A few years ago, MOTI Sports visited with Pamela Skogsatd regarding the innovative Soccer Ball she developed for teaching soccer to students needing adaptive physical education and players with special developmental needs. They benefited from using a ball when struck and would not roll as far as a normal ball.

We believe in her product. We mention it here in our newsletter as it supports a wide range of players’ needs in the training and educational community for Teachers.

By Pamela Skogstad (B.S., M.A., C.A.P.E) – Reprint with permission

Everyone needs the Correct Ball to Learn.

Developing the Ball

The Slow Motion Soccer Ball was created in the fall of 2010 as an innovative approach to teaching independent ball skills to students with disabilities and coordination issues. The concept of slowing a ball, which would enable students with disabilities, coordination issues, and specifically students on the autism spectrum to track the ball easily, was the criteria. The slow motion of the weighted ball allowed the ball to remain in play, creating an opportunity for repetitive trials. Because of the nature of how the ball rolls, the ball also stays within the zone of proximity (Vygotsky), which affords children a great propensity to play

Inserting 283 grams of sand into a regular soccer ball created a unique feature that allowed the ball to move slower and remain in play. Experimenting with various weights over three months, 170 grams, 226 grams, and 283 grams, demonstrated that 283 grams of sand was a successful weight for independent ball skill activities. Children on the Autism Spectrum specifically gravitated to the ball with 283 grams of steel bird shot.

Experimenting with various weights over three months, 170 grams, 226 grams, and 283 grams, demonstrated that 283 grams of sand was a successful weight for independent ball skill activities. Sensory Soccer with 283 grams of steel bird shot demonstrated a successful strategy for students with visual impairment and students on the Autism Spectrum. The weight of the ball, slow motion of the ball, and sound of the ball are successful strategies for engaging children on the Autism Spectrum.

Testing the Ball

Research trials conducted by David Ratsakatika in 2012 demonstrated a significant increase in soccer-style dribbling for students with disabilities, specifically students on the Autism Spectrum. Students with disabilities can practice, practice, and practice independently.

• Developmentally appropriate
• Excellent for skill development
• Because of the nature of how the ball rolls, it stays within the “zone of proximal distance” (Vygotsky), affording athletes practice, practice, practice

Researching the ball’s effectiveness

Research conducted by David Ratsakatika, 2013 (University of Chichester London, England) demonstrated a substantial increase in dribbling skills by students with Autism (ASD).

(Developmental Ball: original Slow Motion ball)

How to obtain the Ball for your adaptive students needs

The Ball is available here for purchasing for Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education.

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Visual Soccer Skills Training: MOTI Soccer Inside Hook Turn Skill – MOTI Soccer app

MOTI Inside Hook Turn – This skill is for turning and keeping possession of the ball.

View the article Making Skills Stick here.

Giro del gancho interior – Watch in Español

The post Visual Soccer Skills Training: Inside Hook Turn – Solo appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Why does US Soccer ignore teaching youth players soccer foot skills? I’ve spent many hours over the years watching and observing how youngsters learn to develop skills as they grow in their primary years. It amazes me that the US Soccer community turns a blind eye to their development until they reach the age of 10+ or become competitive (it’s always competitive in the kid’s eyes).

 It is amazing how quickly young children can absorb, master, and retain new skills they develop. They are eager to please parents and coaches alike, showing what they have learned.

I’ve always wondered why there is a complete lack of quality age-appropriate foot skills training provided to young youth soccer players in programs such as US Soccer organizations (AYSO is an exception). Ian Campbell also made the same observations after growing up in Dublin, Ireland. “Probably the biggest problem with youth soccer in America is that coaches are not qualified to be teaching kids the mechanics of the game,” Campbell says in his 2017 article “American Kids Stink At Soccer Because of Baseball“.

My associate, Alan Merrick (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Merrick), who began playing soccer professionally in England in 1967 before coming to play professionally and coach in the USA in 1975, told me it’s been that way since US Soccer set the precedent many years ago. Merrick stated, “They used to teach the fundamentals, but not anymore, which creates several lost years for youth development“.

Another of my associates, Brad Carlson, who has been coaching soccer for over 40+ years, stated, “there is very little if any, foot skills training provided to young youth recreational players by organized soccer clubs in the USA“.

A while back, Alan and I were sitting and having lunch with an assistant DOC of a large soccer club. We showed them our MOTI 3D motion captured skills in our MOTI Soccer App and asked what they thought. They made the comment “if we use your 3D skills within your app with our players, we won’t be able to sell as many hours of private lessons to parents. It will cost trainers income!”.

We are aware of the limited attention spans of youth players, and of the limited soccer training skills available at the youth level. We are also aware that the vast majority of young youth players are coached by well-intentioned parents lacking the ability to perform the needed foot skills correctly. It is why MOTI Sports uses 3D motion-capture technology to create 24 soccer foot skills for young players and make the first seven (7) Foundation foot skills available free to anyone who will download our app.

The current thinking seems to be to let players mimic what they see other players doing. If players mimic foot skills improperly, they develop bad habits. When soccer becomes competitive at the age of 10+, lessons begin and players become disenfranchised, having to re-learn basic skills they’ve already been using in Recreational, In-Town, or In-House programs over the past 3-4 years. It can take thousands of repetitions to re-learn these basic skills.

We recognize that communities in the USA are more geographically dispersed than in other countries, resulting in a lack of easy access to community-based (neighborhood) play for young players.

3D motion-captured foot skills are an eloquent way of providing high-quality foot skill training anywhere and should begin with our young players, as early as the organized play begins.

The post Why does US Soccer ignore teaching youth players foot skills? appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Visual Soccer Skills Training – Fake Shot Inside 1v1 is used when a defender is immediately in front of the player with the ball, to protect the ball.

Learn about another skill: Poke Tackle 1v1

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Coach Alan Merrick reminds all of us at the end of a season or year and the beginning of a new season, why “Change” is so difficult to initiate. Every time we change something so it improves, maybe we could have waited.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 8 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Minute with Merrick EP09 – Procrastination (Why Change) appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Aprende: 4v4v4 El juego de combinación rápida se enfoca en atacar la posesión, la habilidad de los jugadores y los jugadores siempre buscando y encontrando espacio.

Aprende: Disparos de 5 contra 5 contra 5 centros a la portería

The post Juego de combinación rápida 4v4v4 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Learn – 4v4v4 Quick Combination Play

Quick combination play focuses on attacking possession, the ability of players, and players always looking and finding space. This is part of our High School Training for Coaches Curriculum, part of the Rondo and Possession Series referenced here:

Learn about another activity: Shooting 5v5v5 Crosses on Goal

Get the Soccer Training app:

MOTI Soccer App to watch in 3Dfor Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/

 MOTI Soccer App to watch in 3D for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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“If you want special results, you have to feel special things and do special things together. You can speak about spirit, or you can live it.”

Jurgen Klopp

By Brad Carlson

No matter if you ended your playing season with a win (congrats on your State Championship!) – or a loss (the other 99.9% of us), your season truly ends with recognition at your Soccer Banquet.  Let’s have a  GREAT banquet!

Planning with your Captain’s Parents

The planning for your recognition banquet begins six months earlier with your Captain’s Parents Meeting.  Have this group of great parents coordinate and execute as much of the banquet as possible, leaving for you the crafting of the program for the evening to celebrate your program and especially your seniors (part 2).

When – After the State Tournament

Set the date frame, which is always following the State Tournament.  As a result this immediately sets the expectation that you intend your team to be playing in the State Tournament and goes along with setting a high standard for your program.  Accordingly, the week following the end of the State Tournament is best because it does not conflict with the beginning of the winter sports season for your multiple sport athletes.

Where – At the School or at a venue away from the school

Set the banquet location at the school if possible, either in the cafeteria or in the auditorium depending on the food and refreshments being served.  You can also hold the recognition banquet at a venue like a Community Center or Country Club. Price becomes an issue for some families to attend if held away from your school.

Why – Let’s celebrate our seniors and our soccer program

Recognize the seniors, no matter what team they played on.  Many of the seniors have played since they were freshmen, and many played only as high as the JV level.  Their experience is to be celebrated and recognized, as they have grown throughout their years with your soccer program physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Recognize all that have contributed to the ongoing success of your program.

How – The big decisions that will help shape the banquet and determine the price. 

·         Venue.  Important – Players do not pay.  Build their cost into the ticket price for those who pay or have your booster club pay for your players.

·         Food.  Sit down for dinner?  Catered or potluck?  Deserts only?

·         Decorations.

·         Senior Gifts.

·         Season booklets or placemats for the players.

·         Video presentation, any public media, or multiple presentations depending on your videographer.

·         PowerPoint presentation loop of pictures from the season

·         Other – let their creative juices flow!

As you can see, there are many elements that go into planning and executing a successful recognition banquet.  Many hands make light work.  The more help you get with “setting the stage” for your banquet, the more time you will have to put together a presentation worthy of your seniors, their parents, and your program.

The post It’s All About the Recognition Banquet – Part 1 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Our school educators are masters at encouraging and teaching our 30+ million youth to learn.

Imagine 30 million youth mastering their soccer foot skills!

Alan Merrick & MOTI have put together interactive Lesson Plans with 3D Foot Skill Training, so youth are learning exactly how professional soccer trainers teach soccer foot skills. Skills are divided up among age groups appropriately. All the Coaching points are demonstrated, so the students are receiving the very best demonstration of the skill in 3D from the MOTI Soccer App.

Download our MOTI Soccer App (Free) and experience how MOTI demonstrates and teaches foot skills to students using 3D visualization (also available in Spanish).

This Minute with Merrick is titled “Lesson Plans for Teachers (teaching soccer skills to students)” (1:45 minutes)

Watch the previous Episode 2 the Rabbit Hole

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Minute with Merrick – EP03: Lesson Plans For Teachers appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Aprende: Tiros de 5 contra 5 contra 5 centros a la portería. Juego pequeño Dinámico Comenzar el juego desde el centro y luego juegos combinados hacia la portería

MOTI de eneldo de fútbol 3D – Pases en forma de moño

The post Disparos de 5 contra 5 contra 5 centros a la portería appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Learn – Shooting 5v5v5 Crosses on Goal

Learn about another activity: Back Pass full-field game

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Shooting 5v5v5 Crosses on Goal SSG appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Poke Tackle 1v1 – Technical Training

The Poke Tackle is the simplest of all the tackles and the easiest way of dispossessing the opponent.

Learn about another skill: Single Scissors 1v1

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Poke Tackle 1v1 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Goal setting

Goal setting is an exciting topic. 

Athletes can set many good goals for themselves before and during the season. You want them to come up with them, not you set them so that they take ownership of them. You also want them to be measurable.

Soccer athletes want to improve on basic things, for example:

• Increase speed.
• Increase strength.
• Better first touches.
• Develop better balance and flexibility.
• Increase agility.
• Better nutrition.
• Become more explosive.
• Improved aerobic conditioning.

Notice what is not included. Things that they have no control over, like scoring 10 or more goals during the season, having 8 shutouts, never getting carded, etc.

I coached for over 40 years at the same High School, all but 6 of those years as an assistant. I coached for 5 different head coaches over those years. This medium-sized public high school is a frequent State Tournament participant and has won multiple State titles. Every year they are ranked in the Top 10.

Now each head coach was different. Each brought to the team their own “coaching personality.”  But the underlying coaching philosophy remained the same for all. How is it that consistent excellence has been achieved over these many years within this one program?

Choosing Team Goals

A common practice in most programs after choosing the Varsity players is for the coach to have a team meeting in which the players talk about their team goals for the upcoming season. The coach simply records the ideas from this “brainstorming” session on a whiteboard and then they talk about them as a team. At the high school I coached at, the current head coach of 11 years (my former assistant varsity coach and a former player at this high school) shared with me this season’s whiteboard.

If you cannot read the writing, here are the things that this particular team wants to focus on this season:

• Don’t lose at home
• Less than 5 total goals (given up over the entire season)
• Win State
• Score more than 1 goal per game
• 100% effort
• No red cards
• No Penalty Kicks (PK’s) against
• Master your craft
• Be positive
• Never give up
• No goals allowed on set pieces
• Be on time
• Work hard off the ball
• HAVE FUN
• Win 50/50 balls
• 3 assists each
• Good decisions off the field
• Be vocal

Setting the Vision

Every coach has a vision for what they consider their perfectly played game is. The coach’s job is to transfer that Vision to the players for them to execute. (Ralf Rangnick • How Jürgen Klopp transformed Liverpool and the key to being an elite head coach)

When you read this list you get a feel for what this coach, and the coaches who came before him, want the game his players play to look like. What do you notice about this list? What is the focus? What do you think their game plan is every time they take the field? Why do you think the opposition both loves – and hates – to play them?

Think of how strong you are in your own half of the field to give up less than 5 goals per season. Or how focused, trained, and disciplined to never give up a set piece goal. They do win almost every 50/50 ball. They do work hard and never give up, on the ball or off. Their game is played fast, with plenty of meaningful possession as they find a way to break lines of defense and attack for multiple goals each game. They encourage each other, not criticize each other when someone makes a mistake. They have fun!

A Mindset

It is a mindset that, regardless of the age or skill of the players that season, they know they will compete at the highest level in our State.

Part of setting goals is to have a system in place for you to monitor them. Not only for you and your coaching staff but also share them with your players. They are the ones that are making your Vision come to life on the field.

I have looked at a number of different team goal-setting systems. The one that I have chosen to use fits my personality the best and, I believe, gives our team a good snapshot into the things we want to accomplish during a game to help us be successful. It also looks very similar to the whiteboard list. HUM?

Match and Seasonal Standards

It is called “Match and Seasonal Standards.”  I have a point system that I use for each item, which yields an overall score as a percentage. It is difficult to get 100%, as it should be. But it has been done! We won, by the way 🙂

Can you envision a definite style of play?

How are we organized defensively? I vary my system of play depending on my personnel. But no matter what the system of play is, the basic concepts of pressure, support, and cover remain no matter where the ball is on the field. We defend as a team, and with passion. A clean sheet is always what we are looking for.

Do we build from the back? Hard to tell from these measurements. We encourage it, but it depends a lot on the personnel. If I have a keeper who can “pass” the ball with accuracy 70 yards, then I definitely will use that weapon to stretch the field. Building from the back now becomes much easier.

Are we looking for through balls? Yes, but first we want to play to our forward’s feet to create space behind the defense. Then using concepts like opening up, passing the way you are facing, over and underlaps, give and goes, etc. we use the midfield to find the spaces behind the defense to break down that last line of defense. This often occurs on the flanks. Hence, the emphasis on crosses.

How efficient are we on set pieces? We are always looking for areas in the game that other teams might not pay as much attention to. Set pieces is perhaps the most neglected area for many coaches. Just imagine a time when you can get equal numbers, or perhaps even numbers up when you have a chance to attack the goal. We take advantage of all restarts in the attacking end through repeated training. Everyone knows their job, and when executed correctly we create great opportunities to score. It has become a part of our program’s DNA. 

Set pieces win games, especially at the State Tournament level where every team has learned to play great team defense. And don’t forget the long throw. Last season we won the State Tournament Championship game with 3 goals on designed set pieces –  2 goals on long throws and one on a direct kick from midfield.

How good are we at defending set pieces? We zone on corner kicks. We have a forward set the wall. We practice our toughness and courage on shots into the wall and clearing high, wide and deep. We mark tight but give way slightly to remain goal side. We leave nothing to chance. And most importantly we work into our final half or three-quarter field scrimmage on a practice day live set pieces. Time spend on set pieces is never wasted.

Have a simple way to measure your standards, that gives you talking points at half-time. How many passes to forwards feet did we have? How many “good” crosses did we have? Did we come out flying in the first 15 minutes to pin them back on their own end and create chances for us? Were we so organized on our own end that we eliminated breakaways, won headers, cleared properly, and defended every set piece with courage and conviction?

Vision leads to success! 

When your players know what your priorities are, they become their priorities. They then start to see your Vision for how you want them to play the game. Then, when they execute it on the field and have success, it breeds confidence in themselves and their teammates.

The post Setting Your Match & Season Standards appeared first on MOTI Sports.

MOTI Sports – Character Development Series: Relationship Building

Watch Development Series: Responsibility

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Character Development Series – Relationship Building appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Alan shares advice for youth soccer players, parents, coaches, and fans of soccer during these “Minute with Merrick” episodes.

Alan Merrick is MOTI’s Director of Soccer Content. Alan’s professional career began in English as he played for West Bromwich Albion as well as the English Junior National Team. He played for 10 years in England, before moving to the United States in 1976 where he played for the Minnesota Kicks. His career as a player also included playing for The LA Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes, and Toronto Blizzards, before returning to Minnesota to play for the Minnesota Kicks once again, and Playing for the US National Team – Team America. He coached the in-door NASL Team, the Minnesota Strikers for 6 years, and the University of Minnesota Men’s Club Team for over 20 seasons. Alan helped start the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association with others and has been coaching youth players, and teaching coaches for over 40 years. Alan holds coaching licenses in England, the USSF A License, and the Canadian Coaching License.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 5 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Minute with Merrick: EP04: Let the Coaches Coach appeared first on MOTI Sports.

This month’s podcast features Shannon Tanski Cornelius of the Duluth Heritage Foundation. Shannon shares best practices on how to be a good parent in youth sports!

Podcast – Beyond the Bench with Brandon Stemwedel

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Beyond the Bench is a MOTI Sports production that takes a deep dive into important youth sports topics each month. Each episode includes interviews with generous guests that share their perspectives on issues from a life “Beyond the Bench” as youth sports coaches, administrators, and more.

Watch another episode of Beyond the Bench – Alan Merrick Soccer Legend

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Beyond the Bench: Being a good Parent appeared first on MOTI Sports.

MOTI de eneldo de fútbol 3D – Pases en forma de moño

The post Cruyff Turn ES appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Cruyff Turn – MOTI Soccer app – 3D Skill

Cruyff Giro – Watch in Español

Check out another skill: Single Scissors 1v1 Skill

Get the MOTI Soccer training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Cruyff Turn appeared first on MOTI Sports.

When you first start coaching – be it your initial foray as a parent coach or the beginning of a new season with a new team for a more seasoned recreational coach, figuring out what to cover in a practice can be daunting. This is often especially true after you have seen them in their first competition – the list of “things they need to work on” feels endless. But you’ve got to start somewhere, and it’s best to go in with a plan.

