worse, choose to quit the game of soccer. On the other hand, drills that are difficult to perform will be readily accepted by kids when they know they’ll enjoy doing them.

Also, take account of various outdoor games and activities in addition to the regular drills. When you follow this, your players will find the training regimen immensely motivating because of the variety of activities involved. The important point to note here is that the character of the games is such that it aids the player’s ability to think fast, build resistance, and endurance.

I would not be surprised if, by this time, you’ve managed to get all the necessary equipment needed to execute a few individual exercises. Ideally, this should be done even though it involves a lot of time initially in organizing and then setting it up. Hence, it’s better to shun this practice when you’re not teaching anything specific.

For the entire duration of executing the drills, they need to have a ball. Almost all the soccer exercises are to be performed with a ball. This will offer them the only sole chance to develop their skills of passing, dribbling and like that.

Keep an eye on the method that the players use. It is vital that they are guided correctly when they commit a mistake. Otherwise, they will get used to wrong approaches.

Another trait of coaches that probably takes the charm out of drills for soccer is when they indulge in long briefing sessions. It is not recommended at all. They should only concentrate on playing soccer.

You can quickly jot down the important points that need discussion and take about 5 to 10 minutes to brief them to the kids.

A tested practice that always makes the sessions interesting for the kids is dividing them equally into various teams in soccer practice. The only downside to it is that it must be seen that kids do not get jealous with each other or develop enmity. This is where your coaching abilities are challenged.

Besides don’t encourage the system of incentive or penalty. That is unnecessary. The purpose is to make the players more competitive.

Lastly, make sure that each player has a ball each. The fact that we are considering that kids must enjoy playing while learning the game of soccer must also include this as extremely urgent. You will become a successful coach only by keeping in mind all these simple points.

What are you thinking about then? Go ahead and use these drills for soccer to spend quality time with your players. You can get a lot of useful information in the form of articles, newsletters, and videos at out youth soccer coaching community by joining today.


Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in Drills for soccer and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. To explode your players' skills and make training fun, download your free Soccer Drills ebook at: Soccer Training Tips.


Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Drills for Soccer: Secrets Revealed



Here's a really simple way to make the kids feel responsible while performing drills for soccer. Make them in charge of their own training. I’m serious! By letting them handle their own training sessions their way, you’ll fuse an element of pride and trust thus making them feel way more responsible.

We’ll talk about a few soccer drills below that the players must perform individually and that too without your direct control.

Wall-kicks: As the name implies, the players should kick the ball against the wall as much as possible. Great players become great due to repeating this exercise many times. There are endless numbers of variations that can be achieved in this drill.

Your players should be guided to make use of all parts of the foot and maintain a comfortable body posture.

Stair-stepping: This drill is another fun filled and a very useful drill. Tell your players to jump on and off the ball without making it go backwards. Though it seems really easy but it is actually a little difficult to perform. While kids perform soccer exercises like this, they tend to better their ability to focus.

Inform the kids to place the ball right in front of them. Now they should put one foot on the ball while another foot is on ground and then continue swapping their feet without making the ball move even an inch.

Machine guns: These drills for soccer are those which are most effective in helping players perk up their resistance, strength, and quickness as well as improve their playing skills with the ball. Instruct the players to put the ball between their feet. The motion should be similar to the stair stepping game with the only exception that the players should do this on the side of the ball so that the ball moves between their feet.

The bodies should stay relaxed and mind focused on the ball.

Juggling: Who doesn’t know this? If the players do not understand juggling, they shouldn’t be learning soccer. This fact apart, juggling is a difficult skill to learn and adapt to. Many players spent years learning this skill alone.

This is what you players should concentrate on in this soccer practice. Encourage them to bring both their feet in use during juggling. Then, they should turnover the ball and control it using their thighs. After that, they can bring their heads into picture and then again the feet to control the ball.

The kids should work on this drill as far as possible. It is a little tricky to do but after some time, the players will be able to do it well.

These drills are very easy and you must dispense them to individual players. They will be able to accomplish them all by themselves and also find them enjoyable.

Now is the time to put these drills for soccer into practical use. You can get a lot more insight into such drills by subscribing to our youth soccer coaching community. Not only are there articles but also newsletters and videos to keep your coaching knowledge updated.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Drills for soccer. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Drills guide at: Drills for soccer.


Drills for Soccer: 5 Things You Must Know



Here's a really simple way to make the kids feel responsible while performing drills for soccer. They should be made liable for their individual training. I’m serious! By letting them handle their own training sessions their way, you’ll fuse an element of pride and trust thus making them feel way more responsible.

We’ll talk about a few soccer drills below that the players must perform individually and that too without your direct control.

Wall-kicks: As the name suggests, the ball is kicked against the ball repeatedly for as long as possible. It is because of regular practice of this exercise that normal players become great. It has the potential to accommodate many variations that are very simple to accomplish.

