"The Play Like Champions DVD was AWESOME!!!!" -Robert

How We Rate Videos and Books: We have watched over 220 soccer coaching videos (DVD's and tapes) and read over 70 soccer coaching books. Unfortunately, most are not good, many are a complete waste of time and money, and some are actually counterproductive. We only sell videos and books that we truly believe are the best and worth buying, and that we can give 4 or 5 star ratings (on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the best). Our ratings consider the quality, length and value of an item, how it compares to other similar DVD’s, and how well it meets the needs of the targeted audience. We reject about 90% of the videos we watch.

Category: Soccer Moves (18 basic, intermediate and advanced moves), Soccer Skills (Passing, Shooting and keeping possession of the ball), and Tips (Defending tips, Free Kicks, Penalty Kicks, scoring on crosses, tips for beating a defender, goalkeeping tips, warming-up tips, the role of the midfielder, and Finishing). Every Travel Player should own this and it's an excellent instructional tool for coaches. You should also check out "All The Right Moves" (which demonstrates 20 moves) and "Gol! (Brazilian Footwork Training)" and "Super Soccer Skills" (moves for beginners and younger players), which are also "Moves" DVD's.

Combo Deals: We offer this DVD as part of a special Combo deal Ultimate Moves Combo with "All The Right Moves" and "Gol! (Brazilian Footwork Training). Together they make a great gift for any player or coach who wants to learn soccer moves….they are the best 3 "moves" DVD's available and together provide plenty of moves to choose from. For coaches of U-10 and older, we also offer this DVD as part of a "Beginning and Intermediate Coaches 3 DVD Easy Combo Deal" with "Systems of Play" (Formations, Tactics and Styles of Play) and the Mia Hamm 3 DVD Set (Skills).

Quick Review: This is probably the most expensive soccer coaching DVD ever produced. It's very, very good and a great deal at this price. It's very entertaining and does the best job we've seen of demonstrating "Soccer Moves" (6 basic moves, 7 intermediate moves and 5 advanced moves). It also demonstrates some good skills and has a lot of excellent tips. Produced by Warner Brothers, the BBC and Manchester United, which is the most popular professional soccer team in the world. This is a long video that has in-depth demonstrations of 15 soccer moves and of 3 other moves (a "Beardsley" move, an easier "Step Over" and a behind the leg move), demonstrates passing, shooting and keeping possession of the ball, and has tips for defending, Free Kicks, Penalty Kicks, scoring on crosses, tips for beating a defender, goalkeeping tips, warming-up tips, the role of the midfielder, and Finishing). The moves are demonstrated by some of the world's top players, the Man. Utd. Youth Development Coach (Coach Rene), and by players who appear to be ages 10-13. It intersperses game clips and the moves are shown in steps and slow motion, and also using computer animation. It also contains a lot of info about Manchester United, interviews, history and a tour of "Old Trafford", the stadium where Man. Utd. plays. This is truly an exceptional value. Every Travel Player should own this and it's an excellent instructional tool for coaches. This is a great video to watch with older players (age 10 and older) or travel team players. The main program ("Play Programme") is 111 minutes, of which about 80 minutes are moves and skills. There is an extra 11 minutes of skills in "Special Features" for a total of about 90 minutes of moves and skills. NOTE: For several of the Moves, such as the "Inside Receive and Turn" (minute 96) and the "Flick Behind" (minute 104), we've included tips in the "Contents" below that will make it easier to teach them to the average player. Also, note the "Beardsley" move at minute 107 and the easier "Step Over" demonstrated by Darren Fletcher in Extra Skills.

Suitable for: All coaches and players age 10 and older. Every Travel Player should own this and it's an excellent instructional tool for coaches.

User Tips: When you first start the DVD, after about 15 seconds the Main Menu comes up:

1. You can watch of the Moves without all the extras, by going to the Main Menu and choosing "Select a Scene", and then choosing one of the 4 "Pages" under "Select by Skill". There are 3 to 5 Moves (which they call "Skills") on each Page, all of which can be viewed as an animated "Diagram" and 3 of which can be viewed as a "Time Slice" (which is a slow-motion demonstration of the move). There is a "Loop" choice for each, which continuously repeats the demonstration. If you want a more in-depth demonstration and discussion, go to "Contents" below and go to that part of the DVD. (The contents of "Select by Skill" and a summary of all the moves are listed below).