Start with a Plan:

First, give some thought to the skills you would like to introduce and the topics you would generally like to cover over the span of the season and work from there. Be realistic and age/developmentally appropriate with your expectations and goals.

Pick a theme for the practice. Keep it focused. Don’t worry too much about correcting non-theme-related “issues” that come up in that practice (might be no need to address a missed passing opportunity if you are introducing and working on moves to get around a defender)

Incorporate that theme into the progressive stages of your session: warm-up, drills, and game-type situations. Emphasize throughout. Regardless of the theme – keep it fun and keep them active.

Be over-prepared. Occasionally an activity will be a bust and you’ll need to change course. Having extra theme-related ideas as part of your plan will prevent you from panicking and (hopefully) the 7-year-olds from finding the dandelions more interesting than practice.

Keep building on the themes each week. But repeating an entire practice plan (with tweaks based on what worked and what didn’t) can be a good thing for everyone too!

Playing – scrimmaging is sometimes the best teacher!

And finally, whether it be at the beginning of practice as players are arriving (great incentive for kids to arrive on time) or at the end as your final activity, it is always a good idea to give them an opportunity to just play at each session– scrimmaging with no restrictions and little to no coaching!

View another COACHES CORNER article here.

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Pases en forma de moño – MOTI Soccer – MOTI Sports

MOTI de eneldo de fútbol 3D – Juego pequeno de disparos hazlo, tomalo

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Pases en forma de moño appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Bowtie Passing Drill – MOTI Sports – Soccer Activity Passing Square Bowtie

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Bowtie Passing Sequence appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Single Scissors 1v1 Progression – Technical Training

Learn about another skill: Zidane 360 Spin Turn

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Single Scissors 1v1 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Juego de pase hacia atras en campo abierto – MOTI Soccer – MOTI Sports

MOTI de eneldo de fútbol 3D – Juego pequeno de disparos hazlo, tomalo

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Juego de pase trasero appeared first on MOTI Sports.

32nd ANNUAL SOCCER COACHES CLINIC
MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION
AUGUST 11th-12th 2022
NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER, BLAINE, MN

Come see Alan Merrick at 10:50 Friday!

Alan’s presentation will take you from the classic 5 Pass Shooting Drill to training Double Strikers in the most electric attack ever!

The Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association (MSHSSCA), in conjunction with the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association (MSHSCA) invites all interested youth, club, high school and college soccer coaches to our 32nd Annual Soccer Coaches Clinic. This two day clinic includes field and classroom educational sessions, the opportunity to connect with vendors, networking with other coaches, and more.

The post Soccer Coaches Clinic appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Soccer Team Terminology – Minute with Merrick – Episode 8

Visit the Team Terminology terms page for key Soccer words and definitions.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 7 here

The post Minute with Merrick – Team Terminology appeared first on MOTI Sports.

I experienced both sides of “everyone plays” equation when I was in high school. 

My football coach went to great lengths to include everyone.  He had only a couple of guys playing both ways, and he always found a spot on a specialty team for the younger players. 

My basketball coach, however, was more of a 6-7 person deep guy.  He thought nothing of putting a player in for the first time with 15 seconds left in the game just to give him “varsity” experience. 

I decided to adopt “everyone plays equal time” at all levels expect varsity.  At the varsity everyone plays significant time, although it might not be equal. 

What does significant time look like?

To help me answer that I am drawing on the example from Messiah College.

Messiah College is a Division 3 school in Pennsylvania.  From 2000-2010, its men’s and women’s soccer teams posted the best combined winning soccer record in the NCAA.  472 wins, 31 losses, and 20 ties. Few programs were even close. Seventeen Final Fours between them during this time. Eleven national titles. Unbeaten streaks measured not only in games, but in seasons. How do they do it? What’s their secret of success? 

Michael Zigarelli wrote a book called “The Messiah Method”.  It is a great, fun read with a lot of great insights.

Here are a few of the take-a-ways I had from the book.  I suggest you read this book.  I am sure you will have other insights along the way.

• Ask alumni to write letters to the current team about what they miss most.
• Captains and Seniors lead by example.  They are the ones that serve the team.  Get next year’s leaders to help. 
• Upper Class trains and accepts the incoming players.  Strength through Encouragement.
• Play deep into the bench.  30 minutes minimum per game if you are on the Varsity.  We have Starters and we have Game Changers.  We expect maximum effort when you are on the field.
• Team over individuality.  It’s not about you.  “Miracle on Ice” example (the Disney movie – the “Again” scene).
• Train in a way that genuinely makes a difference in the game.
• Use specific training by position.  Explain the choices (or let them self discover the choices if you have the time) and then let the players work out the choices in specific training.  Enable players to succeed by linking the training to the game.

There is a lot to unpack here, and much more in the book.  Today I’d like to focus on one of the bullet points:

• Play deep into the bench.  30 minutes minimum per game if you are on the Varsity.  We have Starters and we have Game Changers.  We expect maximum effort when you are on the field.

This goes right along with one of the tenants in my coaching philosophy, everyone on Varsity plays significant time.

To accomplish that I like to set as my roster goal 16 players (17 can work, 18 gets a bit more dicey).  That is 1 keeper and 15 out players.

I also keep in mind what classes these 16 players are in.  I like to have 2 or 3 at the most from the freshmen and sophomore classes combined.  Very rarely will a freshman make the Varsity (this may not apply so much when coaching girls, as they mature more rapidly than boys).  It is just too big of a jump physically for most freshmen, even if they are skilled.  The rest are juniors and seniors. 

Once you build your program with these numbers in mind you are never in a rebuilding mode, just reloading.  You always have a solid core of returning letter winners with significant varsity playing time.  So, in a typical year you might have 7 or 8 seniors playing Varsity, which leaves you with 8 or 9 returning players with lots of varsity experience plus those underclassmen who you called up for the Section and State Tournament run.  You just reload each year.

I do not place a lot of importance on who starts.  The players do, the parents do, but I do not.  Although we try very hard to get a goal early, the reality is that most goals are scored in the final 5 minutes of a half or of the game.  So, I want my best players on the field at the end of each half.

Now that means I need to incorporate some creative line up and substitution management.  The Captains always start, as does the keeper.  From then on, I like to rotate players a bit.  If you rotate the players into the starting positions, then they all “feel” like they are starters.  This is very important to them, so it is a good way to encourage and build them up.  It also prepares us for the inevitable – players going down due to illness, injury or sanctions.

When to do I substitute?  I never substitute a player after they make a mistake.  It is the mistake that they cling to until they get a chance to do something positive.  Instead, if it is their turn in the sub rotation to come out and they just made a mistake I will wait a minute or two until they had worked through it and done something positive, then sub.

I also like to substitute by the clock rather than by my instincts – on most occasions anyway.  I got this idea watching former U of M basketball coach Clem Haskins.  He would sub right at the 4-minute mark of the game and would go 9 or 10 players consistently into his bench.  So, I will begin subbing at the 10- or 15-minute mark, depending on the line up, and let the players who come off the field rest from 5 to 10 minutes before they rotate in.  That way everyone on the team gets a minimum of 15 minutes per half, with most everyone getting 20 per half or more.  This is a great way to build team unity, make everyone feel like starters, and alleviate any disgruntled parents 🙂

I like to have 3 players for every 2 positions.

Think about the most basic soccer system: 1-4-4-2

1 – Keeper

3 – outside fullbacks for 2 positions

3 – center fullbacks for 2 positions

3 – outside midfielders for 2 positions

3 – center midfielders for 2 positions

3 – forwards for 2 positions

The center of the field is where you need the players who can play under pressure.  These are typically your best players.  I like to have two very solid, experienced players and then the third can be a younger player that we are bringing along during the season who we have identified as someone who can handle the pressure and become a core person next year.

The outside players can be a bit more raw in their soccer abilities, but with a high upside.  By their senior year they may be ready to move to the center of the field because of the experience and confidence they gained playing on the outside with less pressure. 

This same type of substitution pattern can be applied to whatever formation you are playing fairly easily.

If I keep 17, then it might be that I have 4 outside backs, or 4 outside midfielders, or a second set of 2 forwards.  I can still give everyone at least 15 minutes per half.

This also helps us get through the regular season with less injury, more energy, and great team unity.

I encourage you to try it.  Happy players.  Happy parents.  Happy administration!  And with each player always doing their best and feeling good about their teammates, the scoreboard will show it.

The post Why Significant Playing Time Is Important appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Passing Side Foot – Inside Foot Passing – MOTI Soccer app – 3D Skill

Pasando el pie lateral – Watch in Español

Check out another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

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Zidane Roulette 360 Spin Turn – MOTI Soccer app – MOTI Sports

Check out the Reverse V Solo skill.

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Back Pass Full Field Game – MOTI Soccer – MOTI Sports

Watch another drill – WH Warm Up 4 Boxes Circuit Drill

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MOTI Sports – Character Development Series – Empathy

Watch previous episode in the series – Emotional Management

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Training Skills & Techniques for Young Youth Players

I was visiting with other senior coaches, and we were discussing the teaching of skills and techniques in training sessions. We were all in agreement that teaching skills & techniques have been forgotten at the young youth levels. Favoring having players and parents “think” they are having more fun just playing in a scrimmage. We all agreed skills and techniques need to be taught. What fun do the players have when the ball is taken from them, and the other team then runs away with the game?  

Why teach Foot Skills and Techniques at an early age?

Learning to control the ball correctly at a very young age is critical.

As the player matures and the game becomes competitive (it’s always competitive) there is no need for players to “re-learn” the skills at ages 11, 12, or older because they are already doing them correctly.  

We already know that visual learning is the key to youth learning skills and techniques correctly. If players can “See It” performed correctly, they can “Do It” with some practice correctly at an early age!

It is very discouraging to players when they’ve played recreational soccer for years and didn’t realize they were using bad skills or techniques.

What Movement is Best to Study?

In my experience, the best Skill and Technique movement to study is when it is “perfectly performed”.

I was asked to supervise and direct a series of soccer skills and techniques being “motion captured” with special equipment. 24-foot skills were performed using Motion Capture Recording Equipment which allowed the “exact human movement” to be captured.

This then allowed us, with the help of an animator, to illustrate with precision these techniques for both boys and girls.

What a marvelous result!

Players can then view these skills in 3D from any perspective or view they learn from. We know that the players are studying these perfectly performed techniques every time. 

Making this learning available to all, was the start of MOTI Sports for Soccer. 

Why is Motion Capture Important?

Motion Capture represents the “exact human movement” that soccer coaches want their players to replicate. 

It is capturing the balance and poise of the athlete controlling the ball through the movement.

The athlete can watch the motion from any perspective of the screen (top, bottom, right side, left side) and in turn, see the perfect movement to strike or control the ball.

Perfect Technique performed Perfectly

MOTI’s guiding principle is to provide every single player with “the perfect Technique and Skill performed perfectly” in 3D via our App on their mobile device.  Players are coached, from every perspective, through complete repetitions providing both visual and auditory instruction, maximizing sensory learning of the kinetics of soccer movement.

How many repetitions are needed? I know it is in the thousands of repetitions, however, experience tells me that when repetitions that are “done well“, lead to a disciplined repetitive technique and competency. Competency in ball-handling techniques leads to more touches in a game as teammates know they are making a pass to a solid player. Finally, more team interaction and touches during play lead to enjoyment.

The competitive nature of all sports is based on the ability and willingness of the athlete to drive their skills beyond what is expected of them. My hands-on experience has taught me only 2 out of 100 players have this kind of drive and focus. The ability to play the game of soccer is dependent on the skills or techniques that the player has, which is 80% of their learning. The other 20% are tactics of the game and the ability of the coach to teach the interaction between players.

A Balanced Approach to Coaching

There has to be a balance in our approach to coaching youth soccer players.  The pendulum in recent years has swung away from individual skill development and toward activities and games without guided individual skill development.  MOTI provides a middle ground – expert skill development combined with fun activities and games for the players to participate in.

So, when you are coaching, teaching, or handing out curriculum to players and parents, why not share training content that they can learn from and that will stay with them? Give players that “perfect practice” with Skills and Techniques that are “executed perfectly” making them “permanent“.

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Character Development Series – Personal Development – MOTI Sports

Part of the character development series for players, coaches and organizations. Become a better person and become better at soccer.

Watch another Character Development Series – Empathy

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MOTI de eneldo de fútbol 3D – Juego pequeno de disparos hazlo, tomalo

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MOTI Soccer app – 4 Touch Lateral Motion Skill

Learn about another skill: Block Tackle 1v1

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MOTI Soccer app – Shooting Make It Take It – girls

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MOTI Soccer app – Block Tackle 1v1 girls

Learn about another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

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Minute with Merrick – Episode One – Soccer is Fun

Watch another Minute with Merrick – New Coach, Now What?

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“I’m not sure what you need first – the players believing or others believing in them – but in the end, both have to think it.” Jurgen Klopp

The first week of tryouts for any High School program is fun, exhausting, and memorable in many ways.

As the Head Coach, you spent hundreds of hours preparing for this first week of the season, and now you have come to the point of placing players on the teams in your program.

In the High Schools (2) I have coached soccer, I have never cut players. Neither have the three head coaches I have been an assistant for. Nor have friends of mine who coach at the largest schools in our State, having upwards of 150 players try out.

The reasons are simple.

• We remember why all these players chose to play soccer at our school – because it is fun, and they want to hang out with their friends. So, we want to give them that opportunity.
• We also understand the growth and maturing process of our athletes. The “off the radar” freshman might become an excellent player by their junior or senior year.

I personally like to keep the freshmen together as the “C” team if at all possible. There is really no advantage for a freshman to play with an older group of players (unless he/she is on the Varsity because of their skill). There are many social advantages to keeping the freshmen together on one team. Those advantages far outweigh, in my opinion, playing at a bit higher level. There is always an opportunity for the better freshmen to play at a higher level during the season.

I also like to keep the sophomore players together forming the “B” team. At his age you might start to see some players who are ready to play at the Varsity Reserve (VR as I call it, as opposed to JV – I just never liked the term JV) or the Varsity level. A “new to the game” junior might be placed on this team also, but not if I can help it. I like to keep them with their friends and classmates.

The Varsity Reserve is made up of junior and senior players who are not on the Varsity, with the occasional sophomore player depending on numbers.

I would never place an upperclassman on the “C” team, even if his skills would place him there. That is too much of a slam, and they might be too big and physical to play against freshmen competition.

If our numbers dictate adding a second “C,” “B” or “VR” team, then that is what we do. We do not cut players, and we want all players to play equal time at these levels. That might mean a scramble in the pre-season to find more games and perhaps another coach, but for our program it is well worth it.

At the Varsity level, I like my teams to consist of 16 players.  At a larger school I went up as high as 18, but that is stretching it. The reason I like 16 is because I can give all players “significant” playing time in each game. One Keeper and 15 field players is my goal roster to begin the season.

I also keep in mind what classes these 16 players are in. I like to have 2 or 3 at the most from the freshmen and sophomore classes combined. Very rarely will a freshman make the Varsity. It is just too big of a jump physically for most freshmen, even if they are skilled. The rest are juniors and seniors.

Once you build your program with these numbers in mind you are never in a rebuilding mode, just reloading. You always have a solid core of returning letter winners with significant varsity playing time. So, in a typical year you might have 7 or 8 seniors playing Varsity, which leaves you with 8 or 9 returning players with lots of varsity experience plus those underclassmen who you called up for the Section and State Tournament run. You just reload each year.

How do I communicate which players are on each team?

As mentioned above, I have set the president for freshmen and sophomore players concerning which teams they will play on. It now comes down to those VR and Varsity players (plus the freshmen/sophomore players you will keep on Varsity).

After a week of training together, sorting them out in Champions League games, and playing in a scrimmage at the end of the week where you have separated most of the VR from the Varsity, it is really about choosing between 10 or so players for 5 or so spots. The hardest part is communicating with those “bubble” players between Varsity and VR.

I have tried several ways over the years.

• Posting the list in the locker room on Monday before practice.
• Posting the list online through our website, or email, or team management system the Sunday following the scrimmage on Saturday.
• On the bus ride home from the scrimmage, talk to each player individually on the VR and Varsity teams and let them know which team they are on to begin the season.
• Have the players on both teams run an eight station “circuit run” around the soccer field on Monday. During the circuit run I pull out players and tell them which team they will be on.
• Gathering all the players together on Monday at practice, just like a tryout practice, and letting them know as a group which team they will be on. Then break out the teams with their respective coaches.

There is no “easy” way. No matter what method you use, it always leads to half a dozen players joyful and another half a dozen players really hurting. That is a major reason I like to have my VR coach sensitive to the emotions during this Monday practice. I also make myself available to meet with the players who are hurting during or after practice. Sometimes it takes a while for them to process their emotions.

Next time we will talk about finding a good substitution pattern for your games which gives all your Varsity players significant playing time. If you want to get a head start, check out some great advice in the book “The Messiah Method” by Michael Zigarelli. There are some terrific tips on team building, substitution, game day management, etc. from the winningest College Division 3 programs (Men’s and Women’s) in the early 21^st Century.

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Elastico to the Left – 1v1 Boys – Technical Training

Check out the Reverse V Solo skill.

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MOTI Tactical Work – 3 Grid Technical 2

Watch another drill – WH Warm Up 4 Boxes Circuit Drill

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As High School or College coaches, we often view this time of year as a season break! The season is completed, and summer is beginning, sure there will be summer camps and newly recruited players showing up for fall practice, but not much you need to do right now, or is there?

Remember new players will be showing up for Varsity Practice in High School or the newly recruited players for your college program in August.

They will all arrive with what techniques (foot skills) they have acquired, but usually not a complete complement of tools are in their tool bag.

Time will need to be spent reviewing and training them to use correct moves and techniques.

We came up with an easy-to-use group of 24 techniques that if mastered these players will be great.

Using our MOTI Soccer app, you can get players to practice through June and July on their own so that they will arrive with all the tools in their tool bag you would expect. You can monitor their progress and usage and see what time they are willing to invest in themselves and therefore your program.

You can subscribe to a Team Annual License and give it a try for under $30, put all your players on it, and now you can watch and see how they are willing to train.

Your Team Captains can be part of this process, helping players get practicing and encouraging them, while you’re respecting the no-contact rule!

Best Alan!

