One of the most important soccer lessons and the first thing to know on kicking a soccer ball is what not to do. Do not kick a soccer ball with your toes, unless you are poking the ball to steel it from an opponent. There is not enough surface area on the toes to be able to aim the ball properly.
When kicking the ball the most powerful place to strike the ball with is the instep of your foot (the place where the shoelaces are). You will use this kicking technique most often.
Your supporting foot should be in line with the ball and the leg should be slightly bent. Once you strike the ball, follow through with a sweeping motion.
The inside of the foot is also used to kick the ball.
The supporting foot should be pointed at the target and in line with the ball.
Swing your kicking foot through the ball using a sweeping motion.
The ball should move smoothly along the ground.
A more advanced kick is achieved by using the outside of the foot
The supporting foot should be angled at about 15ยบ from the target. You need to be sure your foot is firmly locked before striking the ball. This is one of the most important soccer lessons and guidelines that you should follow when kicking a soccer ball.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer lessons and coaching. His web site, Soccer Drills and Tips provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on how to improve soccer skills and make training more fun and interesting.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andre_Botelho
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Soccer Goalkeeper's Skill, Techniques and Goalie Training
Soccer Goalkeeper training is a world of its own. Since it is the only position on the field that allows the ball to be touched by the hands and arms. The individual soccer goalie skills gives an advantage over all the other players on the field. This makes training goalkeepers for soccer not only unique but challenging.
Soccer Goalkeepers are the last line of defence, and often the first line of the offense, depending on the style of play.They will put their bodies in harms way to stop or block a shot on goal. They will dive in any direction to get the ball.Training goalkeepers techniques is also a very physically and demanding challenge. The most important thing to remember is the goalies mental state. The only other player on the team who can be compared to the goalkeeper is a goal hungry striker. In fact some of the best goalies were also strikers. There are often great one on one battles at all levels of competition between forwards and goalies.
Staying balanced and knowing the center of gravity of the body is vital to the goalkeeper. This will improve the activity of the goalie and the state of readiness of the individual to make impressive gains in a game setting.
Most successful soccer goalkeepers are tall and thus have long arms and big hands. If a goalkeeper is short, they will usualy make up for the lack of height with good verticle and lateral mobility.Remember that goalies have a great sense of self worth but still need to be motivated on a regular basis.Soccer Goalkeepers need to do their general warm ups with the team, but then branch out and get worked on with the specific drills that will prepare them for the practice or game.
Goalkeepers are also the leaders of the teams and usually have dominant personalities. These individuals must be helped to fulfill this role by being placed in a vocal and demonstrative capacity. They are definitly leaders in the 18 yard box, and should be allowed to gain respect from their team. The ball can only be handled by the goalie in the 18 yard box, anyone else who is unfortunate to let the ball touch an arm, a free kick is given against. In the case of the goalkeepers team mate it is a penalty shot from "the spot".
Steve September of On The Ball Soccer Training has been involved in soccer for over forty years and on three continents. As a player, player coach and high performance coach Steve wants to share the knowledge and experiences with all levels of players and coaches involved in the soccer scene. Check out the philosophy and information at http://www.soccertrainingskills.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_September
Soccer Goalkeepers are the last line of defence, and often the first line of the offense, depending on the style of play.They will put their bodies in harms way to stop or block a shot on goal. They will dive in any direction to get the ball.Training goalkeepers techniques is also a very physically and demanding challenge. The most important thing to remember is the goalies mental state. The only other player on the team who can be compared to the goalkeeper is a goal hungry striker. In fact some of the best goalies were also strikers. There are often great one on one battles at all levels of competition between forwards and goalies.
Staying balanced and knowing the center of gravity of the body is vital to the goalkeeper. This will improve the activity of the goalie and the state of readiness of the individual to make impressive gains in a game setting.
Most successful soccer goalkeepers are tall and thus have long arms and big hands. If a goalkeeper is short, they will usualy make up for the lack of height with good verticle and lateral mobility.Remember that goalies have a great sense of self worth but still need to be motivated on a regular basis.Soccer Goalkeepers need to do their general warm ups with the team, but then branch out and get worked on with the specific drills that will prepare them for the practice or game.
Goalkeepers are also the leaders of the teams and usually have dominant personalities. These individuals must be helped to fulfill this role by being placed in a vocal and demonstrative capacity. They are definitly leaders in the 18 yard box, and should be allowed to gain respect from their team. The ball can only be handled by the goalie in the 18 yard box, anyone else who is unfortunate to let the ball touch an arm, a free kick is given against. In the case of the goalkeepers team mate it is a penalty shot from "the spot".