2. The DVD has on-screen subtitles which are very useful because several of the players have accents and can be difficult to understand. At the Main Menu you can turn off the subtitles if you wish.

3. On my DVD remote, I could press "Top Menu" at any time to return to the Main Menu.

4. "Play Programme" is the main program, which is 111 minutes.

5. "Select A Scene" is a very useful feature for navigating the DVD. It allows you to choose from 31 "Scenes" ("Select by Scene") and 4 "Pages" of Moves (under "Select by Skill").

6. You can find the "Extra Skills" at "Special Features". The Extra Skills include 3 moves (2 of which are good), a discussion of Free Kicks and Penalty Kicks.

7. Rio Ferdinand demonstrates a "Beardsley" move at minute 111 which is very good and easy to teach.

Contents:

1. "Select A Scene". If you want to watch the Moves without all the extras, the best way is to go to the Main Menu and choose "Select a Scene", and then choose one of the 4 "Pages" under "Select by Skill". There are 3 to 5 Moves (which they call "Skills") on each Page, all of which can be viewed as an animated "Diagram" and 3 of which can be viewed as a "Time Slice" (which is a slow-motion demonstration of the move). There is a "Loop" choice for each, which continuously repeats the demonstration. If you want a more in-depth demonstration and discussion, go to "Contents" below and go to that part of the DVD. The moves are listed in the same order they're shown in the main program (the "Step Over" is first and the "Flick Behind" is last). To summarize our opinion regarding the difficulty of the moves (see "Contents" below for more details):

   Page 1:	Step Over (This is a type of turn that all travel players should learn…intermediate difficulty). Also see an easier Step Over move demonstrated by Darren Fletcher at "Extra Skills" in "Special Features", which is accessed from the main Menu. Stop Turn (all players should learn this…a basic move) Inside Hook Turn (all players should learn this…a basic move) Outside Hook Turn (all players should learn this…a basic move… this is shown at "Diagram" only). Note to Rec Coaches: You can simplify the Inside Hook and Outside Hook Turns by simply having the player use the inside or outside of the foot to "Hook" and stop the ball and then turn by simply using that foot to push or drag the ball. The SoccerHelp "Inside/Outside Figure 8 Dribbling Race" and "Dribble Across A Square" games are ways to teach these.
   Page 2:	Inside Out (all players should learn this…a basic move). The SoccerHelp "Inside/Outside Figure 8 Dribbling Race" and "Dribble Across A Square" practice games are good ways to practice this. Cruyff Turn (for all travel players…difficult. NOTE: Also see the excellent demonstration by John O'Shea at "Special Features, Extra Skills"). Drag Back (for all players…a basic move…aka "Pullback")
   Page 3:	"Matthews" and "Fake Matthews" Moves (These are intermediate moves, but difficult to perfect). The "Fake Matthews" is shown at "Diagram" only. "Scissors" and "Double Scissors" Moves (For all travel players…the "Scissors" is of intermediate difficulty and the "Double Scissors" is difficult). The "Double Scissors" is shown at "Diagram" only. Roll Across (This is difficult to perfect)
   Page 4:	Roller Coaster (This is difficult) Inside Receive and Turn (This is a very important move for travel players to learn, it involves receiving the ball and turning in one motion. It will be difficult for Rec players unless they are dedicated and good athletes. Tip: The demonstration says to step toward the ball…this isn't mandatory and it will be a lot easier to teach the move without this step…the important thing is to receive the ball and turn in one motion…the player can add the step later. Taught this way it's of intermediate difficulty). Flick Behind (This is an important move for travel players, including defenders, to learn. Good Rec players can also learn this. Tip: The demonstration says to step toward the ball…this isn't mandatory and makes the move much harder… it will be a lot easier to teach the move without this step…simply let the ball go between the legs and move one foot back to block the ball in the direction to which you want it to go. Taught this way it's of intermediate difficulty).
   Minute 107:	The "Beardsley" move This is a very good, easy move suitable for all players …check this out. (This is at the end of "Scene 28", which you can access at "Select a Scene" in the Main Menu).
   Extra Moves:	There are 3 moves shown in "Extra Skills", which is in "Special Features, which are accessed from the Main Menu. Darren Fletcher demonstrates an easier Step Over move, which is as good as the other Step Over, but easier…check this one out. David Bellion demonstrates a behind the leg move which is difficult. John O'Shea has an excellent demonstration of the Cruyff Move.