Read another coaching article – Coaching Smarter saving Time

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MOTI Trabajo Táctico – 3 Compos Téchnicos 2 – Ejercicio Tactico

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“Competition is key to developing players. The only practice environment in which you truly develop a player is a competitive arena. . . Competitive drive is not governed by innate ability, but by self-discipline and desire.” – Anson Dorrance

As a High School Soccer Coach, the one event every soccer player looks forward to each week is our Champions League competition.  Why?  It is fun.  It is competitive.  It’s rewarding for everyone.

Here is how the game works.

Players are divided into 5 teams (or 3 teams depending on the numbers).  Teams may consist of anywhere from 4 to 8 players and play on fields sized appropriately.

On the first day of play, players are divided into teams by the coach.  Try and make the teams as competitively even as possible.

Each team will play in 4 games (for 5 teams), playing each team once.  The length of the games is determined by the length of the class.  5 minutes is a good length of time.  Or you could play King of the field.  Field one is designated as the First field, field two is designated as the Second field.  The first round is played.  The winning teams then play on the “First” field, the losing team on the “First” field moves to play on the “Second” field.  The losing team from the “Second” field sits out.  The team on the sidelined comes in to play on the “Second” field.  You see the rotation that takes place.

Points are accumulated by the team according to how they do in each game.  I like to use the 7-point max system:  3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 1 point for every goal up to 3, and 1 point for a shutout.  If your team wins 8-0, your team would get 7 points for that game (3 for the win, 3 for goals scored and 1 for the shutout) and the other team would get 0.  If your team wins 4-2, your team would get 6 points (3 for the win and 3 for goals scored) and the team you beat would get 2 points (2 for goals scored).  If your team ties 2-2, each team would get 3 points.

After all the games have been played, each team adds up its total points for the day.  Those points become the points for each individual player on the team.

Here is where it takes a little work for the coach.  You will need to record the points for each player.  I start a little spreadsheet with the names of each student.  I organize them according to the team they played on.  Then I record their individual total points for the day.

The next day we play the Champions League, I sort the list of students by the total number of points they have.  I then go down the list and assign new teams to them according to their total points.  In that way the 5 highest point totals are all on different teams, then the next 5, etc.  It is a good way to mix up teams.

I do look at the makeup of the new teams.  I want the teams to be competitive, so I may adjust a player or two around.  I also make sure each team has a keeper.

Everyone plays a lot, everyone plays with other players in the tea, and the competition is amazing.  I like to call out the time when we get down to the last minute and then again as we get closer to the end of time.  It’s amazing how the kids will push to get that last goal 🙂

Here is what I find amazing.  Seldom if ever is the best player on the team the Champion of Champion’s League.  It is usually that very unassuming player who plays well with teammates, has enough skill and touch to be effective, and defends well.

I LOVE THIS GAME!  So do the kids.  It’s the best 30 minutes of the day.

Read another article about coaching – How simple can a practice be? How effective?

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Minute with Merrick – Meaningful Connections

Watch another Episode 2 the Rabbit Hole

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“Competition is key to developing players. The only practice environment in which you truly develop a player is a competitive arena. . . Competitive drive is not governed by innate ability, but by self-discipline and desire.” Anson Dorrance

It’s been a great off season.  Here is where you should be BEFORE your first practice.

• You have met with your Captain’s Parents and have given them a laundry list of things for them  to do before and during the season.  Let them take as much off your plate as possible.  Delegation is hard for many of us.  The key is to follow up.  People will do what you inspect, not what you expect – even good people like your Captain’s Parents.
• You have provided times (twice a week for me) during the 2 months leading up to the beginning of the season where the players who want  to can do such things as weight lifting, speed and acceleration training, and ball skills training.
• You have provided your players with list of skills you want your players to practice during the summer so that when they come to training their first touch is solid.  I use the MOTI App, of course.
• You have met frequently with your Captains.  You have prepared them for their Captain’s Practices and have very loosely monitored (through parents perhaps) to make sure everyone is safe and having fun while preparing for the season.

I love training week, the first week of coaches training for the regular season. It is a blast, the kids love it, the parents love it, and the coaches love it! Why? Because we make this training week about competitions. We play games. We have contests. We work hard, play hard and rest hard. We have fun. And by the end of the first week, we will know which team each player will be placed on.

I look at training week as a part of try-outs, but try-outs are much more than just one week. I tell the players that try-outs are not just about your soccer skills. It is about how you treat your parents, your friends, your teachers. It’s about how you serve your community, how you apply yourself in your classes at school, and how you spend your free time.

For the Varsity, the whole regular season is a part of the try-out process. During the regular season we get to evaluate each player at practice and during games. To do that I play each player significant time each game (15-20 minutes per half).  Once we get to Sections and State, I tell them that playing time may change depending on the situation. The substitution rotation may also change from the regular season.

We have come up with 9 training sessions for the first week. The first session is called the SWC Pentathlon – 5 events testing their fitness and soccer skills. The players keep track of their own score card, earning up to 10 points per event. The top 8-point getters are the Pentathlon Great 8.

Each day we have a skill focus and another competition. The skills begin with a competition within each class. This forms the “Great 8” for that event. Then these 8 compete against each other for the championship. The events are:

• The “Golden Boot” for the best 1v1 player
• The “Freaky Fast” for the fastest player
• 4v4 tournament, playing with your training partner
• PK Shootout
• The Bronze Gloves for the best goalkeeper

And then, each day we play a little competition called “Champions League.” We form teams of 6-8 players depending on the numbers and play a series of 5-minute round robin games. The players accumulate individual points according to how their team does in each game. Then the next day the players are placed on different teams with different players and play again, accumulating points for that day. By Friday everyone will have played a series of short, small sided games with a variety of players and will have accumulated their own personal scores. The top 8-point getters are identified, and the top point getter wins the event.

What is particularly great about Champions League is that over the course of the week we can rotate players into playing against better competition and see how they do. In the end, the best players typically are at the top of the point totals – but not always! That is where the fun begins. This does, however, give the coaching staff a great opportunity to watch every player in the program compete and show us what he has on the field. It is hard to hide in Champions League.

We also cover attacking and defending corner kicks.  Set pieces win soccer games.  All three of our goals in last season’s State Championship final came off of set pieces.

Two – a – day practices for the first four days.  90 minutes in length with a break in between for refreshments and recovery.  Then a single practice on Friday, a scrimmage against another school or schools on Saturday, rest and recovery on Sunday, and team selections on Monday (first game is Thursday generally).  This gives me a chance to personally watch every player multiple times.

Practices are with the full program of players (70-100 depending), with the seniors / upperclassmen partnering up with the freshmen / new students for skills and stretching.  This is key for developing a program that the younger and new players feel a part of.  They learn how to become a part of a team that cares for each other and is willing to help each other succeed.

Key Points On Parents

Parents have been watching their kids play all their lives. Hopefully they love to watch them play. I encourage the parents to come and watch everything from tryouts to practices to games. However, I do ask that they first watch a video on YouTube by John O’Sullivan called “Changing the game in youth sports.” To show me that they have watched the video I have them text me these 5 little words from the video, “I love watching you play.” Then, they are welcome !

I have nothing to hide during tryouts. As a matter of fact, I love it when I see parents openly engaged in watching that first week in particular. I like to watch for them, walk over, and talk with them. Again, it is all about communicating with them, being open, and letting them see how much fun their child is having playing with their friends.

I make myself accessible in a variety of ways. My cell is published, as is my email address. I answer phone calls, texts and emails as soon as possible. I even spend one half of a game on the parent’s side of the field with the parents just to let them ask me questions and listen to me as I do some game analysis.

If you want further information on my first week of training, please feel free to email me at:

Brad.Carlson@MOTIsports.com

What until you see what I have for you next month – choosing teams and a “no cut” policy!

Read another article about coaching – Training Captains – Captains Practices

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MOTI Sports – Character Development Series – Responsibility.

Watch the previous Character Development Series: Emotional Management



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Minute with Merrick Episode 10 – Game Day for New Coaches

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 9 here

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MOTI Sports First Time Soccer Coaching Experience

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Gran ejercicio para el calentamiento. Utilizando 4 áreas cada una con diferentes actividades trabajando en driblar, pasar, controlar y estirar.

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Fake Shot to the inside Skill

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An Athlete’s Built-in Stress Reliever – Episode 6

Alan shares advice for youth soccer players, parents, coaches, and fans of soccer during these “Minute with Merrick” episodes.

Alan Merrick is MOTI’s Director of Soccer Content. Alan’s professional career began in England, where played for West Bromwich Albion as well as the English Junior National Team. He played for 10 years in England, before moving to the United States in 1976 to play for the Minnesota Kicks. His career as a player also included playing for the LA Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto Blizzard, and for the US National Team – Team America. He coached the in-door NASL Team Minnesota Strikers for 6 years, and the University of Minnesota Men’s Club Team for over 20 seasons. Alan helped start the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association with others, held youth soccer camps across the upper Midwest, and has been a guest clinician for USSF coaching school courses for over 40 years. Alan holds coaching licenses in England, the USSF A License, and the Canadian Coaching License.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 7 here

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Character Development: Emotional Management

Part of the character development series for players, coaches and organizations. Become a better person and become better at soccer.

Watch the previous episode in the series here.

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I have met twice with my Captains now as a group, once during the late spring/early summer and a second time in midsummer.  We are now a week away from Captain’s Practices.  This is a two-week period before the actual High School season begins when, in my State, the coaching staff is not allowed to interact with the players.  But the players are pumped and want to get some touches in, so the Captains run the practices.

Leadership Qualities

In this final meeting, I like to recap our last meeting, remind them again of the leadership qualities of a Level 5 Leader from the book “Good to Great” by author Jim Collins and how to work out those qualities on the playing field during the next couple of weeks with their teammates.

• Embody a mix of personal humility and professional will. 

• Display workmanlike diligence – more plow horse than show horse.
• Display modesty, are unassuming and understated.
• Fanatically driven with an incurable need to produce sustained results.
• Attribute success factors to others than themselves, but if things go poorly they take full responsibility.
• Set up their successors for even greater success in the next generation.

Now we will talk about soccer!  Some topics for discussion are:

• What are you deeply passionate about?
• What can we be the best in the State at?
• What style of soccer produces sustained positive results?

When these topics are fleshed out by them, they take ownership in them and it makes for us all to come together for the same purposes.  We will revisit these during the course of the season and fashion or practice sessions around them.

Notice that we don’t talk about systems of play, or players put in specific positions.  That will come later as we see who we have on the Varsity.  The key for them is to put together a vision for how they want their team and this season to come together.  Then we talk about how we start the process, which begins with their Captain’s practices.

These Captains are being placed in a position where they are in charge of 20-80 players with no adult supervision.  WOW!  CRAZY!  SCARRY!

Purpose

• Have all players come together as one group – our soccer program.
• Encourage the new players to our program and make them feel welcome.
• Let everyone have a safe and fun experience, while still working hard in a controlled environment.
• Come into the first week of training for the High School season with a high enough level of conditioning so that time can be spent on skill development with the High School coaches rather than physical condition.  We test the first day of High School training to assess the relative physical conditioning and skill level of every athlete.  This helps us get off to a good start during the first part of the season.

Safety

• Practice is outside during the heat of the summer. Make sure everyone brings their own water – no sharing of water bottles.  We want a healthy group coming into the season.  In addition, the Captains will bring a large container of water to refill water bottles.  The school is also open for water and bathrooms.
• These practices are in the cool of the morning and are 90 minutes long.  Players are free to take water breaks as they need them.
• The Captains learn about heat exhaustion and heat stroke, what signs to look for, and the precautionary measures to take.  Heat Stroke – call 911 immediately.  The safety of the players is always the primary concern.
• The Captains have a medical kit. 
• Ice is available in the school, or sometimes they will have a cooler with ice.
• No hazing of any type is tolerated.
• I work out a schedule with the parents of the seniors to make sure that at least one parent is on-site during these Captain’s Practices.

Conditioning

• Soccer Players Love To Run!
• The Captains learn about aerobic vs. anaerobic conditioning, what kind of running is best for building each type of conditioning, and what the work to rest ratio should be.
• We talk about the difference in physical abilities between a 12/13-year-old and an 18/19-year-old, and how they will have to adjust some of their long-distance runs to accommodate the players who are not physically able to keep up with some of the other players.  One way is to split the group into two parts, the new-to-the-program players and the returning players.  Have a Captain lead each group in their distance runs and adjust the pace to the group.
• Some of the running can be done with a soccer ball at their feet, which is more fun than just running.  However, I encourage a mixture of running with and without a soccer ball.
• The Captains have many options for running with and without a soccer ball.  Some of the most used runs are “Peal” or the “Australian” two-line run, “Snake” two-line run, and an Army cadence run (if your Captains are creative enough to come up with an appropriate cadence 🙂 and Man U sprints.  They can also play 1v1 to a cone for 30 seconds, then rest for 90 seconds.  If they go all out, it is exhausting!

Skill Work

• The players are all given access to the MOTI soccer app at the beginning of the summer, which contains 24 soccer skills.  We ask the players to all work on perfecting these ball manipulation skills before the High School season begins.
• The Captains review these skills daily with the players during Captain’s Practices.  I give them a number of simple activities they can do as a group to help them practice these ball control skills.  They also have a number of activities from their club soccer coaches which they are free to use.
• The returning players know that when the High School practices begin, we work on these ball control skills daily as they are the prerequisite for a good first touch.  If you want to play at the varsity level, your first touch has to be outstanding.

Activities and Games

• I encourage them to play small-sided games rather than 11v11 full field.  We want the players to have more touches on the ball and opportunities to score.  Half field 6v6 up to 8v8 works well.  They can even tighten up the field by playing the width of the box, which provides more pressure.
• Depending on the numbers, a fun game to play is “King of the Field” where three teams are involved.  Two teams play, the third team rests until a winner is determined, then the resting team replaces the team that lost.  If numbers support it, you can have two-half field games going on with a “winners” field and a “losers” field.  Play for 5 minutes, then move according to the score.  Add the 5th team to rest if numbers are up, or even a third field.  The key is small-sided, competitive, with lots of touches and action.
• Perhaps the most important part of playing games is dividing up into teams.  I encourage them to stay away from the Captains manually choosing players to play for their team.  Remember how much it hurt when you were one of the last ones are chosen!  I give them some other creative ways to divide into teams and to make each team competitive.

That is a lot for these new Captains to process and put into practice.  Fortunately, they have been in your program for up to four years or more, have had great Captains and leaders come before them to show them the way, and have us counsel them.

The First Week of Training!

Now let’s have a great first week of Coach’s Training, tryouts, and enter into our first games of the season prepared.  We will talk about that next when I share with you some ideas for your first week of the High School season.

Learn more here – Coach’s Corner: Developing Leaders

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Young players need Structure

Young players need structure and an environment that allows them to succeed in their soccer skills development.  

Small practice areas – more touches

Therefore, Coaches need to set up small playing areas or grids. Coaches should use cones or pinnies/vests as boundaries, that give players visual reference points. This will reassure them of their surroundings.

The use of smaller working areas ensures players get as many more touches on the ball as possible. Players that navigate with a ball in a smaller area touch the ball more often. Getting all players moving around and being active with a ball is a great starting point. This should be a goal throughout the player’s lifetime participation in the sport.

The correlation between the number of touches on the ball and increased skill mastery is indisputable. The more touches, the better, never forget it.

Keeping it interesting

Coaches should continually change the activities in the grid setup to ensure that the needed ball repetitions do not become boring.

The objective is to have players from the age of 5 through 10 completely familiar with a minimum of 8 skills with the ball. Having them do the basic moves that are required to move, guide, and protect the ball in all directions.

By coaching with activities and techniques that accelerate their players learning curve, this age group can learn basic ball mastery.  

What Skills curriculum must-have?

A Skill curriculum is a must-have set of skills for these players’ foundation within the game.

Inside outside touches of both feet, inside-outside touches that then transfer the ball to the other foot side for continuous weaving of the ball from side to side.

Double touches of the ball on all foot surface going outside, outside to inside, inside, repeat on the other foot side.

These simple foot skills produce all the ingredients of great dribbling skills and ball manipulation.

Changing direction to either keep the ball in play or turn away from opponents is hook turns with the inside and outside of the foot.

The sole of the foot can produce a drag back motion to turn or control the ball. The sole of the foot can also produce lateral motion. This is useful to move the ball into passing lanes or preparation for clearing or shooting a ball.  

Teaching this Age Group the correct foot positions and shapes of the body is a must in ball manipulation.

Correct muscle memory and focused body movements are crucial for performance.

Where to spend training time?

Athletes who spend the time and effort learning these foundation ball skills will have the necessary level of proficiency to thrive in the game often making it a lifetime team sport.

Therefore, players who do not get these foundation skills will pass up on the more difficult aspects of the game. They often leave the game frustrated and despondent at the age of 13 and 14. You will see them as solitary joggers on the park trails or side of the road later in life.

Where players can practice?

Players can and should get 3D Animated foot skills for their Mobile devices and practice the plyometric foot movements of ball mastery at home.

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Struggling to have parents volunteer?

A board member mentioned to me they had over 300 kids sign up and were experiencing problems having parents volunteer to coach. They asked if our app could help guide their coaches through their season. Yes, our app can help their coaches coach.

However, you have to get the parents to say “Yes” to volunteering first. Thinking back, I remembered, “the most rewarding time I had as a parent” was volunteering to coach a group of kids.

Why did I Volunteer and say “Yes”?

Someone I knew and respected, told me I had the skills to do a good job, and that I would look back someday and remember how good it felt to contribute to the development of young people. They were right!

Cornered into volunteering? Sure!

Unless parents are given a deadline they make a decision, they won’t. Parents think they are too busy! In reality, they should invest the time with their kids!

Was I afraid I would mess up and blunder? Of Course!

Harry Houdini once said, “Never try to fool children, they expect nothing, and therefore see everything.

Was I happy I volunteered? Yes, absolutely!

The rewards!

• Volunteering moved me out of my comfort zone. We all gravitate to thinking we’ve put in a long day and accomplished a lot. But who for?
  •  This was for the kids my kid played with and I could watch them grow and develop.
• This taught me how to educate, communicate, and motivate more effectively: How you keep kids engaged:
  • Being competitive
  • Winning & Losing
  • Working together as a team
  • Experiencing individual accomplishments
  • Feeling the accomplishment as a Team
  • That feeling of the team “giving back” to an individual or a community with no expectation of receiving anything in return.
• This was something I could do:
  • The interactions I had with the kids & parents were great fun
  • Watching them all grow and learn was priceless

In summary:

Looking back, I worked with amazing people, kids, parents, and families. It was great to see people and communities working together. I would not have thought that the rewards were as great as they were. The memories are amazing as well!