Steve September of On The Ball Soccer Training has been involved in soccer for over forty years and on three continents. As a player, player coach and high performance coach Steve wants to share the knowledge and experiences with all levels of players and coaches involved in the soccer scene. Check out the philosophy and information at http://www.soccertrainingskills.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_September
Friday, February 9, 2007
The Need For Speed In Soccer
Soccer players are athletes, but unlike a 100m runner where there is explosive speed for 10 seconds in a straight line, there are many other abilities that soccer players need to develop.
Here are 5 key soccer related speed abilities that you should develop in your players.
#1 - Speed of thought
Soccer players have a great deal to concentrate on. There senses are constantly being blitzed with information, which they need to quickly decipher. Here are some examples:
- Where opponents are positioned
- Actions of their team mates
- What's infront of them and their peripheral vision
- The conditions of the pitch and the weather
- The noise from team mates, crowd, coaches and opponents
- Their tactical position and the strategy of the team
#2 - Speed of anticipation
Some players have a great reading of the game. I have a friend who although he is now in his late 40's early 50's still plays regularly and competes well with players half his age!
How does he do this... because he's played soccer all his life at professional and international level he has built a huge database in his brain of playing situations, player characteristics, tactical situations etc. and he is able to draw on this which gives him superb speed of anticipation.
Sure for explosiveness and reaction times the younger players would win every time, but as the old saying goes..."the first couple of yards are in the head!".
So here it is important that players develop a knack of interpreting the actions of the opponents and what that means to the games development.
#3 - Speed of reaction
As mentioned in the last bullet, speed of reaction is vital.
Anticipation is one thing, being able to react quickly is another.
Consider the role of the goal keeper, their reaction time to a sudden shot, deflection, switch in angle of attack, flight of the ball must be very acute.
But how does a goal keeper react and what to? In this instance, the goal keeper will react to a number of external stimuli, here's a list:
- The visual element of the opponent with the ball, are they carrying it, have they got backlift as if ready to strike the ball, is the opponent in space and is their a clear line of sight on goal
- The auditory element, do they hear the strike of the ball, is it fizzing, does it take a deflection of a player (thud), a shout from a team mate, maybe a close opponent barracking the goalie " he's going to shoot!"
All of these stimuli will have an effect on the player.
Once stimulated the player should choose the best option available to them to react to that situation.
Again we will use the goalie;
If a shot is fizzing towards them low and hard, the pitch is wet and quick, and there are a number of players the ball has to go through before hitting the target, do they get down low anticipating a clear strike on goal, have quick feet and get their body in line with the expected flight path, do they dive towards the ball, kneel or hack the ball?
The answer to this question lies in the ability, confidence and experience of the player.
#4 Speed of feet
Here we are talking about the basic running / sprinting motor skills.
Initial explosion and acceleration are vital to covering the ground quickly. Speed of feet is without the ball, and since it is without the ball it is rarely in a straight line.
Therefore, as a players progress is often inhibited by other players they must adjust and change direction in relation to their team mates actions and those of the opponents.
Explosive speed is generated from the leg muscles stretching and contracting to achieve maximum power, but good running technique, driving through the arms and co-ordination are also vital.
#5 Skill speed
Watching a player run at pace and carry the ball is a truly awesome sight.
Sprinting full out while keeping possession and holding off any challenges from opponents to dribble and create an opportunity to shoot at goal is a tremendous ability.
This key skill though is still built on the last point which is speed of feet.
However, while a player may be very quick is only advantageous if their ball manipulation and technical skills are as up to speed as their pace (pardon the pun).
So, what can you do to help coach the 5 key speed principles?
#1 Speed of thought - enable players to make their own decisions, that means give them lots of opportunites to make choices. Condition games so that it forces them to think.
Play soccer games with them, don't just do drill work. By playing games they will also gain experience which help them build their database from which to draw on.
Keep them motivated, players will not think unless they are motivated and stimulated to do so. Finally, let them be free of any fear and stress of making wrong decisions.
#2 Speed of anticipation - play more soccer, coach them through the game.
Ask plenty of questions on how they are reading the game development.
Offer your insights into positions they have taken up in relation to opponents advances, both strengths and weaknesses.
