Coaching in the Game is a coaching method that is particularly well-suited to soccer, a sport that places the decision-making responsibilities on the player. Its use of realistic, free-flowing play makes it easier for players to transfer what they learn in training to match situation. Coaching in the Game MethodologyQuick Links...
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Welcome to Edition #15 of the World of Soccer Newsletter.
This month’s September World of Soccer Newsletter comes right in the middle of a soccer frenzy – Euro 2008, Women’s World Cup, College season underway, fall club programs in full swing, MLS Playoffs fast approaching, USL Division 1 Playoffs start this weekend. It’s great!
In the newsletter, we continue to look at the desirability of technological assistance for referees in decision making and punishments. Already Liverpool and Fulham have fewer points than they deserve due to some faulty decisions. We should be trying to make the game easier for referees, not more difficult – and the technology world can help.
A directive has come out of the United States Soccer Federation to let the kids play instead of forever stopping practices while coaches air their knowledge – or perhaps, their lack of it. While we agree with that basic tenet, there are also – in the wrong hands – some real dangers of interpretation.
Crazy Horse, the Mighty Emlyn – Emlyn Hughes – wore both of those monikers with distinction during his days with Liverpool FC and England. In the final trilogy of the three former Blackpool FC players you need to go to the Boot Room to find out what made Emlyn tick and how sad it is that Emlyn, Bally and Cravo are no longer with us. But they will be remembered.
In the practices this month, for the younger players we are showing a possession game that brings in the element of direction. Whatever age you are coaching, look at how the practice is set up and then adapt it to the age and ability level of your players.
Big Shot is great fun and a great shooting practice. Once again, although this is a recommended practice for the older players, it can easily be modified (scaled down) for the younger kids.
Enjoy, Tony Waiters
Let Them Play! Or Should We?
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Recently the United States Soccer Federation coach education department has taken a different tack. They are encouraging coaches to organize a practice, preferably in a game format, and then let them play with a minimal amount of interventions.
While overall I agree with that I am already finding myself in debate with some coaches who say practice games should not be stopped at all.Full Story
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Stop the Cheats
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Last month we talked about video evidence, the Hand of God and the Scottish Football Association.
The SFA proposed to use post-game video to punish the cheats or to correct harshly awarded yellow or red cards. FIFA nixed it. But the thought is out there. So many people think it is such a good idea that FIFA will have to yield. It just makes so much sense.Last week I was asked to make a short presentation to the Vancouver Indoor Men’s League Team managers and coaches. This is very popular program and it sold out in 36 hours – leaving 21 teams wishing they had moved faster.
As a bona fide alumnus in the 70’s of the original Boot Room at the mighty Liverpool Football Club, in each newsletter I will include one article from today's World of Soccer Boot Room. I think you will find these articles pretty informative, but more importantly, you will have a chuckle. Hey! If you don’t think that’s important, go sit in your closet for two hours and see how much fun that is.
Two more practices. For the younger players a possession game that brings in the element of direction. Whatever age your players are, look at the practice set up and adapt it to the ability level of your players.
“If you can’t score, you can’t win!†Big Shot is great fun and a great shooting practice. While it is the recommended practice for the older players, it can easily be scaled down for younger children.