So, if you need some parents to step up and Volunteer, here are some suggestions:

1. Tell them they would be great at coaching youngsters.
2. Remind them you are here to support and guide them.
3. Make sure you get them a training platform to guide them along their way.
4. Show them they will make a difference in the kids and the community.
5. Mention they will have experiences they will remember for a lifetime!
6. Tell them here is your chance to lead, using your leadership skills.
7. Hand them a signup form with a pen and wait while they complete it! 😊

Learn more – Coaching Smarter saving Time

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MOTI Tactical Work – WH Warm Up 4 Boxes Circuit Girls

MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Reverse V Basic Skill – Technical Training

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Reverse V Solo Skill – Technical Training

Habilidad Técnica Reverse V y Shield the Ball

Learn about another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Reverse V 1v1 Skill Preview – Technical Training

Check out this skill with Youth 3D models: ReverseV 1v1 Youth

Learn about another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Posesión 2v2 Zona final Teammate Boys Drill

Echa un vistazo a otro Drill – Rondo with Wall Pass and Overlap

Obtén la aplicación Soccer Training:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Possession 2v2 End zone Teammate Boys – Tactical Drill

Check out another MOTI Drill – Rondo with Wall Pass and Overlap

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Smart coaching can be as simple as becoming better organized before the season by mapping out your practice plans for an entire season. Having a practice plan for your sessions gives you coaching content that can be easily accessed and ready for delivery to your team. Being organized and having a plan saves anguish, frustration, and failure in producing the quality training experience you want to give your players.

Consistency of content throughout the training season is key to instructing and demonstrating to players to become knowledgeable and engaged as a squad. Parents will appreciate the coach more when they see the organization, energy, movement, and meaningful activities. Players are having fun doing them.

Preparing practice sessions on the fly. i.e., in the car in transit to the practice is not a good idea and does not produce a meaningful experience for players, their parents, or the coach. Having some structure and purpose within your plan allows for productive coaching moments and growth, all within a calm and calculated learning environment. Hectic behavior from a coach in a learning and instructional situation does not resonate well with a squad of impressionable players.

All of these adverse situations can be avoided with Soccer Training Platforms in an App. Coaching content, coaching points, coaching concepts, and coaching ideas are available in your hand. They can be communicated through a set of earbuds when you need them most on the pitch. A volunteer parent coach or the young former player turned coach can deliver a solid practice plan with a positive outcome.

Board Members, Coaching Directors of Clubs Competitive and Recreational programs, sports administrators in Park and Rec, YMCA, YWCA, and small Soccer Clubs can now eliminate the dreaded 2 by 4 across the forehead after a season when they hear from parents and players that the coaching experience was less than stellar.

This solution is available now in a Soccer App that utilizes revolutionary software with Motion Capture 3D Animation depicting Skills & Drills needed to play good Soccer. The brain neurons of young players are lit up when they start to begin visually engaging depictions of skill sets and small-sided game activities.  The visualization players receive on how to make a foot move with the ball is available during an actual practice time or even better as ‘Home Work’ in the back yard, garage floor, basement, or even in front of a full-length mirror in the players’ bedroom. Players can ‘See it, Listen to it & Do It’ then they can replicate the perfect foot skill time and time again.

A well-charted Practice Plan for 6 weeks, 8 weeks, even 16 weeks with either one or two practices a week takes away any of the hectic, panic, or no time often associated with coaching in the youth environment.

With this coaching resource, the coach can share the digital content with players and parents to better prepare them all for the tasks the coach will be instructing them on. Again, any visualization players can see the learning curve. Just think how much time it saves the coach in verbalizing soccer concepts into the squad of players. An offshoot is the education of the parents who now are being exposed to the inner sanctum of soccer knowledge. Because of this, their appreciation of the game is heightened. This results in a changed behavior on the sideline as parents respect more skilled performances from their own players and others within the group.

Time saved because players see the practice activities before setting foot on the field can now be used elsewhere. For more repetitions of correct technique or working through activities already well established in the player’s mind.

Having content properly curated across age groups assists in the learning curve for coaches and players. To become a competent player layers of progressions that need to be worked on are delivered in the correct and orderly sequence of skill and technique building.

MOTI recognizes and is concerned that the statistics on the attrition of players playing organized sports is exceptionally high. 70% of players stop playing organized sports by the age of 14. I attribute that to athletes not being allowed to have exceptional coaching of the best techniques in an ongoing prolonged format early in their technique development.

With an App in their hands, soccer players can practice at home. Practicing the correct techniques with expert coaching prepares players for an enjoyable and successful experience on the field. By using the Apps analytics tool, individual players, coaches and parents can make themselves accountable for counting their steps, their repetitions, their Minutes doing skill moves, even their time spent looking at the content of the current ‘practice plan’.

Coaching smarter with MOTI technology allows players and parents to get a leg up on this shared visual knowledge of the game of Soccer. Technology is leading them to have beautiful outcomes of a successful play.  Helping to build camaraderie with teammates while learning how to cooperate and strive for an increased health activity while enjoying a growth capacity in a complex sport like Soccer.

Learn more from Alan with the Basic Principles of Play.

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Soccer professional Alan Merrick shares advice for youth soccer players, parents, new coaches, and fans of soccer during “Minute with Merrick” episode 5. New Coach? Now What?

Watch the previous episode 2 the Rabbit Hole.

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Players and coaches that are new to your organization need to learn your training system, and your training system needs to be able to adapt to their different learning needs and developmental rates.

There is a continuum of knowledge and skill that accumulates as both players and coaches gain experience, like that of an infant learning to crawl, walk & run stages of motor skill development.

Everyone experiences learning in all its forms at different rates: visually, auditory, physically (kinetically), reading & writing.

Your training system needs to allow the individual to experience the learning as often as needed so the individual understands what is being taught.

If your training system has too much information to learn before the learner is ready, this overloads their development process, and it can lead to deficiencies in the development of either the player or the coach.

Player Development: Player development occurs across 4 major areas:

• Developing Technical skills to play the game (ball mastery, shooting, passing/receiving, individual abilities)
• Developing Tactical game understanding (decision making, team/group play, positioning)
• Physical development (overall athleticism, speed/agility/quickness, strength/endurance/balance/flexibility/coordination)
• Social/ Psychological (coachability/willingness to learn, communication, leadership, work-ethic, interactions with others, teamwork, punctuality/attendance)

Coach Development:  Coach development occurs over a minimum of 5 major areas:

• Developing knowledge of the game
• Developing coaching communication skills
• Set-up of the ideal training environment
  • Understanding the structure of the session plan
    • Engage the players immediately with a fun warm up or game which will introduce the topic for the session.
    • Present activities or games with little or no pressure to help the players experience success with the topic, improve their technical ability, and increase their confidence.
    • Add pressure, gradually increasing to an equal strength small sided game to see if your topic has translated to the game.
  • Tactical area set-up of the practice area (skills, tactical)
• Coaching a Practice Session
• Coaching the Game

Training systems need to facilitate putting together session training plans for technical skill as well as tactical game development. Additional elements should be enabled to be incorporated into training.

What works when Training:

In researching writing this article I ran across the following pyramid defining player engagement and learning retention from the National Training Laboratories in Bethel, Maine.

What you should know: 90% of what is retained is done so because we had to teach it to another individual, 75% is learned because we did the activity or skill, only 50% is retained when we discuss something, 30% retained when we watch something being done, 20% watching a video is retained, 10% when we read something, and only 5% when we listen to a lecture.

Summary:

Training systems need to encourage, monitor, measure and report usage to be of real benefit.

Read part one of this series: Select a Soccer Training App and System that is right for your organization!

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MOTI Sports – Character Development Series: Relationship Building

Watch Development Series: Responsibility

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Training High School Captains – Developing Team Leaders

“A player who makes a team great is much more valuable than a great player.”  John Wooden

The last time I met with my Captains, we had fun, played a game, and got to know each other over some food.  It was a great time.

Now I have had a chance to see them playing in other activities and have made a few connections with them during the past few months.  Let’s get together again and take a look at some of the characteristics of great leaders.

I like to use the findings from the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins as the basis for our discussion.  Briefly, here is what I will focus on from this outstanding book. 

Professor Collins and his research staff examined the performance of 1,435 publicly held “good” companies over a 40-year period.  They discovered 11 companies that consistently outperformed the market.  What did these 11 companies have in common?  The leadership qualities of their leader, which he calls a Level 5 leader.  In my case, these are the qualities I would like to see in my captains.

• Embody a mix of personal humility and professional will. 

• Display workmanlike diligence – more plow horse than show horse.
• Display modesty, are unassuming and understated.
• Fanatically driven with an incurable need to produce sustained results.
• Attribute success factors to others than themselves, but if things go poorly they take full responsibility.
• Set up their successors for even greater success in the next generation.

In this second meeting, we talk about each of these and how we can exhibit these qualities on the field during practices and games, in school, at home, with our friends, and anywhere else we are at.

I will use as an example Mike Eruzione from the 1981 USA Hockey Gold Medal Olympic Team.  He barely made the team, never played in the NHL, and yet was the Captain of the team!  Then I pull out the “Again” clip from the movie “Miracle” (the greatest sports movie of all time – well if you are from Minnesota anyway :).

I also use as examples our captains from the past few seasons – captains that they practiced and played with.  I like to point out the times when a captain did something that showed Level 5 Leadership.  For Example:

• After finishing his mile run, a Captain noticed that a couple of freshmen were not in good shape and were lagging far behind the rest in their mile run.  The Captain jumped back onto the track and ran alongside the freshmen for the rest of their run, positively encouraging them all the way.
• My first week of practice I like all my seniors to pair up with a new student during the first few days to get to know them and introduce them to our program.  They become training partners for skill work and activities.  They often get to know the incoming players a bit during Captain’s Practices the week prior, so they have an idea of the skill level of the incoming player.  What I loved to see was one of my Captains purposely seeking out a new player with very little soccer or athletic ability and welcoming the new player into our soccer and school community.  That new player found a home at our school and in our soccer program, and continued to play soccer throughout his high school years.

There are so many directions you can take this time with your captains.  Have fun with it.  Let them talk it out.  You, as a coach, do a lot of listening and ask some probing questions.  We want our captains to be intentional about who they are, what they do, and why they do it.  We want it all to come from their heart.

The food is good, the conversation is great, and we still have not talked much about soccer!  I guess soccer is like life.

Read another Coach’s Corner: Choosing High School Captains

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Single Scissors 1v1 Preview – Technical Training

Learn about another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Single Scissors – Technical Training

Learn about another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
 MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Man U pasando en cuadro – Ejercicio de fútbol 3D Trabajo táctico MOTI – Cuadrícula de pase del Man U

Echa un vistazo a otro Drill – Rondo with Wall Pass and Overlap

Obtén la aplicación Soccer Training:
MOTI Soccer para Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer para iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Single Scissors Progression – Technical Training

Learn about another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Players are very often surprised that when I meet them first time that we don’t talk at all about football.”  – Jurgen Klopp

Now that you know who your captains for next season are, what do you do to prepare them for their leadership role with your team?

I plan on getting together 3 times before the season as a group.  I pick a public place where there is food – pizza is always a favorite – and we can take up a table for an hour or so.  I also ask an assistant coach or coaches to join us if they can.

Since our high school soccer season is in the fall, I set the first meeting in late spring or early summer.  The second meeting in mid July.  The third meeting right before Captain’s Practices begin (2 weeks before the start of the high school season for my state).

I will often bring a deck of cards or a board game to the first meeting just to break the ice a bit.  These captains love to compete!   We will play “Hearts” or “Spades”, or play a board game like “Apples to Apples” or “Clean Slate”.  These games are fun and even a bit enlightening!

The first meeting is all about getting to know each other. 

Along with having fun playing a game, I like to play “21 Questions” with each other.  I want to be open with them, just as they are with me and each other, so they can ask me questions also.  Here is a quick list of a few of the questions:

• Do you have a nickname?
• Cell phone number – you probably already have this.  But if you don’t  know, it is a good time to get it.  I only group text.  Or your school might have a message system within an App that you can use to communicate.  Safety, of course, is the biggest concern with any form of communication.  I make sure my other coaches are linked in to all communications with parents and team members.
• What is your favorite song or group or both?
• What is your favorite movie – or movies?
• What are some of your favorite lines from movies?
• Sports – What sports did you play growing up and at what level? 
• What is your soccer playing experience?  Years, teams, levels, etc.
• What Superhero do you most resemble?
• Volunteer – how have you volunteered in your community, soccer or otherwise?
• What is a favorite memory you have with a parent or grandparent?
• Do you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?  If so, what is her/his name, how long, where did you meet, fun things you like to do together, etc.
• Think of (or name) a teacher or coach that had a positive influence on your life.  Why? 
• Think of a teacher or coach whom you had a negative experience with.  What was it that they said or did that turned you off?
• What is the name of your favorite pet (or stuffed animal) and the name of the street of your home?  Put them together and you get your rapper name (or Super Hero name, MMA name, etc)!

I also like to go and watch them play, either soccer or any activity they are in.  It is fun to watch them participate in any activity that is important to them.  It is also fun to sit with their parents and get to know them better.  Then after the event, just say “Hi”, build them up about their performance and tell them how much fun it is to watch them play.

We are building a team together this year, just as all the captains and players before them built their teams and our program.  It takes trust, and trust doesn’t just happen.  Let us, as coaches, be intentional about how we get to know our captains, the leaders of our team.

Next time we will talk about leadership, using as our base the Level 5 Leadership as outlined in the book “Good to Great” by author Jim Collins.  We set the bar high for our Captains!

Read part one COACH’S CORNER: Choosing High School Captains article here.

View another COACH’S CORNER article here. – Put the Ball in the Parent’s Court

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Man U Passing Grid – Tactical Drill

Check out another Drill – Rondo with Wall Pass and Overlap

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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This article will guide you through a process for Selecting Soccer Training that is right for you and your organization.

Evaluating Soccer Training Apps & System(s):

I recently watched a YouTube video that evaluated a handful of Soccer Training Apps. Their evaluation criteria focused on the “glitz and glitter” of the apps vs the content quality and delivery methods of instruction.

Evaluate training Sports Apps and Systems, focus on the criteria, method & style of instruction as well as the  “what, where, when, and how” content is being presented to the coach or player. 

Goals for your Training System:

Write down the goals/expectations of what you want to achieve when purchasing the training system.

Goals may be different for coaches and players. Age and regional location may play a role in selection criteria. As an example, you would not want advanced skills being taught to an age group that is too young, or you would not want a series of activities that are games designed for 6-year-old players while training high school age players.

Is an integrated system required with your team management platform, or a nice to have?

You also know that people do not all learn the same way.

As a result, this will help you focus on what is important and what isn’t, as you walk through your evaluation. 

How do we learn?

Coaches and players learn by:

• 65-75% visual (seeing things for ourselves)
• 15-30% auditory (coaching points)
• 5-10% kinesthetic (a learning style in which learning takes place by carrying out physical activities or “doing it”). 

First, the app should use engaging visualizations that clearly define what is being learned. Second, it needs auditory coaching/teaching points that are easy to understand at the age group listening. Finally, exercises/activities & drill(s) are needed. Make sure all Coaching Points are clearly understood and presented at the same time with the visualization. 

Coaches should watch the visual movement of players within the activities/drills from the beginning to the end of the drill.

This results in teaching the transitions of the activity. Also, it helps the Coach understand that “what is being taught” is clearly understood.

Auditory coaching points need to be easily understood linking directly into the visualizations.

There are times when coaches need to physically Do the activity such as Mentoring, in order to understand the importance of it as well.

Players need to watch the visually engaging movements (skills or activities) of what is being taught.

They must clearly understand auditory coaching points in language that is easy to comprehend. 

Skills/Technique development requires the need to physically do the activity multiple times to train the brain and muscles to do the move in unison.

The app should have a method of recording analytics like “time on task” & “number of times” it’s been practiced. This will require thousands of repetitions of doing the move “correctly”.

Create a training matrix for the coaches and players:

1. What teaching/coaching methods, drills/activities, strategies, setups/set-plays, skills/techniques are being employed. Are the best training methods being used to insure coaches and players alike, understand, and quickly comprehend concepts, skills, setups and scenarios you want them to adopt into the game.
2. Where should the training process occur? At practice, home, games?
3. When, at what age is training content best learned? What age are skills, rules, strategy training most critical and best processed?
4. How training should be conducted and how often should different types of training occur?

Summary:

Soccer Training app(s) or system must monitor and measure what is being learned. This is critical to ensure coaches and players are learning and performing what you are expecting them to do.

Oversight is an important aspect often overlooked in training. A key phrase here is you can’t expect, what you don’t inspect.

Make sure you can monitor to see things are being done the way you anticipate they should be done, measure system usage as well as perform improvement.

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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“Players that aren’t true leaders but try to be, always bash other players after a mistake. True leaders on the pitch already assume others will make mistakes.” Johan Cruyff

It is a blast choosing Captains and training them for my High School team. I like to impress upon them that this is their team, their friends, and their last high school season if they are seniors. Players consider it a great honor to be a Captain. Let’s help them to become the best Captains they can be.

What is your selection process?

Most teams have a voting process, where the current players – usually the current varsity players only – and the coaching staff vote for the captains for the next season. The Activities (or Athletic) Director also may have a say. 

I prefer to have the captains chosen before the end of the season banquet. It’s a great way to transition from this past season’s glory into the next season when the captains are announced. I give my current captains each an envelope with the name of one of the new captains along with a captain’s armband. They then open the envelope, announce the captain and give them their armband.

If you are a coach who is not connected in any other way to the school, your Athletic Director (AD) may have information about your players which you do not have. For example, is the candidate academically eligible? Or has the candidate been involved in an activity that would make them ineligible for any disciplinary situation? I am not a teacher in the school district, so I count heavily on my AD for guidance in choosing my captains.

Some schools require candidates to fill out an application with the school AD before they become eligible to be voted on by the team. I have found this helpful. It surprises me how, in some years, I have had to encourage some players to apply. It also gives me some further insight into my captains.