2. "Play Programme" (this is the main program and runs 111 minutes)

   Minute	Topic
   00:00	Introduction (this is fun and has great music)
   00:40	"Old Trafford"…the Manchester United Stadium
   1:05	Sir Alex Ferguson (the coach)
   1:30	More intro and why it's important to practice
   2:45	Ruud van Nistelrooy introduced (one of the world's best scorers)…game footage shown
   3:35	Coach Rene Meulensteen (the Youth Development Coach) is introduced
   3:50	Coach Rene demonstrates the "Step Over" move, which is then practiced by youth players. This is a way to turn that travel players should learn, but will be difficult for many Rec players…it isn't a move Rec coaches should worry about. (Excellent demonstration …you can see the demonstrations on a "Loop" and also a computer enhanced version by going to "Select A Scene", then to "Select By Skill", see a list below). Also see an easier Step Over move demonstrated by Darren Fletcher at "Extra Skills" in "Special Features", which is accessed from the Main Menu.
   7:00	Ruud discusses and demonstrates the "Step Over"…this is a very good move that most intermediate players can do and that all travel players should try
   8:39	Christiano Ronaldo demonstrates fast feet and changing speed and direction
   11:05	Gary Neville is introduced
   11:50	Coach Rene and the youth players demonstrate the "Stop Turn" move. This is a basic move/turn and is important to teach.
   14:15	Gary discusses and demonstrates the Stop Turn. Some excellent tips here… he discusses how to use your arm to know where a defender is.
   17:40	Interview with Roy Keane, the Manchester United captain
   19:15	Roy discusses the role of the midfielder
   19:45	Coach Rene and youth players demonstrate the "Inside Hook Turn" and the "Outside Hook Turn". You should teach these, they are basic and easy ways to turn. Note to Rec Coaches: You can simplify these by simply having the player use the inside or outside of the foot to "Hook" and stop the ball and then turn by simply using that foot to push or drag the ball. The SoccerHelp "Inside/Outside Figure 8 Dribbling Race" and "Dribble Across A Square" practice games are ways to teach these.
   22:40	Roy Keane discusses and demonstrates Inside and Outside Hook Turns.
   24:45	Roy discusses other skills young players need. He mentions desire, determination and the importance of enjoying playing.
   25:50	Ryan Giggs is introduced
   26:35	The "Inside/Out" move. This is easy and you should teach this. The SoccerHelp "Inside/Outside Figure 8 Dribbling Race" and "Dribble Across A Square" practice games are good ways to practice this.
   28:45	Ryan Giggs discusses and demonstrates the "Inside/Out" and how to use it to unbalance a defender.
   30:15	Skill Demonstration: Ryan and youth show how to use the sides, bottom and top of foot to control the ball.
   32:00	Skill Demonstration: Shooting when running and practicing shooting (Ryan Giggs).
   33:15	Coach Alex Ferguson is discussed and discusses teamwork
   35:10	Nicky Butt discusses passing
   35:48	Passing Demonstration: Coach Rene and Nicky demonstrate passing (notice the toes pulled up and the emphasis on one-touch passing in the midfield)
   37:20	Long Lofted Passes are demonstrated
   38:45	The role of trainers and physical therapists
   40:40	Warming up discussion
   41:20	Quinton Fortune is introduced
   41:59	The "Cruyff Turn" (this is very well demonstrated by Coach Rene and youth…it's appropriate for travel players, but too difficult for most Rec players). NOTE: Also see the excellent demonstration by John O'Shea at "Special Features, Extra Skills".
   44:00	Quinton demonstrates the Cruyff Move
   47:45	Fake Kick and Roll Move…Quinton's favorite move
   48:20	Goalkeeping…Tim Howard and Roy Carroll
   50:56	Finishing… Ruud van Nistelrooy (Ruud scored 44 goals in the 2002-2003 season)
   52:24	Moves and turns in scoring range
   55:20	Gunnar Solskjaer (a great Forward) discusses why a scorer needs attitude and confidence
