Winter Break Work-out Ideas

I hope everyone is enjoying the winter break from soccer.

As everybody knows, this is an excellent time to relax and recharge for school & other soccer type activities.

But don't forget that we have a tournament soon after the we get back. For those players who want to stay sharp over the break, here are some individual work-out ideas that will only take 30-40 minutes out of your day.

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All of these sessions can be heavy or light, depending on how hard you want to push yourself. I would suggest building the intensity of the workout so by the end your going 100%.

Road Workout

You don't have to be a cross-country star, but for those who live by a HS track or a big park could benefit from a good run.

• 5 minute jog & stretch
• 20-30 minutes (optional 50 yard gear-sprints last 7 minutes: 1st gear=slow jog, 2nd gear=75%, 3rd gear=100%)

Core Work

• 50 bicycle sit-ups
• 1 minute hold-it (elbow and toes on ground, hold your body off the ground)
• 30 second elbow stabilizer both sides (one elbow and one side-foot on ground, free hand on hip, hold your body straight **bonus for beach style)

Ball Workout - dribbling

If you want an intense ball work-out but don't have a lot of space...

Find a area on relatively even grass, turf, dirt and mark off a 10 yard square with cones, soccer balls, extra shoes, old soccer uniform, etc..

• 5 minutes juggling in square (stretch as needed)
• 20 ball-boxes, 20 toe-touches, 20 sole-boxes (3 sets, no break in movement)
• 30 seconds sprinting with the ball (lots of change of directions)
• Juggle 5 times, knock the ball up over your head, bring the ball down with your feet and dribble to another part of the box (2 minutes)
• 20 push-out/push-ins, 20 scissors, 20 toe-touches (3 sets, no break in movement)
• 30 second sprints - lots of change of direction and lots of scissor tricks - w/ 30 seconds juggling rest (5 minutes)
• 20 ball-boxes, 20 toe-touches, 10 behind the legers (3 sets, no break in movement)
• 1 minute freestyle dribbling (be creative)
• 30 second sprints - 100% effort/be quick & clever - w/ 30 seconds juggling rest (2 minutes)
• Fan Sprints (5-10 sets) - (1) start at one corner, (2) sprint to another corner & back, (3) repeat #2 to another corner, (4) repeat #2 to the last corner. it should end up being a 30 yard sprint with lots of change of directions.

Core Work

• 1 minute hold-it (elbow and toes on ground, hold your body off the ground)
• 30 second elbow stabilizer both sides (one elbow and one side-foot on ground, free hand on hip, hold your body straight **bonus for beach style)

Ball Workout - Passing & First Touch

The only requirement for this workout is a wall you can pass against (school wall, high flat curb, side of a building, etc)

• 5 minutes juggling warmup (stretch as needed)
• two-touch passing inside of both feet (2 minutes)
• 1 yard/1 touch passes (1 minute each foot)
• 1 minute juggling rest
• two-touch passing with different foot combos - switch the ball and be creative [outside right control to inside right pass, inside left control to inside right pass, inside right control to outside right pass, behind the leg control right foot to pass left foot, etc] (2 minutes)
• juggle w/ wall touches
• head juggle w/ wall
• 1 yard speed test with both feet (how long does it take you to get 100 passes. See if you can beat it)
• If you have space - hit 25-50 long passes and work on your long passing technique and your control & reading balls in the air.

Core Work

• 1 minute hold-it (elbow and toes on ground, hold your body off the ground)
• # 30 second elbow stabilizer both sides (one elbow and one side-foot on ground, free hand on hip, hold your body straight **bonus for beach style)

Those are just some ideas. If you have any workouts you like feel free to post them in the comments for your teammates.

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World Player Of The Year

It's Little Lionel Messi.



His career story is a fascinating read. It is a testament to technique and developing a love of the game & the bonds it creates within a individual, a team, and a club.

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Assists... It is the Giving Season

To score goals you need a creator. And in the spirit of the season, each goal shows how sometimes it feels better to give then receive.

It also takes teamwork & an understanding built on technique, vision, creativity, and hours on the practice field.

