When it comes to a quick restart it’s important to remember this goes for all ages and levels.  If you watch high level soccer, for example pros, you’ll see many goal scoring opportunities coming from a quick restart.  In addition, it’s a big advantage for kids as young as U9.  Very few teams at any age are ready for the quick transition, therefore it causes problems for the defense.  Opportunities on game day Below in the subtitles you’ll read about the four main times a quick restart will present itself.  When players make this a habit it gives you so many more opp ..read more

Over the years I have noticed coaches at every level that do and don’t use their subs in soccer/futbol how they should.  Every coach is different, but if it were me I’d still find ways to get the weaker players minutes. Not only does is boost their moral, but it keeps the starters from becoming complacent.  Benefits to playing your subs in soccer There are several good things that come when coaches play their subs…  When you’re on the bench there’s a burning desire inside that makes you want to play even more…  You realize how much you want it.  When players think th ..read more

Some of the best ways to get players used to handling pressure situations are putting them in realistic situations.  Some great ways to do this is by doing these give and go drills that require players to pass and move at the right times.  Watch tons of give and go action from Barcelona here  The right timing and space when passing One of the most important things is when to pass… If you want to do a give and go when a defender is between you and your teammate, you should pass when you’re about 2-3 yards from the defender. If you pass when the defender is 4+ yards away you won ..read more

To be a great fullback you need to not only be good at defending, but also know how to join the attack.  Being comfortable on the ball is key.  It’s important to keep practicing the fundamentals.  In regards to mindset and personality you have to become a risk taker on offense, yet know your role is to defend first.  In addition, you must be smart, which comes with knowing the danger zones and which skills you need to practice on your own.  Defending is your first job as a fullback Knowing how to keep your team shape is crucial. Example:  When to tuck in, step u ..read more

Take a look at some of my favorite soccer rebounders and ways to use them.  This type of training is by far one of the best ways to improve your passing and first touch.  A brick wall can be best, but not everyone has this option.  Although, if you can combine the two you’ll really benefit.  There are pros and cons to all rebounders, so let’s look below to see what’s best for you.  Note: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.  Difference in soccer rebounders Material:  Net, metal, plastic ..read more

Take a look at some of my favorite soccer rebounders and ways to use them.  This type of training is by far one of the best ways to improve your pass and first touch.  A brick wall can be best, but not everyone has this option.  There are pros and cons to these options, so let’s look below to see what’s best for you.  Note: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.  Difference in soccer rebounders Material:  Net, metal, plastic/polyethylene or wood.    Most are net, some of the newer sty ..read more

The other day I had the TV on in the background…  There was an NFL game starting and I heard the players saying what University they went to.  It was crazy to hear how many different “no name” schools were being said.  There was an even mix of big and small colleges.  That shows you how good the pro recruiting is.  On the contrary, if you look at the MLS draft almost all of the players are from top 25 soccer universities.  “The best players at age 17 aren’t the best at 21.” “In Europe they are scouting heavy between ages 16 – 21” The best in high school won ..read more

You’re going to love using these flick passes at practice and in games.  When under pressure it can be hard to get your pass off on time.  Therefore, you can flick the ball in the air or keep it on the ground, preventing the defender from stealing it.  There are very easy ways to practice this at home or at the field on your own or with a partner.  “Players who spend time with the ball at home give themselves a big advantage.” What comes to mind when you hear of the flick?  When most futbol minds think of a flick they think of getting the ball in the air…  Alt ..read more

When it comes to anything in life, being kind and respectful is so important.  This younger generation [ages 8 – 18 especially] are struggling with kindness.  Whether it be in person or online, let’s work together to make a better impact in our corner of the world.  Educating the kids and finding them good role models is vital.  Understanding the seed of disunity  As you know the opposite of disunity is unity…  There is so much disunity sown into this world nowadays.  It could be about race, gender, politics or much more, but we need to remember to stay calm ..read more

Did you know you can sustain serious sports injuries after having oral surgery?  In the last 9 months I have put together something interesting about returning to sports after teeth removal. Every doctor is different, but if you’re a competitive athlete, you might want to take some important advice.  How long should you take off of physical activity?  Post anesthesia  Anesthesia is the medicine that the doctor gives you during oral surgery.  This medicine makes you feel sleepy and keeps you from feeling pain.  If you have your wisdom teeth taken out, you want to ..read more