In this drill, tell your players to remain physically calm and employ all parts of their foot.

Stair-stepping: This is one such drill that is not only creative but also a lot of fun. The players should jump on and off the ball without making it move backwards. Though it seems really easy but it is actually a little difficult to perform. The kids can improve their focus a lot in doing such soccer exercises.

Inform the kids to place the ball right in front of them. As the player puts one foot on top of the ball, they should subsequently change it with another foot and here, they must keep in mind that the ball should not move at all when they swap their feet in this exercise.

Machine guns: These drills for soccer are those which are most effective in helping players perk up their resistance, strength, and quickness as well as improve their playing skills with the ball. Teach the players to lay the ball in the middle of their feet. This movement is exactly like the stair stepping game with the only omission being that the kids do this on the side of the ball so that it moves between their feet.

The bodies should stay relaxed and mind focused on the ball.

Juggling: This needs no introduction. If your players are unaware of juggling, they do not deserve to be in soccer. This fact apart, juggling is a difficult skill to learn and adapt to. Most players take years to perfect this skill alone.

This is what you players should concentrate on in this soccer practice. Encourage them to bring both their feet in use during juggling. Then, they should turnover the ball and control it using their thighs. Then, they should use their heads and again roll over to using their feet.

The kids should work on this drill as far as possible. It is a little tricky to do but after some time, the players will be able to do it well.

These drills are very easy and you must dispense them to individual players. They will be able to accomplish them all by themselves and also find them enjoyable.

Now, it is time that these drills for soccer are put into use. You can gain more knowledge on these drills by joining our youth soccer coaching community. Not only are there articles but also newsletters and videos to keep your coaching knowledge updated.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Drills for soccer. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Drills guide at: Drills for soccer.


Drills for Soccer: Goalkeeping Secrets Revealed



Ever imagined how difficult would it be for a goalkeeper to perform his job effectively and this is the reason why a goalkeeper’s drills should be broadly covered in the drills for soccer? Let’s talk about some soccer drills that are designed for the sole purpose of building a goalkeeper’s skills.

Single-handed catch: Ask for any one of your colleagues to capture the ball in this drill. He or she should be shooting the ball at you when you are positioned on the goal line. He or she should do it on both sides; right and left. The shoots should be to both the sides randomly.

This drill has a dual benefit of improving the goalie’s ability to grab hold of the ball single-handedly and concentrate on the shot. Prior to taking a shot, it’s better if the goalie can keep his feet evenly on the playground and focus on getting the ball as early as possible.

Two-hands catch: Ask your fellow player to put the ball on the ground in these soccer exercises. Move away from the ball at about 5 yards. Now tell your colleague to strike the ball hard and you should try to capture the ball with your stomach acting as a wall to help you.

Fold your hands in a W shaped form so as to have them behind the ball while trying to grab the ball.

Catching Low Shots; these drills for soccer require you to position yourself in the center of the goal-line and remain at a distance of at least 6 yards from the ball. You will aim at saving the goal from low lying shots both to the left and right. These shots examine a goalkeeper’s talents totally because they are a very common attribute in live matches.

Then the shooting player should hit the ball hard but low on either side without giving any clue to the goalie. These drills allow the goalkeeper’s to sharpen their talent to save low shots, predict things upfront, and perk-up their focus.

Tackling High Shots; as is obvious, this drill teaches the goalie to catch the ball in the air. This drill is performed more or less in the same way as the earlier drill other than that one of the team member’s of goalie should kick the ball high up in air. The goalie should not then wait for the ball but jump higher so as to grab the ball early.

It is these drills that make a goalie’s training complete, correct, and commanding. Also, never forget that it is the regular practice of these drills that’ll make you an ever improving player. Your soccer practice schedule for training the goalkeeper’s must include all the above drills.

Obviously, no training program can be complete in itself. When you continue to innovate with the drills, the players will be in a better position to tackle unanticipated situations. Therefore being a coach, pay attention to the technique and encourage players to perform well.

So go ahead and apply these drills for soccer after you’ve equipped yourself with all the relevant information. You’ll see a dramatic change in the speed with which they react to different situations and master them.

If you are interested in getting more knowledge on drills for goalkeepers, join our youth soccer coaching community which offers tons of relevant information on this topic.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Drills for soccer. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Drills guide at: Drills for soccer.


Drills for Soccer: The Truth About Goalkeeping



Ever imagined how difficult would it be for a goalkeeper to perform his job effectively and this is the reason why a goalkeeper’s drills should be broadly covered in the drills for soccer? Let’s talk about some soccer drills that are designed for the sole purpose of building a goalkeeper’s skills.

Single-handed catch: In this, call for one of your team members to get the ball. Position yourself on the goal-line and instruct him or her to toss the ball to you. He or she should do it on both sides; right and left. The shoots should be to both the sides randomly.