'Tis the season.



Happy Holidays.

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GOTM November Winner

And the $25 gift certificate to Kombat OR Soccer City goes to....


Goal #4 - Cameron Jerome.

Congratulations Julia! Email to let me know your soccer store preference.

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Howto: Slide Tackle

Slide Tackling:
There is a debate on within the youth soccer community as to when to teach, or
even to teach, slide tackling. At many youth, recreation levels, slide tackling is
not permitted due to the risk of injury, both to the tackler, and the one being tackled. This is generally because slide tackling is not taught, or taught very little
and therefore the execution of this technique is poor, to say the least.

Since slide tackling is part of the game and sooner or later your kids are going to
try it, it is probably better if they are taught the right way to do it. Remember a slide tackle is not a first defending option. If you defend properly, position yourself well, anticipate the attackers movements then you will never have to leave your feet. That said...

The basics of slide tackling are as follows:

First off, there are many types of slide tackle (near-foot, hook-slide, slide-tackle trap). We're just going over the basics.

Watch The Ball
When an attacker is running at you with the ball, it's difficult not to concentrate on her body movements. Doing so, however, could cost you a tackle.

More than a few flashy forwards have juked a defender out of her socks while only nominally touching the ball. Such situations, however, can be avoided by keeping your eyes on the ball. If someone is trying to dribble by you and she's coming right at you, you've got to watch the ball. No matter where the attacker's body moves -- she can go right, she can go left -- the ball always sits still.

Don't Tackle Unless It's Necessary
The best place for a defender to be is on her feet, not on the ground, and so one should resist the temptation to leap at an opponent's ankles any time the opportunity presents itself. It's better to contain the forward and prevent her from penetrating. You should also try to work with your fellow defenders to close off the attack without direct confrontation.

If you are the last line of defense, it is particularly important to remain upright. If your slide-tackle fails, your opponent's path to the goal will be clear. Any time you dive in, there's a chance of you getting beat. Even if you do dive in and get the ball, it can always bounce or deflect off the attacker and get by you.

Wait For Your Opponent To Separate From The Ball
As long as your opponent has the ball at her feet, she's in control -- a slide tackle could be a poor choice. Wait for her to knock it ahead two or three feet.

If you tackle when it's at her feet she can knock it away from you or dribble by you. When she separates from the ball, you can cut in front of her without tackling. And that's perfect because you can keep playing. If you need to tackle, wait for her to separate from the ball, then hook her.

Timing is the crucial ingredient, both for safety and effectiveness. But the quality of the timing is elusive. The most important thing is to get your timing down. If you don't have the right timing, your opponent is going to run right by you. Developing timing requires constant practice, but because training sessions rarely emphasize tackling, games offer the best training ground. Kids always want to practice slide-tackling, but it is not really something you can do in practice. The more you do in a game, better you'll get at it.

Be Decisive
Every time a high level player tries to complete a tackle, she takes the attitude that she is going to get the ball and crush the forward. That's the way you have to think.

Mentality is important, especially at the highest level where the difference between success and failure can be confidence. Players can't hesitate, or they'll be beaten.

When you decide to go down, you have to go down. You can't think twice about it. If you go into a tackle halfway, you can get hurt. Decide 100 percent that you are going, then go.

Knowing when to go requires instinct built through experience, and it requires the ability to read the game.

Attack From An Angle
The best tackles come from an angle.

Coming in at an angle also allows the defender to strip an opponent from the ball
without tackling.

While racing alongside an opponent, wait for her to separate from the ball. Then step into her path, between her and the ball. Step right into her line. Now you've got the ball, and you can shield it. Chances are, she'll trip you or foul you because you've cut her off.

Tackling from behind isn't recommended. You're likely to get sent off. For every clean tackle from behind, there are four bad ones. Referees have been instructed for years to treat tackles from behind as violent conduct worthy of a red card. Don't Do It.

Slide-tackling from the front, with both feet, is another matter, and one referees rarely smile upon. Even if you get the ball, you'll get the player and usually a foul. It's dangerous don't do it.