#3 Speed of reaction - use reaction balls, have goal keeper starting positions with their back to play and react to shots, play rebounds off walls.
Try not to use your whistle or command as the key for the reaction as this wouldn't happen in a real game so don't practice this way.
#4 Speed of feet - always, always warm the muscles up before doing any speed work!
Do some sprints, keep it high intensity with short sharp bursts. Develop good running technique with the use of speed ladders and hurdles.
Try using some different starting positions to like standing, from a jump and land, on their back, on their stomach, incorporate turns, feints and directional changes.
#5 Skill speed - make your training as game related as possible, focusing on speed with the ball, movement, game related distances and challenge.
Hopefully this has given you some good food for thought, enjoy your training!
Join our FREE soccer Tip of the Week and discover more hints, tips and techniques to improve your coaching and your teams performance.
Vist Junior Soccer Coach today: - http://www.juniorsoccercoach.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Travers
Here are 5 key soccer related speed abilities that you should develop in your players.
#1 - Speed of thought
Soccer players have a great deal to concentrate on. There senses are constantly being blitzed with information, which they need to quickly decipher. Here are some examples:
- Where opponents are positioned
- Actions of their team mates
- What's infront of them and their peripheral vision
- The conditions of the pitch and the weather
- The noise from team mates, crowd, coaches and opponents
- Their tactical position and the strategy of the team
#2 - Speed of anticipation
Some players have a great reading of the game. I have a friend who although he is now in his late 40's early 50's still plays regularly and competes well with players half his age!
How does he do this... because he's played soccer all his life at professional and international level he has built a huge database in his brain of playing situations, player characteristics, tactical situations etc. and he is able to draw on this which gives him superb speed of anticipation.
Sure for explosiveness and reaction times the younger players would win every time, but as the old saying goes..."the first couple of yards are in the head!".
So here it is important that players develop a knack of interpreting the actions of the opponents and what that means to the games development.
#3 - Speed of reaction
As mentioned in the last bullet, speed of reaction is vital.
Anticipation is one thing, being able to react quickly is another.
Consider the role of the goal keeper, their reaction time to a sudden shot, deflection, switch in angle of attack, flight of the ball must be very acute.
But how does a goal keeper react and what to? In this instance, the goal keeper will react to a number of external stimuli, here's a list:
- The visual element of the opponent with the ball, are they carrying it, have they got backlift as if ready to strike the ball, is the opponent in space and is their a clear line of sight on goal
- The auditory element, do they hear the strike of the ball, is it fizzing, does it take a deflection of a player (thud), a shout from a team mate, maybe a close opponent barracking the goalie " he's going to shoot!"
All of these stimuli will have an effect on the player.
Once stimulated the player should choose the best option available to them to react to that situation.
Again we will use the goalie;
If a shot is fizzing towards them low and hard, the pitch is wet and quick, and there are a number of players the ball has to go through before hitting the target, do they get down low anticipating a clear strike on goal, have quick feet and get their body in line with the expected flight path, do they dive towards the ball, kneel or hack the ball?
The answer to this question lies in the ability, confidence and experience of the player.
#4 Speed of feet
Here we are talking about the basic running / sprinting motor skills.
Initial explosion and acceleration are vital to covering the ground quickly. Speed of feet is without the ball, and since it is without the ball it is rarely in a straight line.
Therefore, as a players progress is often inhibited by other players they must adjust and change direction in relation to their team mates actions and those of the opponents.
Explosive speed is generated from the leg muscles stretching and contracting to achieve maximum power, but good running technique, driving through the arms and co-ordination are also vital.
#5 Skill speed
Watching a player run at pace and carry the ball is a truly awesome sight.
Sprinting full out while keeping possession and holding off any challenges from opponents to dribble and create an opportunity to shoot at goal is a tremendous ability.
This key skill though is still built on the last point which is speed of feet.
However, while a player may be very quick is only advantageous if their ball manipulation and technical skills are as up to speed as their pace (pardon the pun).
So, what can you do to help coach the 5 key speed principles?
#1 Speed of thought - enable players to make their own decisions, that means give them lots of opportunites to make choices. Condition games so that it forces them to think.
Play soccer games with them, don't just do drill work. By playing games they will also gain experience which help them build their database from which to draw on.
Keep them motivated, players will not think unless they are motivated and stimulated to do so. Finally, let them be free of any fear and stress of making wrong decisions.
#2 Speed of anticipation - play more soccer, coach them through the game.
Ask plenty of questions on how they are reading the game development.