This drill has a dual benefit of improving the goalie’s ability to grab hold of the ball single-handedly and concentrate on the shot. Before a shot is taken, the goalie should be concentrating on making a contact with the ball early on and keep his feet straight on the ground.

Two-hands catch: These are the soccer exercises wherein the associate players must leave the ball on the ground. Walk about 5 yards away from where the ball is placed. Your fellow player should now knock the ball hard and you must try to catch hold of it by making use of your stomach as a barrier.

While attempting to grab the ball, bring your hands together in a W shape to facilitate easy capturing of the ball.

Catching Low Shots; in these drills for soccer, you have to be on the mid-point of the goal line and keep yourself away from the ball at a distance of no less than 6 yards. Your focus should be on saving goals from the low lying shots towards left and right both. Such shots take place very frequently in real matches and as such analyze a goalie’s aptitude and skills completely.

Afterwards the shooting player should toss the ball hard, although, low on each side with no clue to the goalkeeper. This drill sharpens the goalie's ability to save low shots, increase focus, and anticipate well in advance.

Tackling High Shots; as is clear for the name, the goalkeeper is taught the art of capturing the ball in the air. This drill is performed more or less in the same way as the earlier drill other than that one of the team member’s of goalie should kick the ball high up in air. Here, the goalie should jump high up to catch the ball without waiting for the ball.

These drills are the backbone of a goalie's training. Also, always remember that the more you practice, the better you’ll be. All of these should be integrated into a soccer practice regimen for the goalie.

Let’s accept it that no sole training program is whole in itself. When you continue to innovate with the drills, the players will be in a better position to tackle unanticipated situations. Therefore being a coach, pay attention to the technique and encourage players to perform well.

So get to the field and utilize everything that you’ve learnt to include in the goalkeeper drills for soccer. You’ll observe a sea change in their ability to deal with the unexpected situations and grow as a player.

If you would like more information on drills for goalies, join our youth soccer coaching community that has a ton of information, news and articles on youth soccer.



Andre Botelho is known online as "The Expert Youth Soccer Coach" and his free Drills for soccer ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. To skyrocket your players' skills and make practice fun in record time, download your free Soccer Drills ebook at: Fun Soccer Drills.


Drills for Soccer: Goalkeeping Secrets Revealed



Ever imagined how difficult would it be for a goalkeeper to perform his job effectively and this is the reason why a goalkeeper’s drills should be broadly covered in the drills for soccer? Let’s talk about some soccer drills that are designed for the sole purpose of building a goalkeeper’s skills.

Single-handed catch: Ask for any one of your colleagues to capture the ball in this drill. He or she should be shooting the ball at you when you are positioned on the goal line. He or she should do it on both sides; right and left. The shoots should be to both the sides randomly.

This drill has a dual benefit of improving the goalie’s ability to grab hold of the ball single-handedly and concentrate on the shot. Prior to taking a shot, it’s better if the goalie can keep his feet evenly on the playground and focus on getting the ball as early as possible.

Two-hands catch: Ask your fellow player to put the ball on the ground in these soccer exercises. Move away from the ball at about 5 yards. Now tell your colleague to strike the ball hard and you should try to capture the ball with your stomach acting as a wall to help you.

Fold your hands in a W shaped form so as to have them behind the ball while trying to grab the ball.

Catching Low Shots; these drills for soccer require you to position yourself in the center of the goal-line and remain at a distance of at least 6 yards from the ball. You will aim at saving the goal from low lying shots both to the left and right. These shots examine a goalkeeper’s talents totally because they are a very common attribute in live matches.

Then the shooting player should hit the ball hard but low on either side without giving any clue to the goalie. These drills allow the goalkeeper’s to sharpen their talent to save low shots, predict things upfront, and perk-up their focus.

Tackling High Shots; as is obvious, this drill teaches the goalie to catch the ball in the air. This drill is performed more or less in the same way as the earlier drill other than that one of the team member’s of goalie should kick the ball high up in air. The goalie should not then wait for the ball but jump higher so as to grab the ball early.

It is these drills that make a goalie’s training complete, correct, and commanding. Also, never forget that it is the regular practice of these drills that’ll make you an ever improving player. Your soccer practice schedule for training the goalkeeper’s must include all the above drills.

Obviously, no training program can be complete in itself. When you continue to innovate with the drills, the players will be in a better position to tackle unanticipated situations. Therefore being a coach, pay attention to the technique and encourage players to perform well.

So go ahead and apply these drills for soccer after you’ve equipped yourself with all the relevant information. You’ll see a dramatic change in the speed with which they react to different situations and master them.

If you are interested in getting more knowledge on drills for goalkeepers, join our youth soccer coaching community which offers tons of relevant information on this topic.


Andre Botelho is known online as "The Expert Youth Soccer Coach" and his free Drills for soccer ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. To skyrocket your players' skills and make practice fun in record time, download your free Soccer Drills ebook at: Fun Soccer Drills.


