| April 24, 2007 |
Back to Newsletter Archive Back to SoccerHelp Home PageSoccerHelp Newsletter Importance of Dribbling at Early Ages Note From David. I get some great letters from coaches and learn a lot from them. Below is some excellent advice and tips from a U-7 Rec coach. I really like the Stopper idea and the idea for teaching throw-ins. Also, he's right about keeping it fun. He's 4-0 and hasn't allowed any goals, so he's winning and having fun too. Smile and have fun this week. By the way, scientific studies show that if you smile you are happier and less stressed... I'm a reformed grump, so I've had to learn this. David, SoccerHelp.
A Fun Name for the Stopper
Using Hit the Coach to Teach Throw-Ins
Keep it Fun, Even if You Are Losing
SoccerHelp Tips (Following is part of correspondence from a U-7 coach who had some good ideas I wanted to pass along. Coach Doug agrees that dribbling is the most important skill at early ages, and so do I. I added the links below for convenience. They are to Premium.) My team is U-7 and we play 7 vs 7. I have 12 players of which 5 had never played before. I do Dribble Across the Square and Dribble Around Cone Relay Race at every practice. I really focus on dribbling. Positions and passing give me less results than foot work drills. We are currently 4-0 with an 18-0 goal differential. I am most proud of that 0. I play a 2-1-3 formation. At our age, the Stopper position, like you have said, is by far the most important position on the field. My kids know it as "monster in the middle" I renamed it after the one of the players that plays it. I used as a compliment in the first game and the name stuck. Now all the kids want to be "monster in the middle". The Hit the Coach game has been a team favorite from the beginning. I also use a version of Hit the Coach to teach throw-ins. They love it. It's important for coaches to remember that the presentation of the Practice Game by the coach is as important as the drill itself - the kids will enjoy it more and play better if it's fun. It is amazing how negative some coaches can be to their players. I like to think my players had fun even when we were having a rough season. Coach Greg, GA, USA, Premium MemberA Fun Name for the Stopper
Using Hit the Coach to Teach Throw-Ins
Importance of Dribbling at Early Ages
Keep it Fun, Even if You Are Losing (The links below are to Premium. If you're a Premium subscriber, you should only have to log in once as long as you leave a link open.)
DVDs I Recommend: (The links go to the Detailed Review of the DVD) For U-4, U-6 Coaches: Coach Doug SoccerHelp Method of Coaching Ages 3, 4, 5 & 6 DVD For How To Teach Skills: Soccer Success One On One Coaching (Basic and Intermediate Skills) DVD, Mia Hamm Soccer Secrets DVD and Gold Star Sleeve Ties, England Skills Uncovered DVD, Training Girls and Women To Win 3-DVD Set For Motivation, Fun and Foot Skills (experienced and travel players age 9 and older): GOL! (Brazilian Soccer Foot Skills and Ball Control Training) DVD For Rec Girls: Mia Hamm Soccer Secrets with Gold Star Sleeve Ties For Moves: Coerver Play Great Soccer 2-DVD Set, GOL! (Brazilian Soccer Foot Skills and Ball Control Training) DVD For Travel Team Players: GOL! (Brazilian Soccer Foot Skills and Ball Control Training) DVD, Coerver Play Great Soccer 2-DVD Set, England Skills Uncovered DVD, Training Girls and Women To Win 3-DVD Set.
