… and work on them. These are our U11s during a friendly over a month ago – versus San Diego Surf. Be Careful The interpretation of speed of play in general can be dangerous. We have to be careful here. One of the biggest problems with US Soccer at all levels is that we have […]
Development
The Amazing Irony of the ‘Culture Problem’
There’s lots of American soccer: media outlets coaches fans / supporters organizations … In general, there’s a huge American soccer community. And all its constituents cite that the game in this country suffers from a culture problem. The irony is not only are they participants in the culture problem, but they actually work hard to […]
What Are You Talking About?
Lack of definitions is a huge problem! In the context of soccer, when one says: “Culture” “Creativity” “Possession” “Attacking Style” “Development” “World Class” “Great Coach” “Great Player” etc .. Those things can all mean wildly different things, unless you have a proper reference. And that reference must be based on the best – the gold […]
The 50/50 Rule of Coaching: Looking Beyond the Win/Loss Columns
First 50 The right activities and the efficiency of your training sessions only get you to 50%. By the “right activities / exercises” I mean right with respect to your philosophy of course. For instance, what’s the point of doing activities that work possession out of the back, if all you do in games is […]
You Know What They Say About Arguing With Idiots …
… they drag you down to their level, and then beat you with experience. But still, it’s an exercise in willpower to stay away. It’s hard to let ignorance, be ignorance. Sometimes you say to yourself: maybe if I just spoke their language they might understand something You start rationalizing: If I don’t say anything, […]
Barcelona-USA U11s Fall to Weston FC in Danone Nations Cup Final
Orlando, FL – Following the overtime, pk’s, post game celebrations, and the long journey out of the complex we reached our hotel at 10:30 am. The boys had one hour to rest. Instructions were crystal clear. Rest your bodies with legs elevated, hydrate with plenty of gatorade, and eat fruit and power bars to refuel […]
Danone Nations Cup: Second Day of Competition. [Coach Notes]
Orlando, FL – Today’s objective. Get back to our team identity of possession and pressure. During yesterday’s victories the standard of play left a lot to be desired. I don’t do excuses so the message is clear, refocus and get back to our bread and butter. We will be playing El Temporal Azul. A team from […]
A Huge Flaw in Logic that’s Keeping You From the Truth
Player development is a topic that applies to all age groups and levels of play. But, let’s keep our eye on the big picture. When the term player development is used, what is the general context it is usually being used in? What is it that’s being visualized? I think you know. We are thinking […]
“Culture” Problem? What Culture Problem?
In the US, people point to “culture” as our fundamental impediment to excellence. And the arguments come in many flavors. But what they say essentially boils down to one theme: Numbers We don’t have the numbers, they say. Numbers in terms of audience Numbers in terms of consumers Numbers in terms of money Numbers in terms of […]
The Single Most Critical Path to Soccer Enlightenment
… is through deep emotional investment. Rite of Passage Until you cry for a team, you probably don’t have what it takes. Not as a player, not as a coach, not as a fan, not as a reporter, not as anyone. It means you don’t feel this game in your soul, it means you don’t understand […]