Monday, April 19, 2010

Drills For Soccer: Tips On Special Formations and Drills



Drills for soccer that are designed in a particular manner to train the players on the fundamentals of the game are a sure way to succeed in your training sessions.

There are a few soccer exercises that need a purposely designed formation. A few of these have been discussed for you in detail.

A Goal Kick: It’s the most usual kick and is also pretty simple to perform. It is required when the ball moves out of play, above the end line, and is last touched by the opposing team. To put the ball back into play, it's positioned in the goal box and is kicked out of the penalty area.

Corner Kick: Although these are not used very regularly, but still the soccer practice regime should include this as it might occur a few times in every game. It is desired at the time of resuming the plan when the ball goes beyond the end line, out of play, and in the end touches a player from the rival team.

Direct Penalty Kick: In case a major foul by any player is committed outside the penalty area, a direct penalty kick is the result. When it comes to soccer drills, the word direct is used to convey that the ball is kicked into the goal devoid of touching any one in the field and scores a point. It is possible to guard a direct kick.

Teach your players to put an obstacle by positioning themselves together in a line for blocking the pass of the ball into the goal. Only when the ball is able to cross the barricade getting right through it or from sideways, a goal is scored.

Indirect Penalty Kick: In drills for soccer, this is the result of a foul. In this, indirect implies that the ball must not be kicked directly into the goal. Contrary to the direct kick, this kick should first touch another player before making an entry into the goal.

You can save an indirect kick just like a direct one.

A penalty Kick: This is awarded when defense commits a major foul while being in their own area. This kick is taken by placing the ball on the penalty mark. Only one player from the team that gets the penalty must take the kick. The goalie defending the goal stands on the line between the goalposts and cannot move until the ball is kicked.

The chances of converting a penalty kick to a goal are high.

Goalkeeper Kick or Throw: When the goalie makes a save and has the ball, he must set it back into play. He can either kick or throw the ball to his own teammates.

So go ahead and teach these techniques to your players by way of specially designed drills for soccer to help them avoid making mistakes to give away any opportunity to score free goals.

Teach your kids how to save goals by registering for our youth soccer coaching community which has millions of tips, tricks, latest news, updates, articles, and videos on defensive skills.



Andre Botelho is an expert in Drills for soccer. He influences over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his coaching philosophy, and makes it easy to explode your players' skills and make training fun in record time. Download your free Soccer Drills guide at: Soccer Practice.


Drills For Soccer: 5 Action Ideas To Great Formations



It never fails to coach the individual players on the basic skills through various drills for soccer carried out during the training sessions.

There are some soccer exercises that require a specifically designed formation. A few of these have been discussed for you in detail.

A Goal Kick: This kick is rated as the most common kicks of all and is very simple also. It is required when the ball moves out of play, above the end line, and is last touched by the opposing team. The ball is then placed in the goal-box and is kicked out of the penalty region to bring it back into the play.

Corner Kick: Although these are not used very regularly, but still the soccer practice regime should include this as it might occur a few times in every game. It is needed to resume the game if the ball tips over the end line, outside the play and touches an opponent team’s player at the end.

Direct Penalty Kick: In case a major foul by any player is committed outside the penalty area, a direct penalty kick is the result. The word direct in relation to soccer drills is used when the ball gets is kicked directly into the goal with not touching any player and resulting in scoring a point. A direct kick can be defended against.

The players must create a fence by positioning themselves in one line with the purpose of blocking an entry into the goal. Only when the ball is able to cross the barricade getting right through it or from sideways, a goal is scored.

Indirect Penalty Kick: In drills for soccer, this is a consequence of a small mistake. Here, the word indirect indicates that the ball must take an indirect route to the goal. As opposed to a direct kick, it must touch another player after the ball is kicked, before getting into the goal and to count as a score.

You can defend against an indirect kick in the same way as in a direct kick.

A penalty Kick: This takes place when the defense commits a grave mistake in their area. This kick is hit after putting the ball on the penalty mark. Only one player from the team that gets the penalty must take the kick. The goalie must position himself or herself in the middle of the goal and not move till the ball is kicked.

It is easy to convert a penalty kick to a goal.

Goalkeeper Kick or Throw: When the goalie makes a save and has the ball, he must set it back into play. He can do so by either kicking or throwing the ball back to his own players.

So go ahead and teach these techniques to your players by way of specially designed drills for soccer to help them avoid making mistakes to give away any opportunity to score free goals.

Our youth soccer coaching community is a treasure of tips, tricks, latest news, updates, articles, and videos to teach your kids how to save goals.



Andre Botelho is an expert in Drills for soccer. He influences over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his coaching philosophy, and makes it easy to explode your players' skills and make training fun in record time. Download your free Soccer Drills guide at: Soccer Practice.