I encourage all of my returning Varsity players to apply, although I tend to lean towards senior class captains. There is nothing quite like senior leadership.

Once you decide on the process, you will need to determine how many captains you want. I personally like three captains. With injuries and substitutions, I always want to make sure that I have at least one captain playing at all times. Three seems to work best.

I also count on the parents of the captains for several duties during the season. Again, having at least three groups of parents involved with me helps to take care of the many “opportunities” to make the season special and relieves me of many seasonal tasks that I, as the head coach, need to oversee.

In the end, your captains become your greatest allies. They become your eyes and ears on the whole program. You seek their input and counsel. It is very hard to develop close relationships with your whole team. I focus on these three first.

Now getting to know them and training them to be good leaders is for another episode 🙂

View another COACH’S CORNER article here. – Put the Ball in the Parent’s Court

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by Alan Merrick:

Over my years (decades!) of observing competitive older players, I have seen that many often believe that because they played at a higher level as a youth, they will automatically continue (or just deserve) a place in the starting lineup forevermore. However, many of these players lack an understanding of basic principles of play that are a pivotal foundation to the game – and their growth and playing ability are hindered as a result.

Coaches need to do their part to introduce these principles starting with 10, 11, and 12 year old’s. We owe it to this age group to give them appropriate game understanding so that they can fully meet all the demands of the game later.

Principles of Play

A sample of simple principles of play that should be emphasized:

Deny the other team time and space and thus, the ability to play forward passes.

Attack every loose ball and never let the ball bounce. Allowing the ball to bounce gives less aggressive teams an advantage.

One-on-one battles are integral in a team’s ability to rule the flow and outcomes of any game.

Defensive clearances from their goal need to be high, wide, and deep. If there is any doubt, clear the ball and make sure it goes out of bounds, which allows the team to reset their shape and get players behind the ball.

Never clear the ball across your own goalmouth, it creates undue pressure and ultimately, bad outcomes.

Play to feet at every opportunity. Passes that lead a player invariably go to the opponent’s goalkeeper or out of bounds.

Players who can play one-touch stand out and can change the game. They know what they are going to do with the ball before it gets to them and have the vision, awareness, and technical skill to execute.

Always take up good positions for the first pass, anticipate the second and third ball and win them in order to gain and maintain possession.

Forwards should play both ways – they are the first line of defense and can create great goal-scoring opportunities by creating ball turnovers with good pressure on ‘their player’.

Coaches should utilize this time in the “off-season” to introduce these important concepts. Plan some sessions that paint the picture and offer opportunities to start conversations around these principles and help make kids more complete players over the course of their soccer careers.

View a Minute with Merrick – Let the Coaches Coach

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Ejercicio de fútbol 3D MOTI Tactical Work – CON Box 6v2 Rondo con las niñas

Rondo 6v2: un Rondo es simplemente una actividad de tener números y retener la posesión de la pelota. Los rondos ayudan a desarrollar el movimiento de la pelota y la comprensión de cómo mantener la pelota y jugar bajo presión.

Haz malabares con un solo rebote – Técnica

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Tactical Work – WH Box 6v2 Rondo – Activity

Check out another Drill – Rondo with Wall Pass and Overlap

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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ReverseV 1v1 – New 3D models

This is one of our new 1v1 Skills with Adult 3D models. These will enable players to the the “how” this skill works in 3D defending the ball, maintaining possession.

Check out this skill with Youth 3D models: ReverseV 1v1 Youth

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Overlaps Passing Circle Drill from the MOTI Soccer app.

The center circle is ideal for this exercise. This drill focuses on positioning and overlaps. Upon completion of the overlap, the player in possession selects another player to pass to.

Learn about a skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

Get the Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Head Coach Brad Carlson on the Twin Cities Game Time Podcast

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Hacer malabarismos con un solo rebote

Malabares con cordones con un rebote es un bloque de partida ideal para hacer malabares. Ayuda a promover la coordinación y el equilibrio. Un excelente calentamiento para todos los jugadores. Más disponible en 3D móvil en su dispositivo móvil.

Rondo con pases de pared y superposición – ACTIVIDAD – Ejercicio táctico

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Juggling Laces with One Bounce 

Check out a drill: WH Technical Square Passing Drill

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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How often have you been to matches and heard players and coaches hollering “play our game,” or “play our style”? You may have just arrived at the pitch and have no idea of the score but you can usually figure out who is winning just by listening to the tone, frequency and volume of these shouts from one team or the other. But what does “play our game” really mean? Do the players understand when the coach instructs players to “play our game”?

The intent of this article is to provide insight into the start of a process that the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) Gee-Gees and the Cairine Wilson S.S. Wildcats used to guide their women’s soccer teams to success on the pitch. It was the start of the framework to get the teams to “play our game” and to understand what that meant and to guide the players’ decision-making during the match.

Team Background

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees play in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) league and the two top teams from the province move forward to compete in the U-Sport Canadian National Championships against universities from all across Canada.

In October of 2018 the Gee-Gees captured the OUA title and went on to win the Canadian National Championship in November. What we did not know at the time was U-Sport had accepted a wildcard position for a Canadian school to compete at the inaugural FISU University World Cup of Football in Jinjiang, China, in November of 2019. As Canadian Champions, we were offered and gladly accepted the position. More about our results in China later.

In late 2013 the coaching staff were looking for ways to “get players on the same page” to create a common set of governing principles that would lay the foundation of how we wanted to play as a group. We wanted to create an environment where players could assess their decision-making as the game was being played to determine if their actions were the most effective in that moment.

The inspiration for the Golden Rules came from reading a reference to The Philadelphia Flyer’s Bible that was created by legendary hockey coach Fred Shero. Shero was the coach of the Flyers from 1971 to 1978 and guided the team to two Stanley Cups.

He created 11 rules that make the difference between winning and losing. Legend has it he would sometimes burst into the locker room at the end of a game and demand players write out all the rules they broke five times. He did not have to even mention the players’ names as they knew who they were and willingly obliged. Shero was also known for his motivational messages written on the locker room blackboard. His most famous, going into game six against the Bruins with an opportunity to clinch the Cup, was “Win today, and we walk together forever.” The Flyers went on to become the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup.

The process to create a set of Golden Rules for the Gee-Gees started with a simple internet search to uncover the Flyer’s Bible. The coaching staff all got copies of the Flyer’s Bible and we started to debate the relevance of the hockey rules as they applied to soccer. As many of our road games involve long bus rides, the conversations usually took place there and we went through a few versions to come up with what was considered the Golden Rules for the Gee-Gees. The rules are geared toward that particular era of players based on their technical skills and tactical awareness at that point in time. The Golden Rules are very organic, they continue to change and evolve with the team and era of players being coached; they are customized to the game-winning style we are promoting at the time.

The Golden Rules were presented to the team as a PowerPoint with a guided discussion on a road trip and then reviewed again just prior to the playoffs. The coaching staff made a concerted effort to refer to the rules during practices, half-time talks, post-game talks and video analysis sessions. It was felt this was the best way to reinforce the principles of play we were looking for to create a game-winning style and formula.

What is presented next are the key points associated with the slides that were presented to the team.

The Game of Soccer

One of the first tasks was to get the players to develop a deeper understanding of the game they play. The following statistics were presented to the team using the Socratic method of first posing questions to the team: “How far do you think the average player runs in a game?” “How much distance do you cover with the ball?” “How much time do you spend on the ball?” The research-based answers below were then revealed to the team to guide further discussion.

» The average player covers 11 kms (6.8 miles) per match
» They run with the ball for 1.5% of that distance, about 191 meters (209 yards)
» They have the ball for 53.4 seconds in the match
» The average possession per player:
› 2 touches and lasts 1.1 seconds

Players were asked to discuss in small groups what the four previous key facts meant in relation to the question posed: What are players doing in 98.5% of the game?

The player = the decision-maker

The other 98.5% of the game is spent making decisions about where to move, when to move, where to pass, when to pass, where to tackle, when to tackle, to drop or to press, to shoot or to cross, to catch or to punch, to throw or to punt.

Legendary Liverpool F.C. manager Bob Paisley often explained to his players “you don’t pass with your feet; you pass with your brain” and “it’s not about the long ball or the short ball; it’s about the right ball.” These quotes clearly indicate the importance of decision-making in a sport with frequent and fluid changes of possession—the modern player has to be adept at making correct decisions with lightning speed and execution.

As coaches we know it is very difficult to micro-manage every decision that 11 players make on the pitch. Some coaches will use this as a coaching style. They usually end up more exhausted than their players while taking the joy of the game away from some and leaving others questioning everything they do on the pitch, or worse, they have players waiting to be told what to do during the game.

The goal as coaches should be to teach and empower our players to make decisions in the game with confidence and independence. The challenge in a team sport is to create independence in the framework of the interdependence of teamwork. When a coach shares the principles that they feel guide a team to play successful soccer they are creating the “common page” that all players can draw from during the run of play. We want players and, therefore, teams to sense changing moments in the game, both in and out of possession, reacting instinctively and intelligently.

The Golden Rules are organized around the three key moments in soccer: in defense, in transition and in attack with the one key overriding principle below:

Always Play the Score and the Time of the Game

All decisions in the game are made around the score of the game and the time on the clock. Players need to understand these constraints in order to make the right tactical decision at the correct time. How often have you seen a team leading by a goal send players forward for an attacking free kick or corner kick only to give up a goal on the counter-attack late in a game?

If we are up one-nil with 10 minutes to play, do you cross or take the ball to the corner flag? If we are down a goal with five minutes to play and have a corner kick, do we commit two center-backs to the attack?

The slides were created using quality photos of Gee-Gee players engaged in the three key moments of the game. For the “in defense” section, images of players executing great slide tackles or winning an aerial duel were used. The “in transition” phase used images of players competing for 50-50 balls or shaping their body to pass after winning a tackle. The “in attack” section used images of players scoring goals, shooting or celebrating a goal!

In Defense

1. Strikers are our first line of defense = win the ball back early or channel opposition
2. Gee-Gees play no-bounce soccer (throw-ins included)
3. Never tackle (foul) a player moving backwards away from our net and no unnecessary fouls in our half
4. Never pass square in the defensive 1/3 or midfield 1/3 unless 100% sure of possession
5. In the box, track your man; do not abdicate responsibility until 100% sure the next player will pick up
6. Back to net – see your man – see the ball
7. Clearances are to be = high – far and wide

In Transition

1. Move fastest when the ball is in flight
2. Win the ball back in 4 seconds or reset our shape
3. Never allow our team to be out-numbered in the defensive zone
   • Get 8 players behind the ball as fast as possible
   • Mid on mid “box to box” and we will never be out-numbered
4. Attack quickly / direct when opposition is out of balance or stretched
5. Play the ball forward within 3 touches = break lines, eliminate opposing players, play positive
6. Play the ball behind the opposition’s defensive line as early as possible
7. If no direct attack = establish possession after transition with a 2- or 3-pass sequence that switches the field of play

In Attack

1. Never a straight ball and straight run
2. Straight balls require diagonal runs
3. Diagonal balls require straight runs
4. Never pass blindly
5. See a player / establish eye contact
6. Play to a dangerous place
7. Play to call from a teammate
8. Never go offside in an attacking move; it is like playing defense for the other team
9. Shoot at the earliest opportunity
10. “You miss 100% of all shots you do not take”
11. The second attacker must always drive straight to net
    • Focus on ball / looking for rebound angle
    • “Expect the unexpected!”
12. No ball goes through the attacking penalty area unchallenged (nothing out the back of the box)
13. When there is no attacking option = turn back = reset and keep possession

The KELME 2019 FISU World Cup of University Football

The Gee-Gees traveled to China in November 2019 to compete in the inaugural World Cup of University Football. The door-to-door journey was over 7,000 miles and travel time was a mere 36 hours and 12 time zone changes.

Each participating university was representing their soccer confederation. The men’s tournament consisted of 16 teams arranged into four groups while the women’s tournament hosted 8 teams split into two pools. The tournament was held over 12 days with elaborate opening and closing ceremonies. Teams had a match every other day and trained on their off days. The FISU event staff also organized cultural and educational outings for the student-athletes to experience and appreciate this small corner of China on their non-match days.

In the opening group game, uOttawa played Donghua University from China and won 2-0. This was followed by a 3-0 victory over Russia’s Siberian Federal University. The final pool game was against the College of Asian Scholars from Thailand to determine top spot in the group. The Thai team was a very slick passing team with excellent team shape throughout the match. The Gee-Gees won the tight, highly skilled match 4-2 and finished first in their group.

In the semi-final, the Gee-Gees crossed over to compete against Beijing Normal University. This match was played at Jinjiang’s modern 8,000-seat Football Park Stadium and the team was greeted by a large crowd with a very loud pro-Beijing section of supporters with drums, flags and chants. The teams played to a nil-nil tie and the match was decided by penalty kicks. The Gees-Gees converted all five of their kicks and keeper Margot Shore pulled off a stunning full-stretch save to secure victory for the proud Canadians.

The final was against the powerful and much-favored Paulista University from Brazil, the only university to have both their men’s and women’s teams qualify for the tournament. The Gee-Gees came out flying at the Football Park Stadium. Mikayla Morton scored a brilliant header from a corner kick in under two minutes. The Gee-Gees dug deep and worked their socks off for the next 88 minutes to become Champions of the inaugural KELME 2019 FISU University World Cup. It was a truly amazing group of players and staff to work with at the tournament of a lifetime. “We now walk together forever.”

The Cairine Wilson S.S. Wildcats

My role with the Gee-Gees is that of assistant coach to Steve Johnson in the fall and over the winter seasons. In the spring season I switch over to become head coach of Cairine Wilson S.S. Wildcats in Ottawa. I taught social science there for 32 years and guided the varsity girls’ team to 10 National Capital City Championships and 11 appearances at the Provincial Championships where the team won two provincial medals. The Gee-Gees Golden Rules were adapted to fit the characteristics of a very solid high school team.

A team’s legacy and tradition are important. And it is key to get the team to understand they are part of something bigger than just their season and their career. As a varsity team, many of the players would be on the team for four years and see their roles and responsibilities expand over their high school years.

The slide show for the Wildcats included a history of the team and we used select action photos of graduating seniors that the juniors knew and looked up to. We even included photos of older sisters and cousins who had graduated much earlier to help create that connection. Another feature was photos from tournaments and tours the team had taken to Texas, Victoria and Vancouver in British Columbia, and England. Other key photos included action shots from the previous season using players that were still part of the squad. The lecture/slide show was conducted at a team breakfast just after the new team was selected and was designed as a starting point for the new season.

The last images were often of graduated seniors holding medals and posing with trophies with statements like “it is now up to you,” “how will your team be remembered?” or “what will your legacy be?” You could often hear a pin drop at the end of the presentation and there was on the odd occasion a moist eye.

Your challenge …

Now more than ever, establishing a series of Golden Rules or principles of play to follow is of paramount importance. As a result of the COVID pandemic, varsity soccer programs have lost an entire season and playoffs, their off seasons and some players have even lost their summer soccer for two years in a row. Suddenly your first-year rookie players are third-year players expected to be leaders without the growth and development that would have occurred in their second year. Depending on graduations, coaches may find themselves with a squad where over half their players have no varsity experience when the 2021 seasons kick off. Now is the right time to develop your team’s Golden Rules and connect your first- and second-year players to the legacy of past squads. I already know some of the Gee-Gees’ images from China I will incorporate into this season’s Golden Rules slide show.

Reprinted with permission from United Soccer Coaches.  Originally appeared in the November/December 2021 issue of Soccer Journal. https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/soccer-journal-issues/

Visit the uOttawa Gee-Gees: https://teams.geegees.ca/sports/wsoc/index

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Congratulations Alan!

On November 7th, 2021 Alan Merrick (MOTI Sports’ Director of Soccer Content) a veteran football/soccer player was recognized by his first professional club joining the “100 game club” and recognized as their 481st professional player in the 143-year history of the West Bromwich Football Club (founded in 1878 in West Bromwich, West Midlands, England).

Why is this important? 

Recognition of a players’ achievements in life allows young aspiring players to have inspirational role models and career paths mapped out before them as potential paths for personal and vocational growth.

Learning to play and compete in Football/Soccer, not only gives us purpose and numerous physical and interpersonal skills, it prepares us to work as a member of a team with a collection of individual talents working towards one goal.

Being able to see and witness this achievement puts a spark of direction and determination inside each person observing the recognition event.
Today, it is important to show youth, vocational and professional paths that are opportunities to be followed. Not everyone will be that lead player, but there are enumerable positions for supporting our teams along the way.

The Albion Tie and Albion Players Cap were presented by Ray Wilson former teammate of Alan’s now the Chairman of the West Bromwich Albion Former Players Association The Cap represents Alan being the 481st player to play for WBA the Tie for playing over 100 first-team appearances with a total of 153 during his 10-year career at Albion.

Visit the West Bromwich Football Club website

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Periodization for a High School Soccer Program in the Midwest

With the varsity high school soccer season crammed into a 12-week period having a strategic document prepared for the season will give your program a chance to succeed.

Time is a “premium” at the High School level of play. Rules and regulations must be adhered to. Preseason and allowable camps are well defined, and the Head coach is well advised to put a fully planned training process in place prior to the beginning of the season. The well-being of a high school athlete needs to be paramount in the coaching staff’s training model. There are going to be great divides between Middle School, Freshmen, and Senior players over the 5-year span which will provide an environment of challenging proportions and growth-spurt differences amongst the Student-Athletes.

With such a short season the task of improving the squad’s technical, conditioning, and decision-making attributes falls directly on the Head Coaches shoulders. Considering the shortness of the total season the Head Coach should be looking to accelerate the squad’s tactical understanding of the formations and individual roles and responsibilities which are the key factors for success. Decision-making, faster reaction times, players moving into positionings quicker, player motion with and without the ball; makes for better decisions in tactical situations. 

When you start working on the High School calendar the game schedule is when the first periodization information is to be entered. This is the template you’ll need, and you will start adding the following topics to the calendar; REST DAYS – PASSIVE RECOVERY – ACTIVE RECOVERY – MEDIUM LEARNING of GAME CONDITIONS – HIGH-INTENSITY ENDURANCE – SPEED of PLAY – PRE-GAME STRATEGIC SESSIONS like FREE KICKS & CORNER KICKS – CONDITIONED PROGRESSIONS and FATIGUE LEVELS. These topics simplify the Periodization of your individual sessions giving you structure and purpose throughout your seasonal campaign. With this type of insight, your training content will cover all the principles of play with appropriate exposure that will capture and excite your squad of players’ enhancing their endurance, intensity, recovery, and their competitive edge.