   56:08	Coach Rene and youth demonstrate the "Drag Back" move (this is also called a "Pullback"). This is an easy-to-teach and basic move… the SoccerHelp "Dribble Across A Square" game is a good way to teach this.
   58:50	Gunnar shows some moves to get past defenders (This is Good!)
   62:00	Bobby Charlton on the importance of practicing (he was on of the greatest players ever…he scored 245 goals for Man. Utd.)
   63:30	Paul Scholes is introduced (a midfielder)
   64:10	The "Matthews Move" (this looks easy but is difficult to perfect)
   66:45	Paul and youth demonstrate the Matthews Move
   70:10	Phil Neville is introduced
   71:00	The "Scissors Move" (This isn't difficult to teach, but it's very difficult for Rec players to do in a game. Travel players should practice it, but it's not worth Rec coaches spending time on it). Also, the "Double Scissors".
   73:40	Phil gives tips for beating a defender (this is good!)
   75:30	"Double Scissors" move
   77:00	Diet and nutrition
   77:50	John O'Shea is introduced
   78:40	The "Roll Across" move (this is a good move but difficult)
   80:00	John and youth demonstrate the "Roll Across"
   83:00	The Manchester United Soccer Academy is discussed. They train the best young players in England. The system in England is very different from the U.S….they search the country for the best young athletes and recruit them.
   85:20	The "Roller Coaster" move (this is difficult)
   89:00	Ruud demonstrates and discusses the "Roller Coaster" move
   91:00	Ruud juggles the ball
   92:00	Discussion with the Team Manager
   93:30	Discussion of 1999 when Man. Utd. won the "Treble"
   94:30	Diego Forlan is introduced
   96:00	The "Inside Receive and Turn" (This is a very important move for travel players to learn, it involves receiving the ball and turning in one motion. It will be difficult for Rec players unless they are dedicated and good athletes. Tip: The demonstration says to step toward the ball…this isn't mandatory and it will be a lot easier to teach the move without this step…the important thing is to receive the ball and turn in one motion…the player can add the step later).
   99:45	3 Defending Tips (these are good!)
   101:30	Rio Ferdinand (the world's most expensive defender)
   102:15	The "Flick Behind" (This is an important move for travel players, including defenders, to learn. Good Rec players can also learn this. Tip: The demonstration says to step toward the ball…this isn't mandatory and makes the move much harder… it will be a lot easier to teach the move without this step…simply let the ball go between the legs and move one foot back to block the ball in the direction to which you want it to go).
   104:30	Rio discusses when to use the "Flick Behind" and practices it
   107:00	Rio shows the "Beardsley" move, which is a very good and easy move. This is the end of "Scene 28"
   108:20	Gunnar discusses Scoring on Crossed Balls (This is very good!)… He demonstrates how to receive with the chest and score. Forwards, watch this.
   110:00	Wrap up
   111:30	End

3. "Special Features…Extra Skills":

   1. David Bellion-His favorite move to beat a defender, a behind the leg move. This is difficult. 3:34 minutes.

   2. Darren Fletcher-His favorite move to get out of trouble, an easier Step Over. This is good! 2:08 minutes

   3. John O'Shea-His favorite move to beat a defender is the Cruyff Move. His demonstration is excellent! 1:50 minutes

   4. Ryan Giggs discusses Free Kicks and shows how to swerve a kick around or over a wall. His demonstration and discussion is very good! 1:39 minutes.

   5. Ruud van Nistelrooy discusses and demonstrates Penalty Kicks. This is good! 1:33

   6. "Don't Bend Your Back!" Coach Rene demonstrates juggling. 1:04 minutes.

4. "Special Features…Interviews…United Captains". The interviews with former captains Bobby Charlton and Bryan Robson about the role of a captain are interesting. Alex Ferguson's comments about the captains such as Roy Keane, Robson and Eric Cantona are also very interesting.

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