Striking out

Coaches,

Teach your players to strike the ball properly……..please!

 

Striking a ball correctly is one of the most basic and important skills that an emerging player needs to learn. Sadly though, it is potentially the most neglected of all fundamental skills. In some cases the only instruction a developing player will receive is, “Kick the ball with your laces.” That’s like coaching little league and simply telling your kids to hit the ball with the bat. Alas, “How very wet this water is.”

Creating Barcelona - La Masia

Barcelona has given the world something special these past 5 years.  Aside from winning 14/19 competitions since 2008, Barcelona has given the world beautiful football for 90 minutes week after week.  This playing style is truly unique and effective as Pep Guardiola saw only 21 defeats in 247 games with Barcelona. 

Stadium Profile: San Siro (Stadio Guiseppe Meazza)

At the end of the number 16 tram line in Milan, you will find yourself in the western portion of the city face to face with one of the world’s most spectacular soccer stadiums. The San Siro is one of Italy's most recognizable stadiums and is home to not one, but two of Serie A's most decorated teams.

The Great Debate: MLS Relegation and Promotion

If I said to you what do Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all have in common what would you say? Maybe that in the past god knows how many years they have dominated the top division in English football? You’d be right to say that, but no, what I mean is that at one point in their long club histories they have all suffered the heart break of relegation.

FA Cup Fifth Round Matchups

Fifth Round FA cup matchups.

Arsenal v Blackburn

Manchester City v Leeds

Manchester United v Reading

Middlesbrough v Brentford/Chelsea

Huddersfield/Leicester v Wigan

Keeper's Blog, Episode 2

  

Goalie glove review…..

Reush, Toruk SG Elite

In an attempt to keep our students and readers informed about the best goalkeeper equipment on the market. I will periodically use my keeper’s blog to review available products, goalie gloves in particular.

Donovan Approaching Retirement

Landon Donovan, the 30-year-old LA Galaxy midfielder, has been absent from the Galaxy’s preseason training camp. According to a Fox Soccer report he is expected to return, but many are beginning to speculate as to when Donovan will hang up his boots permanently.

2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Venues

The venues for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup have been announced!

Games for the 22nd CONCACAF competition will be held in the following stadiums and cities;

• Atlanta - Georgia Dome (Atlanta, GA)
• Baltimore - M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD)
• Chicago - Soldier Filed (Chicago, IL)
• Dallas - Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)
• Denver - Sports Authority Field at Mile High (Denver, CO)
• Hartford – Rentschler Field (East Hartford, CT)
• Houston – BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston, TX)
• Los Angeles – Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)
• Miami – Sun Life Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
• New York – Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)
• Portland – Jeld-Wen Field (Portland, OR)
• Salt Lake City – Rio Tinto Stadium (Sandy, UT)
• Seattle – CenturyLink Field (Seattle, WA)

The competition is scheduled to begin on July 7, 2013 and the final will take place on July 28, 2013.

MLS' TV Problem

As an emerging sport in the United States, soccer has definitely become something television networks, advertisers and fans alike are all watching. But what are they watching? Not the MLS. And with a desire to be a respected and dominant league in both the western hemisphere and the globe, the face they present leaves more to be desired.

Lets step back for a minute, and look at the structure of MLS. 19 teams covering the four largest media markets in America; New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia. Also, three teams in what is arguably MLS' most vibrant region, the Pacific Northwest. These areas alone should be targeted hard and often for advertisement of the league and it's matches on Television. Walk around some of these cities and you will be guaranteed to find fans of the game. The beautiful game isn't the most popular and most watched sport in the world for no reason. But then ask them who their favourite team is, or who they most often watch. Chances are it isn't an MLS team. Many answer with Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan, Barcelona or Real Madrid. Why? People have seen them on TV, They have seen the success and the glamour that surrounds them. The MLS teams? Ragged step child like teams who you may "follow" but could care less if they won or lost.

Keepers Blog, Episode 1

                 

                Welcome to the first edition of my goalkeeper’s blog. (Clever title forthcoming)

                As a goalie with over 20 years of playing experience, I’m excited to use this platform to offer advice to parents, aspiring young goalies and their coaches. Here I’ll discuss all things goalie, including theory, strategy, drills, coaching tactics, etc.

The Use of Futsal in Player Development

Futsal is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the world. It makes sense though its fast high scoring for soccer and it really brings out the technical abilities in players, for that 'flash' people desire to see.

Many people still do not understand what Futsal is though, and in my best effort I will try educate you all on what it is and why it is so popular.