Saturday, April 10, 2010

Soccer Field Diagram: Uncover The Truth About Soccer Field Diagram



Even though a soccer field diagram can be found online or can be easily created, it is the most overlooked tool used to teach soccer formations. It has been highlighted many time before that kids learn the different concepts very slowly without visual aids as it’s very difficult for them.

Nevertheless, using one or two such aids has a tremendous effect on the speed of learning. Successful coaches all over the world use a field diagram as well as recommend it. A field diagram allows the players to connect with the exact situation in a live tournament, whether a new concept is explained or a strategy is formulated.

What all is required from you in creating tidy and small diagram? You need a pencil, a clipboard, and some drawing talent (you are not rated on your drawing skills). But it’s sad that an important resource like this is ignored by a majority of coaches.

A soccer filed diagram has numerous advantages as mentioned below:

1. Learning new concepts becomes easy.

2. The learning becomes faster.

3. It can be given to the players as their homework.

4. It makes an excellent off-site training tool for players.

5. It allows having the parents involved in the course of learning.

I’ve said this before also that it’s not at all difficult to make soccer field diagrams. However, if you are short of time, you can download them as well from thousands of online resources.

The reason these diagrams prove to be so effective is that they act as an extension of school in terms of learning. In schools, children learn from similar books that use illustrations to explain concepts and this is what makes it effective.

When explaining soccer positions demonstrate to them each position and make them play a game that helps them understand the importance of the positions. There are ample advantages.

And if the players are not acting as per your directions, make them refer to the diagram. This will make them learn faster.

When using the diagram to teach the kids, you can make the kids perform well using the following methods:

1. Instruct the kids to stay relaxed as they try to learn the diagram by heart.

2. Ask them to focus on the images and various positions so that they can understand them better.

3. One of the greatest soccer tactics is to make the kids imagine in their mind that they are playing well. This keeps them motivated.

4. Focusing on every detail and leaving nothing to chance.

5. Be open and let the kids ask things repeatedly if they do not understand. It is vital that they appreciate the importance of everything.

This is the best form of teaching using a soccer field diagram. To know more of such information, tips and tricks, subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community. Its not just about the articles, news, videos, and other resources on youth soccer but also the association of experienced youth coaches.

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in Soccer field diagram and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. To explode your players' skills and make training fun, download your free Soccer Formations ebook at: Soccer Training.


Tips On Soccer Field Diagram



It’s unbelievable that a soccer field diagram which is so easy to create or even find online is the most disregarded tool in teaching soccer formations. Without using visual aids, the kids are sure to take a lot of time to learn and understand concepts because they learn slowly.

Nonetheless, if you use a couple of them, the rate of learning will improve considerably. All successful soccer coaches around the world recommend using a field diagram. The players can easily relate to the situation in a live match by using a field diagram, whether you’re defining a new tactic or making a new concept clear to them.

What does it take to draw up a neat little diagram? You need a pencil, a clipboard, and some drawing talent (you are not rated on your drawing skills). Still, it’s rather regrettable that a valuable resource this like this is not given due importance by many coaches.

A soccer field diagram can have the following benefits straight up:

1. It makes latest concepts easy to learn.

2. Players learn new things relatively faster.

3. It can be given to the players as their homework.

4. It makes an excellent off-site training tool for players.

5. It allows having the parents involved in the course of learning.

Soccer field diagrams are very simple to create and I’ve mentioned this earlier also. Yet, it’s possible to download them from numerous online resources in case there is a paucity of time.

The reason these diagrams prove to be so effective is that they act as an extension of school in terms of learning. In school, the kids learn from books and the field diagram acts exactly like that; a visual aid that explains concepts using images and text.

When explaining soccer positions demonstrate to them each position and make them play a game that helps them understand the importance of the positions. There are numerous advantages.

And if the players are not acting as per your directions, make them refer to the diagram. That way, they will learn faster.

When you are teaching with a diagram, employ the following methods to enhance the results:

1. Allow the kids to relax a bit as they absorb the diagram by heart.

2. Ask them to focus on the images and various positions so that they can understand them better.

3. One of the best soccer tactics is to help the kids imagine themselves playing well. This helps in motivating them.

4. Concentrating on the minutest details and leaving nothing.

5. Be open and let the kids ask things repeatedly if they do not understand. It is important that they understand everything correctly.

This is the easiest way to teach the kids using a soccer field diagram. If such tips and tricks interest you a great deal, join our youth soccer coaching community. It not only has articles, news, videos, and other resources on youth soccer but also a huge community of soccer coaches.


Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in Soccer field diagram and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. To explode your players' skills and make training fun, download your free Soccer Formations ebook at: Soccer Training.


Thursday, April 8, 2010

Soccer Field Diagram: 5 Action Ideas To Understand Soccer Positions



Have you ever found yourself in a state of utter confusion in choosing soccer positions for your players because of an inadequate soccer field diagram? It’s happened with each of us. It’s with every coach to face and deal with such circumstances no matter the duration for which he’s been in this field.

