On this blog I really like to focus on how to build the skills of our young players and build their love of the beautiful game.   Part of that appreciation is to take care in being safe on the field.  You probably think of shin guards and goalie gloves and maybe some athletic tape or a first aid kit.   Do not overlook the safety of what is on the field.  The soccer goals themselves. You ma...

The best way to learn a skill is often to see a demonstration.  This video will show you how to throw the soccer ball in the proper way. This video is designed for players in the U6 and U8 age group and parents of players can benefit from this soccer drill as well. Throw In Guidelines: 1. Player must use both hands 2. The throw in must come from straight behind, no sloppy side angels. 3. Both o...

If you watched the Women’s World Cup (and if you didn’t you missed a real treat) physical endurance is as important as ball handling skills.  The ability to create plays and have the stamina to execute them can mean the difference between a win and a loss.  This video uses a Nike training app to help you run a series of sprints with a built in recovery period.  You don’t have...

Today’s video may seem like a simple soccer drill at first.  But watch it all the way through so that you can learn how to spice up your soccer skills.  Get warmed up by simply dribbling the cones and taking a targeted shot to one of the corners of the goal.  You can then change up your touches with different parts of the foot to speed up your dribble and ability to change direction nece...

One of the most basic soccer drills with a partner is the direct shot on goal.  The simplest way to do this drill is to have one player post up at the top of the box, and lay off the ball to the right or left of the goal.  The shooter should target the right or left side of the goal away from the goalkeeper.  As your aim and skill improves be more aggressive in refining your aim to the upper a...

Here is a fun drill that two players can use to help improve their speed, accuracy and touch on a running volley in front of the goal.  Player A feeds the ball to Player B who then tosses the ball over player A’s head.  Player A then strikes the ball aiming for one of the two sides of the goal.  Rotate positions and refine you accuracy for the shot on goal. ...

Did you ever imagine that by using simple touches with the inside and outside of your foot to the soccer ball you can create a move that will power past a defender and create a space to go to the goal?   Check out how this skill when executed with precision can lead to goal scoring opportunities on the pitch.  Check out the video that follows: ...