Protect Yourself
The first law of slide-tackling concerns safety, and it begins with shinguards. Full guards may not be as comfortable as smaller models, but defenders don't really have a choice. Nor do they have a choice once the decision to tackle has been made. Don't take it easy! You must go all out.

Mechanics are important. Tacklers should keep their leg unlocked with a slight bend. Then when you get to the ball, extend your leg through it. Make sure you get the ball right on your shoelaces and swing your leg through it.

Give 'Em The Hook
The proper slide should make baseball managers proud -- it's a hook, on your side, with the extension of your leg through the ball. It's like a baseball slide. The only difference is you don't slide straight through. In soccer, you're running at an angle and sliding, hoping to land on your side. Then you try to swing your leg across and hook the ball.

It requires precision and resolution. Don't just put your foot out there, hoping the ball will hit you as your opponent trips over you. Make sure you swing through it.

Try to control it, clear it, or try to kick it away from the opponent.

Get The Ball
This is most important. If you don't get the ball. Your goalkeeper will likely be picking the ball out of the back of the net in a matter of moments. Make sure you get the ball. You can get the ball first and then go through the player. Or don't. Tackling doesn't require a defender to strip the ball from her opponent. Sometimes just getting in the way is enough. If an attacker is running down the wing, she's running full speed, and you know at that speed she can't cut it back. You know she is going to cross it. Sometimes if you stick out your leg, you're not going to block it. If you slide and lift your leg, you can block the pass.

Control Your Emotions
Professional fouls are part of the game, mere moves in a chess match. And although players can become frustrated and tempers can flare, one should never take it out on an opponent. It's important that you control your emotions. Never go out to hurt somebody because you're looking to be thrown out of the game, and that's stupid.

In many ways tackling is an instinctive play. But instincts can be developed. The most important factor to a successful tackle is to be determined.

Since you've read through all of that...

Here is some video evidence of a great tackler. Steven Gerrard -- Captain of Liverpool FC. Being a tough tackler is part of his soccer personality. It's amazing to watch how determined he is and how hard he works to make his tackles. He is a true natural.

Stick around till the end to see other parts of his soccer personality -- long range shooting & game winning goals.

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GOTM - Not to Late to Enter & Win!!!

Enter the GOTM and win $25 bucks @ Kombat or Soccer City!

This is open to all parents and players. All you have to do is pick the goal the BBC thinks is the best! That easy.

GO HERE TO ENTER.

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Being Clever: In and Around the Final Third

In this clip Arsenal's Andrei Arshavin gives a master-class in movement without the ball in the attacking 1/3.

Arshavin isn't the biggest forward you'll find - standing at just 5'6" - and in fact forward isn't his natural position (he's a winger).

But his intelligent movement off the ball and his decision-making with it gives him an edge on the defenders.

In the following clip, Arshavin's attacking play will be analyzed by Newcastle Legend Alan Shearer a player how knows all about creating opportunities in the attacking 1/3.

Watch Arshavin's decision making: when and were to move to get open, how he offers for the ball in clever spaces and when to be direct and when to hold the space (also look for the great link-up play between him and the #10 Cesc Fabregas).

Enjoy.



So clever.

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November GOTM Contest - Enter to Win!!!

Time for this months Goal Of The Month Contest. Enter to win by leaving a comment with your name & the goal #. You could win a $25 gift certificate to Kombat or Soccer City.

On to the Goals. It's a tough one this month. So many contenders.

** Update ** Now with comments for each goal to help you choose. Click READ MORE ** Update **



Pick Your Favorite. for extra credit include name suggestions for a baby girl!



HERE IS THE GOAL RUN-DOWN

(1) Tom Huddlestone - Tottenham - I often encourage players to set up their teammates for easy shots. This means playing the ball back on the ground into the run of your teammate so she can have a crack. This is a great example of that. Watch again as Jermain Defoe receives the long ball and holds off the defenders before setting up Tom Huddlestone with the mother-of-all shot invitations. On the ground - Check. Well weighted pass - check. Easy to hit because the pass was in front of the attackers run - check. Add all that up and you get a belter of a finish.