Break down your style of play; how do you want to build up from the back? What are the positional needs and specific play characteristics? In team defending, how to be compact, how to close-down players and force them either wide or to other teammates. Movement of the ball from back to front what patterns are you wanting to create with different services short and long passes, ball circulation, changing and switching play, overlaps, and players up.

This type of preparation brings all your players along the learning curve of what the game demands and helps them understand how they can all find success in the game.  Do your Periodization on the front end, and then enjoy the season of growth from all involved in your program. 

View Minute with Merrick – Lesson Plans for Teachers

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ReverseV 1v1

This is one of our new 1v1 Skills coming out. These will enable players to the the “how” this skill works in 3D defending the ball, maintaining possession.

Check out another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Coaches inspire us to accomplish as a team what we never could do individually.

Often we think of coaching as teaching us how to play the game (strategy. skills, drills, etc). 

More often then not they enable us to find a way working as a collective group to accomplish more than we could as individuals, believing in ourselves.

Minnesota State High School League – Visit the MSHSL website

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DRILL – 4v4 to 4v4 Possession to Flank

Check out another drill: WH Technical Square Passing Drill

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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The fall season is short and hopefully (mostly) sweet. But that doesn’t mean it is without challenges. Often times everyone involved starts a season with renewed energy and optimism. There is a plan and goals for where things will ideally be when the final final whistle blows. This is, however, all before school starts and daylight gets shorter and maybe that master plan isn’t going quite as expected…

If a mid-season dip sets in, what can a coach do to help reinvigorate effort, focus and fun? Sometimes it requires going off-script and changing the plan. Try to figure out what the team actually needs. For younger players, this might mean less drills and possibly some time relay races, 1v1 to goal or more free play. For older players, it helps to ask them for feedback. Take the pulse from some of the trusted leaders on the squad. Maybe an extra day off? Is a relaxed team-building practice needed?

Regardless, the fall can and should be a magical time to play – and at the center of it all is the team experience. Building the energy and momentum of the team as a whole can be a valuable shift of focus and an important motivator to get everyone through the final weeks still smiling and remembering why they love the beautiful game.

View another COACH’S CORNER article here.

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Minute with Merrick – Meaningful Connections – Episode 11 – MOTI Sports

Watch the previous Episode 2 the Rabbit Hole

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In my 40 plus years of coaching from U6 to U19 at the recreational, club and High School levels I can count on one hand the number of parent issues I have had.  The key – open communication.  Try these suggestions:

Personally engage with every parent and player through your teams method (management system, email, etc.)  Make it from you, with your contact information and encouragement to contact you directly.

Choose the number of players for your team so that they all will play significant time in each match.  For my high school team I like to keep it to 16 players.  I play equal time for as many players as I can, or at least 10 minutes per half if the size of my team is larger.

Rotate the starters.  Parents and players are not aware that most goals are scored in the last 10 minutes of a half or of the game.  Use that to your advantage.

Ask for volunteers for team parties, meals, etc.  Get the parents involved.

Post on social media.  Make sure you rotate the focus so that each player has a mention somewhere during the season.

Meet with the parents where they are . . . in the stands!  I like to spend at least one half per season in the stands sitting with the parents.  I allow them to ask me anything they want.  It can be about me, my family, my coaching style, our style of play, their child, their child’s playing time, etc.

If you are an open book to the parents, they will know that you have the best interest of their child at heart.  That is what a parent wants to know.  Give them as many opportunities as you can to express to you their thoughts and feelings.  The ball is in their court if you make yourself available to them.

View another COACH’S CORNER article here.

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Tune Up Tips – Passing Side Foot Skill Breakdown #1 – Detailed Breakdown

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Rondo con pases de pared y superposición – ACTIVIDAD – Ejercicio táctico

Movimiento lateral de 4 toques

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Rondo with Wall Pass and Overlap Drill – Activity

Check out another drill: WH Technical Square Passing Drill

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Passing Side Foot – Inside Foot Passing – MOTI Soccer app – 3D Skill

Pasando el pie lateral – Watch in Español

Check out another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Minute with Merrick – Lesson Plans For Teachers – Episode 3

Watch the previous Episode 2 the Rabbit Hole

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Playing Out the Back – Team Shape Drill – This is a sample video captured from the 3D fully interactive MOTI Sports Soccer App. Over 300 Skills and Drills to choose from. Age ranges from U5 and up!

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Beyond the Bench – Q&A with Sonja Barr | Beyond the Bench with Brandon Stemwedel – Podcast

Beyond the Bench is a MOTI Sports production that takes a deep dive into important youth sports topics each month. Each episode includes interviews with generous guests that share their perspectives on issues from a life “Beyond the Bench” as youth sports coaches, administrators, and more.

Host Brandon Stemwedel has the privilege of talking with Sonja Barr. Sonya opens up about the struggles and triumphs of her childhood as a Soccer Goalie, through her days playing at the high school, and college-level leading to coaching at the collegiate level.

Watch a previous episode of Beyond the Bench – Alan Merrick Soccer Legend

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Introducing the MOTI Support Bot. We are proud to announce that the MOTI Soccer app now includes a built-in Chat Support. The Support Bot was developed to assist you, while using the app, with app support and to help you out when you may have questions or general soccer queries.

Just press the ? (question mark circle button) and select from the options provided or start with a one word search and then add words as needed.

You can also access real-time help from MOTI Support, when there is a live agent available.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Dr. Ben Schwamberger and Panel of Physical Education Youth Soccer Summit

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Movimiento lateral de 4 toques

Rondo con pases de pared y superposición

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MOTI Sports – Character Development Series – Empathy

Watch previous episode in the series – Emotional Management

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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WH Passing Square Technical 1 – Tactical Drill

View the article Making Skills Stick here.

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• Emphasize: Choose one or two skills to focus on each training session. After players have learned to do a skill without pressure, incorporate it into the rest of that training session (and the next one!) and give them opportunities to try it in game-like situations. Remind players before the end-of-practice scrimmage or prior to a game that you are looking for a certain skill. Challenge them to spend 10 minutes working on the skill at home between practices.
• Encourage: Players need extra incentive to try something new and something they might not find immediate success with. Give a certain skill extra weight/points for that practice or put a restriction on their play that they need to do the skill before they can shoot or score. Keep track of how many times players do a certain skill during a game.
• Praise: In the early stages just trying is a success and should be highly praised! Verbalize and show excitement around your observation of attempts and fully executed skills to the other players, to the individual as they are substituted off, to the whole team at half-time or to a parent and player as you walk off the pitch after the final whistle.

Get the MOTI Soccer app and try it for free.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Beyond the Bench – Recruiting Q&A with Coach Kyle Bakas | Beyond the Bench with Brandon Stemwedel – Podcast

Watch a previous episode of Beyond the Bench – Alan Merrick Soccer Legend

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4 Touch Lateral Motion

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MOTI Sports, Inc. began as a project between an NFL Football Coach and an animator. The Coach was trying to solve the problem of “why are my players not looking at the X’s & O’s diagrams and studying them in their 3-ring notebooks”, but they will watch Madden Football.

We patented a 2D to 3D drawing tool that creates 3D animated drills/scenarios/activities for sports coaches and players to watch and gain understanding of the strategy presented.

MOTI used motion capture to record techniques and skills that players need to learn and master to be able to play the sport well.

We created 3D Animations to teach youth sports to coaches and players because of these benefits:

1. Players ages 6 to 9 relate to Animated Characters – because it is easy to see themselves as that character.
2. Animated stories can teach Empathy – as youth envision themselves as a character in the story, they attach their emotions to that character and learn how they feel in a situation.
3. Animations are a Multi Sensory teaching tool – players SEE and HEAR what the character is doing. 3D animation allows the player to sense this learning from any perspective.
4. Animations separate the youth’s behavior from their person – when comfortable with the animated character it is easy for youth to envision themselves as that character. If that character can do a technique or skill youth, they believe they can do the technique or skill,. Seeing a video of an adult doing the skill does not transfer that belief that the youth can do that skill..Youth know adults can do things they are not physically capable of.
5. Youth Imitate Character’s Behavior and Actions  – ever see youth acting out a cartoon character behavior or action? It happens all the time. Youth absorb sports skills the same way.
6. Animations are an effective way to Convey Information – as youth become comfortable with a character, they focus on the message or actions being conveyed vs the person or environment presented in a video. 
7. Animations are a way to Engage Youth –  when youth are entertained they are engaged. If youth are watching an animation and they see some movement by a character does not conform, but is later corrected, they become engaged with Empathy. They also learn that correcting movement is acceptable form of behavior. They will watch for it.
8. Animated Stories create a Shared Viewing Experience – when watched as a group or even individually, one of the best ways to teach is to have a common story everyone sees and can talk about. Animations provide that safe story where the actions of the characters can be taken about.
9. Animations are a Powerful Social Learning Platform – animated characters present a safe method of discussing actions and making corrections to them, without singling out an individual.
10. Animations provide time to coaches and players to transition – showing an animation of a drill / activity during a water break to youth is a great way to allow everyone to do a mental reset and visioning for the next activity.

Through the years with computer 3D animation we can now create the perfect movement or Skill/Technique for players to Imitate.

We have motion captured the primary, intermediate, and advanced Foot Skills/Techniques for Soccer for youth to train with. We have created 3D Animations of Activities for coaches to use themselves and with players creating a “reverse-classroom” on the pitch.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Minute with Merrick – Avoiding the Rabbit Hold – Episode 2

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 1 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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MOTI Soccer App – Pasando el pie lateral 

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Bowtie Passing Drill – MOTI Sports – Soccer Activity Passing Square Bowtie

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Soccer Legend Alan Merrick | Beyond the Bench with Brandon Stemwedel

Podcast – Beyond the Bench with Brandon Stemwedel

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Beyond the Bench is a MOTI Sports production that takes a deep dive on important youth sports topics each month. Each episode includes interviews with generous guests that share their perspectives on issues from a life “Beyond the Bench” as youth sports coaches, administrators, and more.

Watch another episode of Beyond the Bench – Coach Kyle Bakas

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MOTI Sports – Character Development Series – Responsibility.

Watch the previous Character Development Series: Emotional Management

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MOTI Soccer App – Giro de gancho interior – 2021

Pasando el pie lateral – Watch another skill in Español

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MOTI Soccer Inside Hook Turn Skill – MOTI Soccer Training – MOTI Soccer app

View the article Making Skills Stick here.

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Character Development: Emotional Management

Watch the previous episode in the series here.

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MOTI Soccer 1v1 Soccer Training Drill – No keeper

1v1 with No Keeper – A great activity to promote the fun of being competitive taking the ball to goal being covered by an opponent. (35 seconds)

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The final month of the 2020-2021 school year has arrived, and along with it:  the countdown to summer for students & staff!  I thought it would be fun to share a few of the up & downs that I have experienced during this atypical school year.

Distance Learning for Physical Education classes is most definitely not an ideal situation.  As a teacher, we are just hopeful for all of the students to be on our google meet & to have their cameras on.  The interaction with younger students (fifth & sixth grade) went quite well, while the seventh & eighth graders have been more challenging to keep engaged.  For the most part, we have avoided any problems with technology & access to internet signal.

I have to admit that locating/formulating lesson plans is very tough, mainly because of a lack of space & equipment for students at home.  That being said, the successful lessons have been quite energizing & the students have not complained once during or after a lesson.

Masks in Physical Education Class were a challenge that nobody looked forward to (for the obvious reasons).  Our students have done an outstanding job of keeping the masks on, and making sure to pace themselves accordingly when the activity is a strenuous one.  We have also done a great job of creating outdoor activities that allowed students to take the masks off, when the weather cooperated with us.    

Quarantine of Students is the worst part of the 2020-2021 school year.  It was heartbreaking to watch as kids were leaving the building halfway through a school day because of possible exposure to a classmate that tested positive for COVID-19.  We would have situations where a portion of the class would remain in the building & others would be at home.  I was not allowed to teach to both groups at a time, so quarantined students were asked to either join an existing distance learning class or to complete one of my plans for the week independently. 

Youth Sports/Activities were a bright spot during the school year, even with COVID-19 protocols attached to them.  The normalcy of going to practice & competing against rival teams was a welcome situation at the end of the school day for our students, and it provided them with a fun opportunity to be a teammate once again.  It was also a good thing to see concerts, competitions, & traditions like prom back again this spring!

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Happy Mothers Day 2021, Special Thanks to Soccer Moms, from the MOTI Sports Team!

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MOTI Soccer app – Giro del gancho exterior

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MOTI WH Passing Square Technical Drill

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MOTI Soccer App – Paso de pie lateral 2021

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MOTI Sports – Character Development Series: Relationship Building

Watch Development Series: Responsibility

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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MOTI Soccer Outside Hook Turn Skill

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MOTI Youth Soccer Summit – Ian Barker – UNITED SOCCER COACHES

MOTI YOUTH SOCCER SUMMIT – Coaching and Educating in a Remote Environment: Maintaining the connection with parents, players, students & coaches.

View Skip Gilberts presentation from the Youth Soccer Summit here.

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Beyond the Bench 3D (Three Dimensional) Coaching, featuring Erik Lofald & Cal Barr – Episode 05 – Podcast

Beyond the Bench is a MOTI Sports production that takes a deep dive on important youth sports topics each month. Each episode includes interviews with generous guests that share their perspectives on issues from a life “Beyond the Bench” as youth sports coaches, administrators, and more.

Watch another episode of Beyond the Bench – Alan Merrick Soccer Legend

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MOTI Sports – MOTI Soccer App – 5v5 Rondo Drill

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Below is the evolution of the Practice Plan Landing Page.

• Version 1 – Always had the Team Announcement Board open to read (people had to slide down to read the plan)
• Version 2 – Minimized the Announcement Board. This allowed for users to see more of the plan, but required the Announcement Board to be Maximized for reading
• Version 3 – The addition of images representing Foot Skills and Drills. This allows you to slide your finger back and forth while touching the images to quickly find the one you are looking for, and Tap on the image will launch the animation. You can still slide down the Practice Plan to read the notes on each activity to the player & coach.
• Version 4 – This is the Practice Plan with the Announcement Board open

Version 1 Version 2 Version 3 Version 4

Legend of the Practice Plan

The Practice Plan is where you will arrive when you join a team in the MOTI™ Soccer Training Platform via the MOTI Soccer App.

We continue to enhance the user experience we thought it appropriate to refresh what each of these Icon(s) represent.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Planta del pie Arrastra hacia atras

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MOTI Soccer app – Sole of the Foot Dragback Skill

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Beyond the Bench – 3D (Three Dimensional) Coaching with Brandon Stemwedel, featuring Erik Lofald & Cal Barr.  Episode 4 – Part 2 of 3 – Podcast

Beyond the Bench is a MOTI Sports production that takes a deep dive on important youth sports topics each month. Each episode includes interviews with generous guests that share their perspectives on issues from a life “Beyond the Bench” as youth sports coaches, administrators, and more.

Watch another episode of Beyond the Bench – Alan Merrick Soccer Legend

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Personal Development in our youthful students’ need encouragement. Especially for young people to take action, how to be engaged, how to be focused, how to understand how improvement goals need to be established, how to fathom out how to initiate personal goals, then how to monitor and follow thru to a conclusion.

Character Development Series – Personal Development – MOTI Sports

Watch a previous episode in the series – Emotional Management

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Game Day for New Coaches – Episode 10

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 9 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
⚽ MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
⚽ MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Minute with Merrick – Episode 09 – Procrastination

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 8 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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MOTI Soccer App – Rollo Lateral de Suela – 2021

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MOTI Soccer App – Sole Lateral Roll Skill

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The first episode of Minute with Merrick.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 8 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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MOTI Youth Soccer Summit 2020 – Skip Gilbert CEO US Youth Soccer

MOTI YOUTH SOCCER SUMMIT – Coaching and Educating in a Remote Environment: Maintaining the connection with parents, players, students & coaches.

View Ian Barkers presentation from the Youth Soccer Summit here.

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3D SOCCER DRILL – MOTI Sports Five Pass Drill available in the MOTI Soccer App, explained by Alan Merrick.  Helps players working on passing accuracy, layoff pass, diagonal and thru ball.  

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MOTI Sports Passing Side Foot Skill. Best viewed in the MOTI Soccer app. Get it now on your Android or iOS device.

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Visit the Team Terminology terms page for key Soccer words and definitions.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 8 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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MOTI Sports Soccer Training Platform Video featuring Jemma Merrick.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Information and suggestions for the first time coach.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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The buzz among soccer coaching directors, recreational directors, and organizational leadership  revolves around several questions regarding training, retaining and growing youth players in that 13+ age range.

• How do we increase the percentage of players in recreation moving up to competitive, to greater than 30%?
• How do we decrease the fall off of the 60-70% of the players at age 13+ that leave the game?
• Should we try the Play-Practice-Play methodology to increase the “Fun” factor in hopes of both retaining players and improving their soccer skill set?
• How do we continue to provide advanced skills, techniques and tactics to players as they grow past the “parent coach” expertise level?

Yet, the conclusion is as you walk around and listen to the conversations, nothing seems to be breaking this pattern.

At MOTI Sports, we believe young players in recreation need to begin learning a solid foundation of foot skills/techniques.  

As young players begin to learn basic ball handling techniques, it becomes apparent their confidence and self-esteem increases.  Success from maintaining possession grows proportionally with the close ball skill handling, passing lane awareness and increasing the rapid movement of the ball between team-mates.  They develop the skills to beat their opponent and learn to restrict the player movements of opposing players.  They experience success, and it continues to grow.

During this lull between seasons, consider making a change. Bringing in skills training at the lower level of recreational soccer really helps players (and their parents) get involved in their own development if they have a mind to do that.

Change the stigma, so success is measured on the players’ ability to play, and not on their family’s ability to travel and pay for experienced coaching. Create community opportunities for solid recreational league 13+ (non-traveling) play so that players who cannot afford or parents, who don’t have the spare time to drive everywhere, have a viable socially acceptable alternative.

Hey, bring players back into the community, don’t make them leave.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Soccer is played at a frantic pace. Things happen quickly.