Nevertheless, this is an even more regular incidence at a time when you’ve just started teaching a new team. After a while, it becomes easier as you get to know the strengths and weaknesses of various players. Nothing can be more important than to teach the players about the various positions and their relevance in modern soccer.

A majority of players would be adamant to play as forwards or strikers but some will still have to be designated as a goalie and mid-fielders as well. But let me tell you one thing. You’ll not be able to identify which player is best suited to play from which position until you’ve made them play in alternate positions.

Given below is a small narrative of every position and its relevance. This should help you in opting for top players for the main positions as well as settle on on the soccer formations. At the time of drawing up a soccer field diagram, make sure you reflect on these too.

Sweeper: A player who has a good knowledge of the game along with certain leadership traits qualifies for this position. His duty is to see that defense of the team is strong at any point in time.

Center fullback: This player's role is to mark the opponent team's forwards and midfielders. Along with this, he’s required to swap the ball amid the midfielders.

Defensive midfielder: This player's job is to stay ahead of the defense line. This area will entertain numerous attacks and therefore this player must be tough.

Central midfielder: This player must be equipped with good passing skills and tough ball handling skills. This position requires the evading of the opponents with the intention of keeping them outside the last line of defense.

Winger: This player will need to run around and cover a lot of field area, when making crosses or passing the ball.

Striker: This position is not only the chief position but also the most hectic. The only yardstick for this position is that the player is good at scoring goals. In case this skill is absent in the player, he or she is not suitable for this position. As is obvious, it requires dribbling skills, shooting skills, great power and intelligence to think quickly.

It is expected that you’ll now find it relatively easy to designate positions amongst the team members. One of the most successful tactics is that of continually rotating the players to find out who fits where. No doubt it calls for a lot of time but it is totally faultless.

Get a hands-on experience by employing it today. Draw up a soccer field diagram and start playing the kids in different positions. You will soon be able to figure out their respective positions. Join our youth soccer coaching community that has loads of information in form of newsletters, videos, and articles on coaching youth soccer.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Soccer field diagram. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Formations guide at: Soccer field diagram.


Soccer Field Diagram: How To Decide Soccer Positions



Do you remember any occasion where you felt totally confused in selecting soccer positions for your players because of not having a suitable soccer field diagram? You are not alone. Each one of us gets in a situation like this one time or the other in our careers no matter how experienced we may be.

Nevertheless, this is an even more regular incidence at a time when you’ve just started teaching a new team. After a while, it becomes easier as you get to know the strengths and weaknesses of various players. In contemporary soccer, there is nothing more significant than educating the players regarding different positions and their importance.

A lot of players would insist on playing as forwards or strikers but then some have to take up the role of midfielders and goalkeeper too. One thing is for sure. You cannot decide what position suits which player the most till the time you have experimented a little with rotating players across them.

There is a short description of each position with it’s importance in the game in the passage given below. This will allow you to make up you mind on various soccer formations and choosing the players best suited to the key positions. I drawing a soccer field diagram take all these things into consideration.

Sweeper: Any player with a good familiarity of the game who has the ability to lead a team should become a sweeper. His duty is to see that defense of the team is strong at any point in time.

Center fullback: The player is required to spot the forwards and midfielders in the opponent’s team. He also has the responsibility of alternating the ball between the midfielders.

Defensive midfielder: This player is required to stay forward of the defense line. This is the area where many attacks will be made so the player must be well-built.

Central midfielder: This player must be equipped with good passing skills and tough ball handling skills. This position requires the evading of the opponents with the intention of keeping them outside the last line of defense.

Winger: This player must be a sprinter since he or she will need to cover a lot of ground, at times passing the ball or making crosses.

Striker: This position is the most important one and the most taxing also. The only benchmark for this position is the player’s ability of scoring goals. In case this skill is absent in the player, he or she is not suitable for this position. As is obvious, it requires dribbling skills, shooting skills, great power and intelligence to think quickly.

I hope this has given you a good deal of tips to help in allocating various positions between the players. One of the most successful tactics is that of continually rotating the players to find out who fits where. This is a time consuming process but one that is foolproof.

Start using this in your drills today. Make the kids play in several positions by drawing up a soccer field diagram. In no time you’ll identify which player fits where. For more on such powerful tips and tricks, join our youth soccer coaching community that has an abundance of articles, newsletters, and videos on coaching youth soccer.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Soccer field diagram. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Formations guide at: Soccer field diagram.


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Soccer Field Diagram: Uncover The Benefits



May be you’ll also agree that a majority of soccer coaches are undecided whether or not to make a soccer field diagram. This may be due to several reasons. They consider it an unproductive activity and find it convenient to train kids on these positions while performing drills. Moreover, they tend to avoid botheration of first sketching a diagram and subsequently explaining it.