(2) Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal - I have highlighted Arsenals play before. But this goal is a little different. It only takes three Arsenal attackers (the #2 makes the under-lapping run down the line, the #9 with the movement and the layoff, and the #10 who starts and finishes it). My favorite part is how they stroll the ball into the net like they hardly tried. But maybe they were just tired because they each made end to end runs. Such class.

(3) Seyi Olafinyana - Hull City - He's a defensive mid which is why the defenders didn't think he could turn them that well. The finish is classy too as he bends the ball around TWO defenders and the GK.

(4) Cameron Jerome - Birmingham City - I saw this goal live and even after seeing it over and over, I still think it's amazing. The ball must have been 40 feet in the air. Jerome brings it down out the sky over his shoulder WHILE holding off a pesky muscular midget defender. Keeps going forward and with a guy hanging all over him sees the GK off his line and smack a 40 yard wonder goal. Wow.... That's vision, awareness, touch and guts all in one play.

(5) Florent Malouda - Chelsea - The defenders seem more concerned with tracking the forward running of his teammates then pressuring the ball to their own peril. If the net wasn't there to stop that rocket of a shot I think the ball would still be rising.

(6) Darren Fletcher - Man Utd - I definitely biased towards this goal as a Man Utd supporter. But to be fair it is an amazing goal with lots of great play. First it's a team goal started between the #5 & #11 - there interplay and good footwork makes the space for the cross. Then the #7 alertly heads the ball back hoping to set up a teammate. And then there is the finish. Since the ball is bouncing up, Fletcher has to turn his body, getting his right foot above the ball and strikes down and through (still landing on this shooting foot). If you pause the reply right when he strikes it you see his leg is parallel to the ground as he pivots and strikes. It is a inspirational soccer idea to a tough scoring chance. Absolutely top class.

(7) David Dunn - Blackburn - The build-up is quick. The running industrious. But what I like is the double hop Dunn does to set his feet. Watch again how he hops twice on his left foot to set his feet to shot with his right. Quick thinking and extreme agility.

(8) Jermain Defoe - Tottenham - A couple points about this great goal. (a) The super clever run by the #7 Aaron Lennon after being unceremoniously dumped to the ground after laying the ball off (you can see him dart in behind and encourage the ball at about 3:25) (b) the great movement by Defoe is just how you draw it up in training. He starts at the far post but reads that Lennon can only cut the ball back. So Defoe moves back and across the 6-yard box to meet the ball first time for an unstoppable volley. Classic #9 play. This is his hat-trick goal in a game he would go on to score FIVE.

(9) Lee Bowyer - Birmingham City - I like the dummy and the run that leads up to the goal better then I like the goal. For that movement alone it gets into the top 10. But the finish is very creative. Some players would choose to blast the ball into the back of the net in this situation. Bowyer shows us that there are plenty of inventive ways to score around the 18-yard box.

(10) Didier Drogba - Chelsea - Big Goal. Big Game. Big Game Player. This goal as clinical finishing down to a science. The #4 finds the #2 with an sweet little ball. The cross is measured and controlled, but the real genius is the finish from that position. Drogba turns the inside of his right foot towards the sky angling the ball to the far post out of the reach of GK.

You have til Sunday Dec. 13th.

Get your vote in.

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My Love of The Assist Continues

In this set of clips there are some tremendous assists from the #7 & #11 players and some outstanding #9 play. Watch the eye contact between players, the timing, and the runs behind the defense.

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Stanford vs UCLA - ESPN360.com - Friday

It's time for Women's NCAA Div I soccer championship weekend.

Friday is the game I think should be the final... UCLA vs Stanford!

It'll be broadcast live on ESPN360.com on Friday @ 2:30 but will be available OnDemand whenever you get a chance to watch.

It's an excellent chance to catch the best soccer the NCAA has to offer, and see the stars of the next WNT.

And don't forget the final is on Sunday of ESPN360.com as well.

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