These single and uncomplicated instructions take the place of a long conversation with or from a coach or a teammate. Each word depicts an action that needs a calculated response.

KEEPER – The goalkeeper shouts this to inform defenders that they are coming off the line to take the ball – defenders cover to the side and behind.

Overlap – Initiated by a player passing the ball out to a wide-player (near the side of the pitch), and then links with that wide-player after running around the defender to the outside of the wide-player, to receive a pass from the wide-player creating a 2 v 1 movement.

Flank – On the side of the field depending on which way the player is facing.

OUT – Move up the field as a defensive unit leaving the opponent players in an offside position – a quick action.

SQUEEZE – Every player goes into a tight marking mode and is always done as a group effort nobody is open.

SIT – Informs a player to stay in that area of the field and take control of the game often midfield.

HOLD – Stay as a defensive unit, do not retreat back toward your own goal.

SAG – Come off and away a few yards from their player they are marking, time to think about how to give a little cover.

FILL IN – Go to the area of the field where a player has made a long run from and who will not be able to recover immediately.

Through – Where players are looking for a penetrating pass in the channels between defenders going to goal.

CLOSE DOWN – Deny the opponent any space or room to play, the immediate need is to limit the opponent player an opportunity to play a forward ball, make them play a square ball, and give no other passing channels or options.

BITE – This is encouragement for players to make a tackle usually from a player behind who is able to cover.

ORGANIZE – Talk to each other, regain the shape of the team, multiple players look around to mark and stop the opponents.

GOALSIDE – Place yourself and other players between the opponent and your goal slow down the opponent with the ball looking to gain time as a team.

PICK UP – Take initiative and mark their players.

RUNNER – One of the opposition players is making a run from midfield, a dangerous player who needs to be picked up.

TARGET – A command that is advising the player in possession to play the ball to a forward target player to start an attack.

EARLY BALL – Minimum number of touches to get the ball forward to target players, or into the danger zone across the face of the goal. Needs to be a penetrating pass, but not a big through ball that the goalkeeper can collect. A chipped flighted ball that drops behind the backline but has backspin so it just dies before the penalty spot. From the flanks, it is a wide player or a full back doing an overlap and before they get level to the top of the penalty box send a firm curved ball that flashes across the face of the goal between the 6-yard line and the penalty spot even top of the box if the defenders are keeping a high line. These types of deliveries are called ‘killer passes’ because they are so dangerous for defenders and goalkeepers to cope with and create the best offensive chances.

THIRD – Associated with a 3^rd player in a sequence of passes who makes a dynamic run into space, this player’s effort needs to be rewarded with a good pass as it springboards your team in offense.

SOLO – One v One situation going forward it gives the player the momentum to take their defender on to beat the player and go past to either go solo to a goal or get into a great passing situation to produce an ‘early ball’ to players in a better position to score.

ON DECK – The front players should be looking to make runs into the penalty box and get between the goalpost hash marks, near and far post, the weak side forward diagonal runs into the box to cover an over hit early ball. This type of run, when timed to match up with a wide player who is looking to serve an early ball across the face of the goal between either the top of the box or the six-yard line depending on how deep the server is and how advanced the runs have been made, the other early ball, is still between the penalty spot and six-yard line. A good service is going behind the last defender on the side of the delivery and has enough bend on it to straighten and flash across the face of the goal and is far enough from the keeper to handle the cross.

MAN ON – You are under pressure and about to be challenged. No panic, but you need to make quick decisions. Limit your touches of the ball in defensive areas play quickly the way you are facing keeping possession, move the ball quickly and decisively in midfield getting a ball into target players, and then getting the return pass releases the pressure. Forwards need to play under this pressure try and lure a defender to you so you can hold and retain the ball and shield it and with a quick release pass, use the space the defender who put you under pressure came from.  Hare and Fox games are fun.

TIME – You have no players around you or about to be challenged. Concentrate on the ball, get it under control early and use the extra time to punish the opponent by getting your head up and finding teammates, first with a look for an early ball or penetrating forward pass to feet.

NEAR – This is a body language signal where you place your hand palm up at the side and it represents a low ball to feet toward the six-yard box for a first-time finish on goal, find me I will find your service.

FAR – This is a body language signal where you raise your hand above your head to signify you can make a run to the far post, find me I will find your service.

CHANGE – Time to switch the play to the other flank, there will be open players and it will force the opponent to do a lot of running and even allow us to perform an overlapping run and get an early ball in across the face of their goal.

TWO TOUCH – Use the first touch to control the ball (i.e. to the side forward or turn) then pass or shoot.

FIRST TIME – Pass or shoot without any control or touch always think of accuracy on the pass to feet – on the shot hit the goal frame.

STEADY – Keep control of the ball, maintain possession, play the ball around and go and support. Play quickly but stay calm and in control – no real need to penetrate the opponent let players get into position. Slow the game down if the opponent has just made things a little hectic and your team needs to regroup and get your shape back.

TURN – No opponent players are close or behind you turn 180 Degrees and face up the field and select the best pass, which is likely a target player to feet.

BREAK – Go wide the full-backs and wide midfield players get both of their heels on the touchline; you see the entire field and give the most width that is available to our team.

All of these single words go to make a cohesive team terminology understanding of what is happening with in a game.  They are intended for each player to digest and try and install this communication across all positions and every game situation.

When you hear multiple players giving this advice on how to best succeed in a game you witness comradery, teamwork, and a general improvement in, group and individual performance and cooperation.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app to improve your skills:
⚽ MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
⚽ MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Movimiento lateral de 4 toques

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Life Lessons through Sports

Alan shares advice for youth soccer players, parents, coaches, and fans of soccer during these “Minute with Merrick” episodes.

Alan Merrick is MOTI’s Director of Soccer Content. Alan’s professional career began in England, where played for West Bromwich Albion as well as the English Junior National Team. He played for 10 years in England, before moving to the United States in 1976 to play for the Minnesota Kicks. His career as a player also included playing for the LA Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto Blizzard and for the US National Team – Team America. He coached the in-door NASL Team Minnesota Strikers for 6 years, and the University of Minnesota Men’s Club Team for over 20 seasons. Alan helped start the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association with others, held youth soccer camps across the upper Midwest, and has been a guest clinician for USSF coaching school courses for over 40 years. Alan holds coaching licenses in England, the USSF A License, and the Canadian Coaching License.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 8 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Minute with Merrick – Episode 07 – Life Lessons appeared first on MOTI Sports.

MOTI Sports Diamond Passing Drill as viewed in the MOTI Soccer app. Get the MOTI Soccer app for Android | iOS.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Skip Gilbert’s presentation at the MOTI Youth Soccer Summit that took place Dec. 2020.

Visit the Official MOTI Soccer Summit 2020 page: https://motisports.com/soccer-summit.php

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
⚽ MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
⚽ MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post MOTI Youth Soccer Summit – Skip appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Dr. Ben Schwamberger’s teacher panel presentation at the MOTI Youth Soccer Summit that took place Dec. 2020.

Visit the Official MOTI Soccer Summit 2020 page: https://motisports.com/soccer-summit.php

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
⚽ MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
⚽ MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Ian Barker’s presentation at the MOTI Youth Soccer Summit that took place Dec. 2020.

Visit the Official MOTI Soccer Summit 2020 page: https://motisports.com/soccer-summit.php

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
⚽ MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
⚽ MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

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Aug. 11, 1976: Alan Merrick, captain of the Minnesota Kicks, hoisted his son, Adam, 4 years old, for a victory wave after the Kicks stomped the Los Angeles Aztecs 6-2 to win the western division championship in the North American Soccer League in …

Read the full Dec. 10th Star Tribune article

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
⚽ MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
⚽ MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Sorrowful in Seattle: Minnesota soccer fans have seen this one before appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Learn more about Distance Learning with MOTI Virtual and the MOTI Soccer app for Teachers.

MOTI Sports Virtual Soccer Training

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post MOTI Virtual Soccer Training for Teachers appeared first on MOTI Sports.

MOTI Sports is hosting an online soccer conference and we want you to come. Join us on Wednesday, December 17th to watch demonstrations, follow discussions, and learn about staying relevant in the ever-changing sports environment.

Featured Speakers include; Skip Gilbert – CEO US Youth Soccer, Ian Barker – Director of Education United Soccer Coaches Association, Dr. Ben Schwamberger Associate Professor of Physical Education & School Health Program Department of Human Performance Minnesota State University.

SAVE THE DATE: Youth Soccer Summit

DATE: December 17, 2020 12:00-1:00pm (cst)

Register for the Summit

Visit the Official MOTI Soccer Summit 2020 page: https://motisports.com/soccer-summit.php

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post MOTI Youth Soccer Summit 2020 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

An Athlete’s Built in Stress Reliever

Alan shares advice for youth soccer players, parents, coaches, and fans of soccer during these “Minute with Merrick” episodes.

Alan Merrick is MOTI’s Director of Soccer Content. Alan’s professional career began in England, where played for West Bromwich Albion as well as the English Junior National Team. He played for 10 years in England, before moving to the United States in 1976 to play for the Minnesota Kicks. His career as a player also included playing for the LA Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto Blizzard and for the US National Team – Team America. He coached the in-door NASL Team Minnesota Strikers for 6 years, and the University of Minnesota Men’s Club Team for over 20 seasons. Alan helped start the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association with others, held youth soccer camps across the upper Midwest, and has been a guest clinician for USSF coaching school courses for over 40 years. Alan holds coaching licenses in England, the USSF A License, and the Canadian Coaching License.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 7 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Minute with Merrick – Episode 06 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

JEFF VENNELL // MEMBER SINCE 1971

Coaches at all levels have to develop the skills to plan a practice session to effectively prepare their team for matches. United Soccer Coaches courses provide a good framework that coaches can utilize when considering what to practice, why the main topic of the practice is needed, and what methodology best presents a systemic approach to reaching practice goals to prepare their team.

It is assumed that coaches are cognizant of safety factors involved prior to every practice such as making sure the goals are secured and checking to be certain the field surface is ready for training.

Step 1—Select the Topic

Youth-level coaches can select their topic from their adjusted seasonal plan. If the team needs to work on dribbling this week, then the practice plan should include dribbling. Possibly alerting the team to worry about “how fast Nicole is as the opposing striker” or “what team will be the next opponent” is not important. More experienced playing level coaches base their practices on observation of the team’s last match:

• What did the team accomplish in the last match and where did they fall short?
• When does the team play their next match?
• Who is the next opponent and what challenges do they create for their team?

The focus of the practice session should be as specific as possible. The more clearly a coach defines their goal the clearer it will be for players.

The coach should consider the following questions when choosing what topic to select for a training session: Is the focus of the training session on individual exercises, groups or blocks (backs + GK, midfielders, attackers) or team (11v11 or a small-sided exercises that mimic the team shape)? Should the focus be technical or tactical? What players are involved from your team, the opposing team? How will the coach start and restart the exercises to get maximum repetitions? Don’t try to accomplish too many targets during the practice; generally, two to three is usually good.

Step 2—Organize the Equipment

Once a coach has decided on the focus of the practice, the organization of practice equipment is important—soccer balls, cones/disks/flags, vests, portable goals, etc. Practice should begin with areas already defined, soccer balls ready, vests ready for the team, and which players will be in which group during the starting practice exercise.

Remember the Mechanics:

• Are the exercises appropriate to topic?
• Exercise details:
  • Number of Players
  • Restrictions
  • Number of Touches
  • Amount of Time
  • number of Goals
  • Number of Balls

• Proper use of space (approx. 10yds/Offensive Player)
• Practice spaces—don’t share boundaries
• Logical progressions—increase pressure incrementally for technical topics, complicate the environment as the practice progresses
• Coaching position—generally outside

Step 3—Create a Learning Environment

What makes up a learning environment?

• Players learn better by doing, not just hearing
• Teach don’t talk; coaches should not lecture
• Show what you want vs. telling what you want; remember: retention is 70% visual

Step 4—Select your Coaching Methodology

• Progressive Technical—build pressure from none to full as quickly as possible
• Progressive Tactical—possession, direction, counter direction, two directions with full pressure from opponents
• Functional Technical or Tactical—in the area where the players are located in a match
• Phase Play—play between two of the thirds of the field
• Shadow Play—adding opposition as play proceeds

Step 5 – THE Practice Warm Up:

» About 15-20% of allotted time related to topic

» Rehearse—physical and psychological preparation for the practice

• Team is ready to go at full speed when completed

Main Activities:

• About 45-50% of allotted time; usually 3-5 exercises

Concluding Activity—Game:

• About 30-35% of allotted time

» Implement topic in match environment

• Games with restrictions as needed

COACH—Observe—Stops

Warm Down:

• About 5% of allotted time – stretch, low-level activity, reinforce coaching points

Coaching Actions During Practice Exercises:

• Don’t forget that “catching the good” is an effective way to reinforce correct play and choices
• Identify the problems and the teachable moments
• Freeze the action
• Correct the mistake with effective demonstration or review a correct picture
• “Painting the correct picture” focused corrections (30-second rule – remember: the longer a coach talks the less players listen)
• Rehearse—coach the player, not the exercise
• Restart with success “WHEN – ON”

Remember that feedback—the single most important variable in skill learning—must be valid, precise, and specific vs. non-specific and focused on performance.

The following is from Bill Beswick, a sports psychologist in England.

Successful Coaches

Successful coaches take players out of their comfort zone, individually and collectively, to somewhere they have not been before—REACH THE POSSIBLE!

A Good Coach:

• Coaches the Whole Player
• Is Organized—Sell vs. Yell
• Has Focused Practices
• Has Challenging Practices
• Has Players Set Individual Goals
• Allows Freedom to Fail
• Facilitates Learning
• Balances Work, Rest, Relaxation
• Balances Praise/Criticism
• Has Players Take Responsibility
• Establishes 2-Way Communication

Good Luck!!!

Reprinted with permission from United Soccer Coaches.  Originally appeared in the November/December 2020 issue of Soccer Journal. https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/soccer-journal-issues/

The post GOOD PLANNING, PERFECT PRACTICE: appeared first on MOTI Sports.

As the season for playing soccer comes to an end and we enter the holidays, it is a great time to get players and students involved in the development of their foot skills. We all know if left alone a lot of sedentary time will occur around the house with players and students as they try to “relax”. Over the course of a few days, inactivity and lack of a routine to follow players and students will become irritable. Without steady exercise, it begins to affect family interactions as well. As humans, we are designed to be active. As parents, without activity, you can see firsthand the emotional effect on the players and students.

We are suggesting a solution that is working for youth.
Virtual Soccer Training allows youth in a small area to work on their foot skills in an internet video conference enhanced not only with a licensed coach, but also the MOTI Mobile App to provide those needed visual mental repetitions of how the skills are performed. 

Most internet training scenarios rely on a coach or player to demonstrate skills once or twice, maybe in a video. Our method allows youth to watch the skill on the MOTI Mobile App during the training session and as often as they desire on their own between classes.

If you are not able to afford our app (Skills begin free) or our class (costing about $8 per hour), we encourage you to have your player grab a ball for at least 20 minutes a day and go where they can practice and work on their foot skills and burn some calories.

It will improve their attitude and yours as a parent.

MOTI Sports Virtual Soccer Training is a coaching service that provides in-depth instruction to youth soccer players.

November sessions starting on the 30th (Mondays) are currently available. December sessions starting on the 7th (Mondays) and 14th are available. January sessions starting on the 11th & 13th, 12th & 14th and 16th & 17th are available. February sessions starting on the 22nd & 24th, 23rd & 25th, and 27th & 29th are available.

Learn more about MOTI Sports Virtual Soccer Training here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Keeping Kids Active – Emotionally Satisfying for everyone appeared first on MOTI Sports.

The Playing Out the Back Team Drill from the MOTI Soccer app, explained by Alan Merrick.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Out the Back Drill appeared first on MOTI Sports.

MOTI Sports Virtual Soccer Training is a coaching service that provides in-depth instruction to youth soccer players.

MOTI Sports is offering MOTI Virtual Training for 15% off for a limited time. Use the promotional code VSTSOCCER15. Perfect for your fall and winter training.

Learn more about MOTI Sports Virtual Soccer Training here https://www.motisports.com/virtual

The post 15% Off – Virtual Soccer Training appeared first on MOTI Sports.

The MOTI Sports Passing Side Foot Skill explained.

Check out another skill: Outside Hook Turn Skill

The post Passing Side Foot Skill appeared first on MOTI Sports.

This month’s podcast features Shannon Tanski Cornelius of the Duluth Heritage Foundation. Shannon shares best practices on how to be a good parent in youth sports!

Podcast – Beyond the Bench with Brandon Stemwedel

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Beyond the Bench is a MOTI Sports production that takes a deep dive on important youth sports topics each month. Each episode includes interviews with generous guests that share their perspectives on issues from a life “Beyond the Bench” as youth sports coaches, administrators, and more.

Watch another episode of Beyond the Bench – Alan Merrick Soccer Legend

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Beyond the Bench Podcast – Shannon Tanski Cornelius appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Welcome back to the 3-part series on MOTI Mobile drill controls. In this article the Drill Effects will be reviewed and explained. Utilizing these features, viewing and tracking the motion in the play is improved by the use of on-field annotation.

To recap, the review of the drill controls are divided into 3 parts. Topics for the 3 parts are:

1. Animation Controls and Overview – Part 1 introduced the main
   control panel, the animation controls and the menu/control-panel buttons.
2. Zoom Controls and Camera Views Menu– Part 2 covered both the
   zoom controls and the camera view menu that help with viewing the drill in different ways.
3. Drill Effects (this article) – Part 3 covers the drill effects
   that are available to help visualize the workings of the drill.

Review

The first article introduced layout of the drill controls in the panel and described the functionality of each of the buttons and controls. The content of the this article will be used as a basis of this article. Read the first article if these concepts are unfamiliar or a refresher is needed.

The second article reviewed the Zoom Controls and Camera Views Menu menu. Read the first article if these concepts
are unfamiliar or a refresher is needed.

Controls Overview

As described in the first article, the drill controls are located at the
bottom of the screen and are always on-screen. The follow sections will refer to the image below using both the icon and the numbers for identification.

Drill Effects

Pressing drill effects button (number 1, in the Controls Overview section) will activate a pop-up control where the drill effects can be activated and colored. Each setting is applied immediately to the scene. To deactivate the pop-up control, press the drill effects button again or press any other button.

