What makes a country good at soccer?
I’m sharing here the full article that appeared in The Economist on June 9. A fascinating read. Wealth, size and interest
Soccer IQ
Soccer success is about skill according to new university research
This comes as no surprise to many of you that already ‘get this’ intuitively from having played and watched this
read more Soccer success is about skill according to new university research
THIS!
Last Saturday’s Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona game was a perfect example of modern top-level soccer. It had everything – skills, technique, creativity, excellent off-the-ball movement, great defending and goalkeeping, playing out from the back, spacing, pressing, shooting, passion, pace, team work….the list goes on. This is how huge the gap is in our country. This is where we need to be if we want to compete internationally. And to reach this level of soccer sophistication requires a fundamental revamp of how we teach, play, and organize soccer. It starts with our coaching quality, and includes finding a way for our best/better players to avoid college soccer. I’m including here a 12-minute highlights clip, but it doesn’t do the game justice. I strongly encourage you to find a recording of the full game and watch it with your soccer-playing kids. It’s very entertaining and a great learning opportunity.
“There is nothing about soccer we don’t know.”
When Bruce Arena was appointed US MNT coach last November I had serious doubts. We were taking a big step
U.S. Men’s Soccer: What Happened?
I’m sharing the full text of an excellent Oct 11 Wall Street Journal article on the state of U.S. Soccer following
Disgraceful – time to cut the BS!
This is my first post in many months – I’ve simply been too busy at work and with family. But
Playing to win felt great! And that’s the problem.
I coached my youngest daughter’s U11 futsal team this winter, which ended with the U.S. Futsal Northwest Regionals in San
read more Playing to win felt great! And that’s the problem.
Comparing Girls’ Development Academy with ECNL and High School Soccer
The launch of U.S. Soccer’s Girls’ Development Academy (GDA) this August is probably the single most discussed topic in girls’
read more Comparing Girls’ Development Academy with ECNL and High School Soccer
Player development – a legend’s views.
Gabriel Jesus Documentary – Made in Brazil
Play with happiness. Play free. Be creative. Just play with the ball.
Read the below letter from Ronaldinho and then watch the clip at the end. Enjoy! Dear eight-year-old Ronaldinho, Tomorrow, when
read more Play with happiness. Play free. Be creative. Just play with the ball.
One more time: the critical importance of small-sided games
I was watching the European La Liga Promises youth tournament a couple of weeks ago and, apart from the quality soccer these
read more One more time: the critical importance of small-sided games
We won’t compete internationally until we develop players like Coutinho. Period.
Excellent documentary on the German soccer youth development approach
Example of elite talent with excellent technical skills: Martin Ødegaard (age 17) @Real Madrid
A 3,000 mile journey in search of real football: a coach’s education
These Football Times published a must-read article a couple of weeks ago on the big gap in coaching quality here
read more A 3,000 mile journey in search of real football: a coach’s education
Soccer players are artists not athletes – encourage freedom and creativity
GoalNation published an interview with soccer legend Paul Breitner about youth player development in our country. Below is an excerpt
read more Soccer players are artists not athletes – encourage freedom and creativity
What’s troubling with this?
The above image is from the France vs USA game at the U20 Women’s World Cup on Sunday. It shows
Where to play futsal in NorCal
Please leave a comment at the end of this post if you know of any more futsal clubs, leagues, and/or
Futsal season opens in six weeks! It’s super fun and awesome for player development.
If there’s one learning clip your youngster should watch it’s this one. Over and over and over again.
What it takes to become a national team player (talent is a given)
“You are very strong technically and tactically. But you are not fit. Mentally, you are weak. You don’t push yourself
read more What it takes to become a national team player (talent is a given)
Phenomenal 13 year old Karamoko Dembele – you will watch this in stunned silence
The American Soccer Culture Problem (3Four3)
Some of you might be familiar with the Kleiban brothers already. Brian is a coach at LA Galaxy’s youth academy
Dribbling, creativity, and movement of U12 FCB vs RM. I doubt they hear “stop dribbling, pass quicker” much! And notice the size difference.
Italian youth soccer “calcio” culture
SoccerAmerica published a great article on one Bay Area family’s experiences in the Italian youth soccer scene. It’s written by
We hold this truth to be self-evident, but let’s hear it from one of the best coaches in the world
Why modern goalkeepers need to be good with their feet
Youth National Team coach: “Players aren’t as creative as they used to be”
If you’re familiar with my blog then you know how important I think creativity is for player development and that
read more Youth National Team coach: “Players aren’t as creative as they used to be”