Offer your insights into positions they have taken up in relation to opponents advances, both strengths and weaknesses.
#3 Speed of reaction - use reaction balls, have goal keeper starting positions with their back to play and react to shots, play rebounds off walls.
Try not to use your whistle or command as the key for the reaction as this wouldn't happen in a real game so don't practice this way.
#4 Speed of feet - always, always warm the muscles up before doing any speed work!
Do some sprints, keep it high intensity with short sharp bursts. Develop good running technique with the use of speed ladders and hurdles.
Try using some different starting positions to like standing, from a jump and land, on their back, on their stomach, incorporate turns, feints and directional changes.
#5 Skill speed - make your training as game related as possible, focusing on speed with the ball, movement, game related distances and challenge.
Hopefully this has given you some good food for thought, enjoy your training!
Join our FREE soccer Tip of the Week and discover more hints, tips and techniques to improve your coaching and your teams performance.
Vist Junior Soccer Coach today: - http://www.juniorsoccercoach.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Travers
Soccer Lessons You Need to Know
You are probably reading this because you are interested in coaching soccer lessons. Well, you have reached the right place. Here, I am going to present some important factors when you are considering individual soccer lessons.
Concentrated Format
Every coach must keep in mind this important thing, while teaching individual soccer lessons. He should keep the session in a concentrated format. By concentrated format, I mean you must be brief but clear in your instructions.
One to one soccer coaching proves very helpful, especially for Soccer players between the ages of 8-14. If you teach them technical ball skills in a nurturing 1 on 1 environment, they are very much likely to benefit more.
The One Hour Session
The session must be in a concentrated fo0rmat, but make sure that you are dedicating the session’s attention to your student for approximately one hour.
Specific Lesson
Each session must include a specific lesson. Furthermore, it is important for the coaches to make these sessions tailor-made for the individual.
To start with, the coaches may focus on the skill sets, such as Ball control, passing and receiving, dribbling, shooting, defending, balance and coordination.
After a few such sessions, once you find that the players have developed a strong grasp of these skill sets, continue to the more advanced focus. The more advanced focus may include specific skill sets, such as Juggling, dribbling moves, finishing, plyometric strength training, and heading.
Written Player Evaluation
A written player evaluation is very important to keep a watch on the individual player’s progress. An expert coach always completes a written player evaluation.
What is more, it is not enough to complete this progress report, but it is equally important5 for the coaches to mail this written player evaluation to the students so that they could get an idea with the statistics that how impressive are their skills.
Last, but not the least, it is also a great idea if the coaches give the student a "take-home" skill assignment. The coaches must design these assignments for the Soccer lesson with the player's improvement in mind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer lessons.His web site, Youth Soccer Drills, provides a wealth of informative soccer articles, resources and tips for soccer coaches, parents and players.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andre_Botelho
Concentrated Format
Every coach must keep in mind this important thing, while teaching individual soccer lessons. He should keep the session in a concentrated format. By concentrated format, I mean you must be brief but clear in your instructions.
One to one soccer coaching proves very helpful, especially for Soccer players between the ages of 8-14. If you teach them technical ball skills in a nurturing 1 on 1 environment, they are very much likely to benefit more.
The One Hour Session
The session must be in a concentrated fo0rmat, but make sure that you are dedicating the session’s attention to your student for approximately one hour.
Specific Lesson
Each session must include a specific lesson. Furthermore, it is important for the coaches to make these sessions tailor-made for the individual.
To start with, the coaches may focus on the skill sets, such as Ball control, passing and receiving, dribbling, shooting, defending, balance and coordination.
After a few such sessions, once you find that the players have developed a strong grasp of these skill sets, continue to the more advanced focus. The more advanced focus may include specific skill sets, such as Juggling, dribbling moves, finishing, plyometric strength training, and heading.
Written Player Evaluation
A written player evaluation is very important to keep a watch on the individual player’s progress. An expert coach always completes a written player evaluation.
What is more, it is not enough to complete this progress report, but it is equally important5 for the coaches to mail this written player evaluation to the students so that they could get an idea with the statistics that how impressive are their skills.
Last, but not the least, it is also a great idea if the coaches give the student a "take-home" skill assignment. The coaches must design these assignments for the Soccer lesson with the player's improvement in mind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer lessons.His web site, Youth Soccer Drills, provides a wealth of informative soccer articles, resources and tips for soccer coaches, parents and players.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andre_Botelho
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