How important are Coaching Licenses?

I have a UEFA B license and I am glad I was able to get the license.  It tells a person something about my level of coaching.  However, I was there for a week, and basically learned how to coach.  Since then I have searched the web for coaching related articles and information.  I have concluded that to become a better coach and to get a better understanding of the game, reading articles and blogs from reputable coaches is the way to go.  Coaching courses are expensive and don't give you enough insight on what to coach.  I plan on sharing these various websites and blogs over the next few weeks.  Comments would be appreciated.

How do you motivate a team that is 1-10?

I am coaching a team that is playing well in spurts and playing poor enough to lose.  We continue to make mistakes that cost us heavily.  The team has fantastic attitudes and their workrate is excellent.  It is the little things that hurt us.  My problem now is how do I keep them going with 7 games left?  Any suggestions?

Summer Months

The summer is a time to relax and enjoy a break from the usual routine.  Unfortunately, it is often a time to switch off from player soccer.  Preparation for the upcoming season is important and your performance during the season will be determined how you go about your summer.

There are basically 3 phases to the summer, the beginning, middle and end.  At the beginning jogging and getting touches on a ball are adequate.  In the middle part, there needs to be an increase in speed and agility work. Also playing either small sided or full sided soccer is important.  If you are not able to play then get meaningful touches.


The final part of the summer is the most important.  Time must be spent on simulating game like conditions with sprints, touches on a ball and interval running. Stretching is also important as the muscle will be taxed when actual pre-season starts. 

The mental aspect of this work can be difficult as much of the workouts, if not all of them are done alone.  The summer, a time of relaxing, a time to earn some money and a time to prepare for the upcoming season.  Who said the summers are a time to look forward to?

Brilliant Video for Spurs fans

www.runofplay.com/s/17571/

Amazing Website

Thanks Brian McKenzie for the wealth of information found at brianmac
Brianmac Sports Coach

New Web Sites

Check out the new links I have added.  The UEFA Training ground is excellent for insight into all levels of coaching.

Soccer Skills

Soccer Skills
Try this skill and the others listed

Soccer Mum, some friendly advice

Great video that every parent should be made to listen to before each season.

Here is something you do not see everyday!

How would someone stoop to that level?

Iniesta - the model midfield player

A great teaching video, his performance is summed up in one word "SIMPLE" Everything he does is very simple, nothing fancy, rarely gives the ball away.  His movement is exceptional, he receives a ball in a way that allows for his next move so his touches are minimal.

Word's of Wisdom

Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about eleven (11) things they did not and will not learn in school.  He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger

flipping:  They called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were so

before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer.  This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF.  *Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life.  In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11:  Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Frustrations of following a team

I guess it happens in all sports, when you are passionate about a team and they let you down. I have been a Tottenham Hotspur fan for 43 years and have enjoyed some great occasions and some disappointing times.  Right now the expectations are high with qualification into the Champions League round of 16 and 4th place in the EPL.  Last night they lost to Blackpool 3-1, very disappointing, they absolutely dominate proceedings and end up being 3-0 down before scoring in the last minute.  There is always the next game and fortunately we have very short memories because when the next win comes along, all is forgotten.  In Spurs case that could be this Saturday when we play our arch rivals Arsenal who happen to be 2nd in the League. A win there and everything will be fine, the life of a passionate fan.

What do you look for in a soccer try-out?

What is the most important attribute you look for during a soccer try-out?
Is it technical ability?
Is it Speed?
Is it tactical awareness?
Is it a willingness to put in a shift, effort?
Is it a great team mentality?

Coaching Football (Soccer)

Am looking to share ideas on coaching the Beautiful game.  All ages, all levels. I am influenced by Spain and Barcalona and their passing game.  They make it look so easy. The 2 minutes against Arsenal captures the essence of their philosophy.  There are so many coaching points from this clip from maintaining possession to Arsenal's defending.  Comments please.