Since you’re the coach, remind yourself of the fact that kids learn more by watching. The kids are sure to learn quickly when you different soccer formations are explained either in a visual diagram or by representing it in a drill. Hence, here’s a quick recap of the soccer field and all the important positions involved that kids must be trained on.

A soccer field has large area, is rectangular in shape, and has goals on each side. Once the ball crosses the goal or the touch line, it gets out of the player’s limits. It doesn't matter if it is in the air. It is then brought back in the field with the help of a throw-in, corner kick or a goal kick.

Though the dimensions of every soccer field are same, there is a chance that it may vary for some as per the level of the game. Sketching a field diagram is hence one of the best soccer tactics.

Midfield line: It’s the middle of the field and divides the playing ground into two equal parts.

Touch line: This line marks the extended sides of the field. This is where the throw-in begins and it’s also called a sideline.

Goal lines: These are lines on the soccer field diagram that mark out of bounds areas at either end of the field. When the ball goes out of bounds from this area, either a goal kick or corner kick takes place. It usually depends on the team that made a contact with the ball last. These too are known as end lines.

Penalty area: When it comes to a goalie, this is an especially major and a risky area. Since a foul here can lead to a penalty kick, this is called a penalty kick too.

Goal area: This area is made use of to entertain goal kicks.

Goal: The moment the ball crosses the goalpost, a goal is scored.

Center circle: This is where the game begins. The players are required to stay outside this until the ball is hit from here to start the game.

Center spot: A point on the center circle that is used to place the ball.

Corner kick quarter-circles: These points are shown by way of flags put on all 4 sides of the ground. Corner kicks are taken from these points.

The players are required to be divided into 2 teams for the purpose of the game. Both teams have field players and a goalie each. Both teams have 11 players each and normally the players are a blend of those playing from various positions. These players are called forwards, defenders, mid-fielders, and fullbacks.

Now is the time to use all your understanding in drawing a soccer field diagram. As a result of it, the soccer positions are understood and executed well by the kids. If you are the one looking for desirable information pertaining to soccer, our youth soccer coaching community has tons of such relevant information.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Soccer field diagram. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Formations guide at: Soccer field diagram.


Soccer Field Diagram: 5 Things You Must Know



I don't know a thing about you but I'll bet that most coaches are hesitant in drawing a soccer field diagram. There a many reasons behind this. They are of the mind that these positions can be taught to the players during drills and it’ll thus save a lot of time. Moreover, they tend to avoid botheration of first sketching a diagram and subsequently explaining it.

Since you’re the coach, remind yourself of the fact that kids learn more by watching. The kids are sure to learn quickly when you different soccer formations are explained either in a visual diagram or by representing it in a drill. Therefore, I’ll make you quickly go through a soccer field and the various soccer positions which the kids need to master.

The soccer field has large and rectangular area with goalposts on both sides. As soon as the ball crosses the touch line or the goalpost, it is inaccessible to the players. It hardly makes any difference if it’s in the air. It is then brought back in the field with the help of a throw-in, corner kick or a goal kick.

Though the dimensions of every soccer field are same, there is a chance that it may vary for some as per the level of the game. Therefore one of the good soccer tactics is to draw a field diagram.

Midfield line: This is the center of the field and divides the ground into 2 halves.

Touch line: It is this line that limits the area of the ground by way of long lines. A throw-in starts off from here and it’s called a sideline too.

Goal lines: Goal lines appear on the soccer field diagram identifying the out of scope areas on both ends of the field. As soon as the ball crosses this defined area, it is followed by a goal kick or a corner kick. It is generally dependent on the team that touches the ball last. These are called end lines too.

Penalty area: When it comes to a goalie, this is an especially major and a risky area. It is also known as a penalty box for the reason that a foul here results in a penalty kick.

Goal area: This area is used to take goal kicks.

Goal: Every time the ball moves through the goalpost, you score a goal.

Center circle: This is the starting point of the game. The players stand outside it till the ball is kicked from it to start the game.

Center spot: A point on the center circle that is used to place the ball.

Corner kick quarter-circles: Points specified by flags posted on all 4 sides of the play ground. They mark the points from where corner kicks are taken.

It’s important in soccer to distribute players into 2 teams. Both teams have field players and a goalie each. Coaches take a good combination of players that are trained at playing from different positions and are 11 in number. These players are called forwards, defenders, mid-fielders, and fullbacks.

Now make a soccer field diagram with the help of all the knowledge that you’ve gathered. The kids will benefit in terms of improved knowledge and understanding of different soccer positions. In case you wish to improve your knowledge in relation to this, you can do this by joining our youth soccer coaching community that has loads of such information.


Andre Botelho is the author of "The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide" and he's an expert in the subject of Soccer field diagram. Tp explode your players' skills and make coaching fun in less than 29 days, download your free Soccer Formations guide at: Soccer field diagram.


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Soccer Field Diagram- 5 Things You Must Know



Use of soccer filed diagram in teaching soccer positions have been largely underrated by some coaches and it’s difficult of believe this. As one of the most fundamental features of training, you need to manage it as per the rate of player’s improvement in their training.

The simple reason as to why this assumes such importance is that players need to know the various positions on the soccer field. Next, make the players identify with the meaning of all positions and its importance. When they know its importance, they’ll be in a better position to practice.

You being the coach should distribute specific positions between players and help them polish their skills in view of that. Nonetheless, make it clear to the players that they’ll not have to play in one specific position for a very long time. The plan is to train them in such a way that can achieve with the similar power and skills for several positions.

You’ll have to identify players on spot to fit in a particular soccer position because in modern soccer, conditions change fast. You’ll see defenders taking upon the role of attackers every now and then. In situations like these, players confidence to catch the ball, dribble it, and convert in into a goal will work.

Eventually, the idea of a soccer field diagram is to keep the team together on the field in a way that they act in complete coordination and create match winning opportunities.

Strikers or forwards, defenders, mid-fielders, and goalkeepers are the four basic soccer formations. Take a note of the player’s special strengths and weaknesses in the event of assigning filed positions to them. The players will then get a chance to justify their great playing skills.

Players will be in a better position to control the game in case you’ve used the field diagram well.

Help the players learn the importance of coordination and joint effort while teaching then important positions. Often, players tend to ignore the fact that it is only team work that wins matches. Any individual player will fail to cover up the entire field all by himself even if he or she is the best player in the team.

Therefore, every player must be great at their respective position and have a good coordination with other to generate chances to attack. This is one of the most important soccer tactics. A goalie should be adequately trained. Make the players understand clearly that once he’s taken that responsibility, he or she is the first line of attack and last line of defense.

Consequently, it’s necessary for the goalie to do all that he can to guard the goal from attacks and assume this role in a good spirit. Once again, use a filed diagram to make things simple.

To conclude, a soccer field diagram can enable any coach to create match winning teams. It not only serves as a visual representation of the field and various positions that players must play in but also gives the coach an idea of how well the team is integrated together.

Our youth soccer coaching community has variety of information on the field diagram and how coaches can use it effectively. Join now and build a match winning team of great players.



Soccer Field Diagram- 5 Sure-fire Tips To Learn Soccer Positions



It’s unbelievable how some coaches underrate the importance of soccer field diagram in teaching soccer positions. As one of the most fundamental features of training, you need to manage it as per the rate of player’s improvement in their training.

The motive is to familiarize the players with the several positions on soccer field and it justifies the value attached to it. Secondly, they need to comprehend the meaning of every position along with its significance. It is only when they realize its significance, they’ll prepare themselves better.

It’s your duty as a coach to allot each player specific positions and then accordingly work on developing their skills. Nonetheless, make it clear to the players that they’ll not have to play in one specific position for a very long time. The idea is to train them in a way that they can perform with same energy and skill from a variety of positions.

Modern soccer calls for making fast decisions to choose players that fit in the given soccer position since herein there is a sudden change in events. It’s common for come across defenders get into an attacking role. In such a scenario, players need to be self-assured enough to grab the ball, dribble it, and translate it into a goal.

Ultimately, the goal of a soccer field diagram is to make sure that players play as a team, move in coordination, and build match winning alternatives.

Four basic soccer formations are strikers also called forwards, mid fielders, defenders and the goalkeeper. Identify players with specific strengths and weaknesses while you allocate various positions to them. Only then will they be able to do justice to these positions.

When you apply a field diagram successfully, the players would have a good control over the game for sure.

When you are teaching the players important positions, make them appreciate the importance of coordination and team work. The players don’t give much importance to the fact that matches are won only with team work. No matter how talented an individual player is, he or she can never cover the entire field all by himself.

Therefore, every player must be great at their respective position and have a good coordination with other to generate chances to attack. This is also an important method of all soccer tactics. Train your goalkeeper effectively. The player taking on this responsibility must realize that it’s him who is the first line of attack and last line of defense.

Therefore, make sure that the goalkeeper takes the role seriously and tries his level best to save attacks on the post. Once again, use a filed diagram to make things simple.

In conclusion, a soccer field diagram is a great tool in the hands of the coaches that can help them create winning teams. It is not only an image representation of the playing field but also helps the coaches assess how well is the team’s integration on field by revealing various positions that the players will play in.

Our youth soccer coaching community offers the coaches loads of information of creating field diagrams and its effective implementation. Join today and get on the way to creating an excellent mix of soccer players.


Andre Botelho is an expert in Soccer field diagram. He influences over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his coaching philosophy, and makes it easy to explode your players' skills and make training fun in record time. Download your free Soccer Formations guide at: Soccer Coaching.


 
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