When the application is first installed, all the settings for the drill effects are off and set to the color black (see the above image). Changing the on/off state and color is fully customizable by the user and will be remembered between viewing different.

On/Off States

Each of the buttons (e.g. Show, Routes, Trails) is a toggle switch. Pressing on a one of the buttons will toggle the state of the effect off->on or on->off.

Off State – Below is the “off” state of a Routes button

On State – Below is the “on” state of a Routes button

Display Color

Each of the gray-bordered boxes next to the on/off state toggle switches is a button that will launch the Color Picker (see the follow section for more information). In the above image, all the colors are black.

Color Picker Button

The following explanations will reference the two images directly below.

The following are the effects that can be configured:

Featured Players and Featured Balls

Featured players/balls are defined by the author of the drill and are intended to show specific player/ball movements. The settings for “featured” players/balls supersede any settings for “all” player/balls.

Show option

When activated, a dais will appear beneath the player/ball and will move as the player/ball moves. The dais will always be attached to the ground (even if the ball is kicked in the air or the player jumps). Note that not all drills will have featured players or featured balls.

An example of a featured player is shown below with the Show option “on” and colored in “red”.

Routes and Trails options

These options will be reviewed in the “All Players and All Balls” section directly below.

All Players and All Balls

These settings will apply to all the players and all the balls in the scene (unless the options are superseded by the Featured Players or Featured Balls).

Routes option

This option will display the immediate past and the immediate future paths of the scripted player/ball as they move. In the above images, in the Drill Effects Pop-Up, the routes for the players are
turned “on” and have a turquoise color. The routes can be seen on the ground around the players.

Trails option

This option will display where the player/ball has been and will follow the player/ball as it moves. When a player/ball stops, the trail will disappear shortly thereafter. In the above images, in the Drill Effects Pop-Up, the trails for the balls are turned “on” and have a purplish color. The trails can be seen on the ground around the ball.

Color Picker

When one of the gray-bordered color squares in theDrill Effects Pop-Up is pressed the Color Picker Pop-Up will show. To dismiss
the Color Picker Pop-Up, press the “Cancel” button to discard the changes, or “OK” to keep the changes.

The color picker control set (numbers 1 through 6, directly above) shows the current color of the effect chosen. The parts of the color picker set are:

Title (number 1)

The title shows the effect that is being edited.

Saturation control (number 2)

Pressing anywhere in the colored area will change the color to be more or less intense (without changing the Hue). The Saturation marker (see 6, below) reflects the current setting.

Hue control (number 3)

Pressing anywhere in the rainbow area will change the color to be in a different area (without changing the Saturation). The Hue maker (see 7, below) reflects the current setting.

Cancel button (number 4)

Pressing this will close the pop-up and discard the changes that were made.

OK button (number 5)

Pressing this will close the pop-up and apply the changes that were made. The changes will be applied to the drill and will be reflected in both the drill and the color square next to the effect name (e.g. Show, Routes, Trails).

Saturation marker (number 6)

This marker shows the current saturation that is being displayed.

Hue marker (number 6)

This marker shows the current hue that is being displayed.

In Conclusion

The Drill Effects provide the user an improved
understanding of the motion of drill. Adjust the colors and state of the effects to pinpoint specific movements and players or balls.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Drill Camera Controls Series 3 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

New Coach? What now?

Alan shares advice for youth soccer players, parents, coaches, and fans of soccer during these “Minute with Merrick” episodes.

Alan Merrick is MOTI’s Director of Soccer Content. Alan’s professional career began in English as he played for West Bromwich Albion as well as the English Junior National Team. He played for 10 years in England, before moving to the United States in 1976 where he played for the Minnesota Kicks. His career as a player also included playing for The LA Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto Blizzards, before returning to Minnesota to play for the Minnesota Kicks once again, and Playing for the US National Team – Team America. He coached the in-door NASL Team, the Minnesota Strikers for 6 years, and the University of Minnesota Men’s Club Team for over 20 seasons. Alan helped start the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association with others and has been coaching youth players, and teaching coaches for over 40 years. Alan holds coaching licenses in England, the USSF A License, and Canadian Coaching License.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 6 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Minute with Merrick Episode 05 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Parents or Players can now decide where and when they receive the needed instruction from inspired coaches to develop their foot skills or techniques via Interactive video conferencing.

Learn more about MOTI Sports Virtual Soccer Training here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Virtual Soccer Training appeared first on MOTI Sports.

The Cruyff Move from the MOTI Soccer app, explained by Alan Merrick.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post The Cruyff Move appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Alan shares advice for elementary, middle school, and physical education teachers on how to integrate proper and effective soccer lesson plans into in-person, hybrid, or distance learning curriculum and teacher lesson plans.

Alan Merrick is an international soccer legend both as a professional player and coach, Alan now dedicates his time to teaching the sport with MOTI Sports’ 3D Mobile Soccer Training Platform.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Soccer Lesson Plans For Teachers appeared first on MOTI Sports.

This month’s podcast features Kyle Bakas, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Kyle’s vast experience as a youth coach, high school coach, Director of Coaching at the club level, and now as a college coach has given him great insights into how to develop, retain and recruit players.

Podcast – Beyond the Bench with Brandon Stemwedel

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Beyond the Bench Podcast – Kyle Bakas appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Alan shares advice for youth soccer players, parents, coaches, and fans of soccer during these “Minute with Merrick” episodes.

Alan Merrick is MOTI’s Director of Soccer Content. Alan’s professional career began in English as he played for West Bromwich Albion as well as the English Junior National Team. He played for 10 years in England, before moving to the United States in 1976 where he played for the Minnesota Kicks. His career as a player also included playing for The LA Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto Blizzards, before returning to Minnesota to play for the Minnesota Kicks once again, and Playing for the US National Team – Team America. He coached the in-door NASL Team, the Minnesota Strikers for 6 years, and the University of Minnesota Men’s Club Team for over 20 seasons. Alan helped start the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association with others and has been coaching youth players, and teaching coaches for over 40 years. Alan holds coaching licenses in England, the USSF A License, and Canadian Coaching License.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 5 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Minute with Merrick Episode 04 – Let the Coaches Coach appeared first on MOTI Sports.

MOTI Sports is seeking licensed Youth Soccer Coaches.

Are you an experienced licensed Youth Soccer Coach? Use this link to send us an email with your Soccer resume attached. We will contact you with more details about becoming a MOTI Virtual Soccer Coach.

This is a contracting job opportunity for Coaches to make money in their spare time teaching Soccer virtually.

The post Youth Soccer Coaching Jobs appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Welcome back to the 3-part series on MOTI Mobile drill controls. In this
article the Zoom Controls and Camera View Menu
will be reviewed and explained. Utilizing these features, reviewing the
play from a multitude of angles and levels of detail is possible.

To recap, the review of the drill controls are divided into 3 parts. Topics
for the 3 parts are:

1.  Animation Controls and Overview – Part 1 introduced the main
   control panel, the animation controls and the menu/control-panel buttons.
2. Zoom Controls and Camera Views Menu (this article) – Part 2
   covers both the zoom controls and the camera view menu that help with
   viewing the drill in different ways.
3.  Drill Effects – Part 3 will cover the drill effects that are
   available to help visualize the workings of the drill.

Review

The first article introduced layout of the drill controls in the panel and
described the functionality of each of the buttons and controls. The
content of the previous article will be used as a basis of this article.
Read the first article if these concepts are unfamiliar or a refresher is
needed.

Controls Overview

As described in the first article, the drill controls are located at the
bottom of the screen and are always on-screen. The follow sections will
refer to the image below using both the icon and the numbers for
identification.

Zoom Controls

Pressing zoom controls button (number 1, in the Controls Overview section) will activate a pop-up control
that can change the zoom of the camera. This allows the user to zoom in or
out while not moving the camera. To deactivate the pop-up control, press
the zoom controls button again or press any other button.

The zoom control set (numbers 1, 2 and 3, directly above) shows the current
zoom level, the available range of the zoom and allows the user to finely
control the zoom of the camera. The parts of the zoom control set are:

Decrease zoom button “-” (number 1)

Each press of this button will decrease the zoom level 1/10^th of
the total zoom range. This has the visual effect of zooming out and seeing
more of the field, but less detail. Once the zoom range reaches the
left-most position in the range, pressing this button will have no effect.

Position slider control (number 2)

This slider represents the total range available for the zoom. The position
of the round button represents the current zoom level that is being
displayed. Pressing and dragging the round button left or right will change
the zoom level. Drag left to zoom out. Drag right to zoom in.

Increase zoom button “+” (number 3)

Each press of this button will increase the zoom level 1/10^th of
the total zoom range. This has the visual effect of zooming in and seeing
less of the field, but more detail. Once the zoom range reaches the
right-most position in the range, pressing this button will have no effect.

Utilizing the zoom is a convenient way to view detail or view a larger
amount of the field without moving the camera. However, it is important to
note that the effect of the extremes of the zoom can make changing the view
or moving or around the field (by the on-screen joysticks or mouse)
visually confusing. When zoomed all the way in, the camera will appear to
move/pan very quickly. Additionally, when zoomed all the way out, the
camera will appear to move/pan very slowly, but have a fish-eye effect. In
both instances, the camera is moving/panning at the same speed. Keeping the
zoom level in the mid-range while moving/panning produces the most visually
appealing effect.

Camera Views Menu

Pressing the camera views button (number 2, in the Controls Overview section) will display a pop-up menu that
contains a list of camera views that are available. Selecting an item from
this menu will move the camera to the location and the view described by
the menu item. Pressing and sliding a finger up and down in the menu area
will reveal additional items, if the entire list is not visible. To
deactivate the pop-up menu, press the camera views button again, select a
view from the menu or press any other button.

Contained in this menu are several default views of the field that will
appear with every drill. The names and descriptions of the default views
can be seen in the displayed menu view, directly above. Additionally,
depending on the drill, there may be camera drill-specific views that show
the drill, as the coach would like it viewed. These help the coach and
player focus on key elements of the drill.

As a note, selecting one of the views will also reset the camera zoom to a
level specific to the view.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the Zoom Control and Camera Views Menu
help the user view the drill from a multitude of angles and levels of
detail. Additionally, look for drill-specific views to gain additional
insight into the drill, as the coach would like the user to see it.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Drill Camera Controls Series 2 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Alan shares advice for youth soccer players, parents, coaches, and fans of soccer during these “Minute with Merrick” episodes.

Alan Merrick is MOTI’s Director of Soccer Content. As an international soccer legend both as a professional player and coach, Alan now dedicates his time to teaching the sport with MOTI Sports’ 3D Mobile Soccer Training Platform.

Watch Minute with Merrick Episode 4 here

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Minute with Merrick Episode 03 appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Families that Play together…Stay together

Most families that had “busy schedules” prior to the pandemic have slowed almost to a stop along with their physical activity levels.

Take the initiative playing “pickup soccer” as a family physical activity that is fun and rewarding. 

Parents, children, grandparents, close family members all benefit from not only physical activity but also from the competitive social interaction.

A soccer ball and a little space outside provide all the resources necessary to enjoy a simple family game of “pickup soccer.” 

Teaming one parent with one sibling against another parent with another sibling forms the basis of an aerobic activity that we all can use. Then change teams after 5 minutes.

It always amazes children as they see the competitiveness arise from parents outside of their typical parental roles as they compete with each other. 

The ability for parents or grandparents to impart those teachable moments and the skills needed to defend the ball, passing control, faking a move, and taking the shot when it is timely, is truly rewarding experiences.

If you are unsure of the proper foot skills to use or teach as a parent, we can help! 

• Download the MOTI Soccer app from your App Store for Free. 
• Touch “I am new to MOT Sports”, answer some simple questions indicating an interest in Player Skills
• You’re on a Practice Plan loaded with interactive 3D Foot Skills that you can watch listen to the coach and learn – for FREE.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

You can practice inside in a tight space such as a garage or basement. As you gain confidence, then move to a larger area.

Now begin playing one vs. one with your child, showing them how you are controlling or trying to control the ball. 

You can play a game of “keep away” for fun. Change control from one person to the other, so defending the possession of the ball experienced is shared.

Passing the ball back and forth between two players for skill development. As your confidence progresses, then add another player. If you each have a ball, a simple game of soccer golf around the yard is a blast.

If four family members are available now, you can play as teams with 2 vs. 2.  Or for a short trip head to the tennis/pickleball court and play some soccer tennis!

In the end your entire family will enjoy the experience 

You’ll be glad you did!

The post Family that Plays Together appeared first on MOTI Sports.

U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION RELEASES COMPLETE RETURN TO PLAY
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR “PLAY ON” CAMPAIGN DURING COVID-19

“PLAY ON” Phases Provide Guidance for Return to Full-Team Competitions;
Each Phase Should Be Implemented Only If and When Local Regulations Deem It Safe

U.S. Soccer has released the final phase of its five-phase PLAY ON campaign, providing coaches, players, parents, referees, and administrators with the complete return-to-play guidelines during COVID-19 to help ensure the safety of all participants.

PLAY ON was created to inform and assist in the process of organized soccer returning to play nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and is divided into five progressive phases, from Phase 0 (stay at home) to Phase IV (no COVID-19 related restrictions). With Phase I and II already released, Phase III has now been published at ussoccer.com/playon, providing the complete return-to-play recommendations as Phase IV is the return to normal soccer activity without restrictions.

While Phase III allows for full-team competitions to return, each phase of the return-to-play recommendations should only be taken if and when state and local COVID-19 regulations deem it safe.

“While we’ve now released our full return-to-play guidelines, it’s important that everyone first follow local and state regulations before taking any steps forward,” said U.S. Soccer Chief Medical Officer George Chiampas. “Different areas of the country are at different phases, or even returning to previous phases, as the entire country continues to deal with coronavirus outbreaks. Clubs and teams should take a slow and methodical progression between phases to make sure that all participants will be as safe as possible.”

PLAY ON includes a comprehensive Grassroots Soccer Recommendation Guide that provides all those involved in youth soccer – players, coaches, parents, administrators, and referees –important safety protocols to consider and implement at each stage of return to play. The guides also contain valuable information that can be applied to all levels of the game.

Phase I of PLAY ON allows for training in small groups, while Phase II provides for full-team training and the newly launched Phase III presents recommendations for the safe return and management of the full-team competition. Even in Phase III, COVID-19 prevention and response protocols, outlined in earlier Phases, should still be followed. Social distancing should be maintained when possible and teams are recommended to only participate in regional single-day events to avoid significant travel or overnight stays.

Each phase should follow sequentially, with Phase I suggested to last four-six weeks and Phase II three-six weeks before progressing to Phase III.

• Phase I Grassroots Soccer Recommendation Guide
• Fase I Guía de Recomendaciones de Fútbol Base
• Phase II Grassroots Soccer Recommendation Guide
• Fase II Guía de Recomendaciones de Fútbol Base
• Phase III Grassroots Soccer Recommendation Guide
• Fase III Guía de Recomendaciones de Fútbol Base

“Regardless of which phase a club or team is operating in, everyone should be prepared to take a step back and revert to an earlier phase if needed,” said Chiampas. “This can be in response to increased risk, cluster outbreaks, updates to public health guidelines, or an inability to safely maintain COVID-19 prevention and response protocols. It is important to remain vigilant and flexible as we prepare for every scenario. By prioritizing the safety of our soccer community, we can preserve the health of those around us and help ensure that our sport can remain a part of our lives at this time.”

For additional insight on the safe return to play, U.S. Soccer Coaching Education hosted a webinar with Dr. Chiampas earlier this summer that can be viewed here.

U.S. Soccer also encourages all players, coaches, parents, referees, and administrators to take the PLAY ON Pledge, an oath to stay informed and to follow recommendations from medical professionals, to be honest in their self-evaluation and to be responsible to themselves, their family and their communities.

Through PLAY ON, U.S. Soccer will continue to provide updates and resources to the soccer community as the summer continues, to help it navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Along with providing best practices in the detailed and in-depth recommendation guides, the PLAY ON initiative includes instructional videos, sample training exercises, infographics, and other resource materials. All the resources for the PLAY ON initiative can be found in a virtual hub at ussoccer.com/playon.

• Watch U.S. Soccer PLAY ON Five Phases of Return to Play
• Read Frequently Asked Questions about PLAY ON
• Take the PLAY ON Pledge
• View PLAY ON Tips and Graphics

Returning to the field after a long period off may add to the stress your body experiences while coaching. U.S. Soccer partner KT Tape® can help provide pain relief and support. KT Tape® offers a wide variety of products from kinesiology tape for a new ache or pain, or an ice/heat product for pre- or post-workout. Check out their latest deals at www.kttape.com and watch their video instructions to learn how to apply KT Tape® at www.kttape.com/instructions.

Reprinted with permission.

The post US Soccer Return To Play appeared first on MOTI Sports.

Alan will share advice for elementary, middle school, and physical education teachers on how to integrate proper and effective soccer lesson plans into in-person, hybrid, or distance learning curriculum.

Alan Merrick is an international soccer legend both as a professional player and coach, Alan now dedicates his time to teaching the sport with MOTI Sports’ 3D Mobile Soccer Training Platform.

The post Soccer Lesson Plans for Teachers appeared first on MOTI Sports.

MOTI Mobile Camera Controls for Drills provides the user with dynamic options to review and study drills.  From tracking a player on the field to viewing a drill from overhead to actually being the player, the camera controls provide a multitude of options.

The review of the camera modes will be divided into 4 different parts.  Topics for the 4 parts are:

1. Motion Controls and Overview (this article) – Part 1 will introduce the motion controls available to the user (finger-gestures and on-screen joysticks) and provide a high-level overview of each of the camera modes.
2. Pivot-In-Place and Rotate-Around-Location – Part 2 covers two modes that provide a very flexible overview of a drill. As a note, Pivot-In-Place is the default mode when a drill starts.
3. Follow-Player, Follow-Ball, Track-Player, and Track-Ball – Part 3 will explore the ‘follow’ and ‘tracking’ options. These modes facilitate focusing on specific player/ball in a complex drill.
4. Top-Down Perspective – Part 4 reviews a viewing-mechanism of the field that will be very familiar with users that play some of the most popular real-time strategy games.

Motion Controls

The motion of the camera can be controlled by finger-gestures and by the on-screen joysticks.

Finger Gestures

Common finger gestures are used with the touchscreen.  The effect of the finger gestures will change based on the camera mode that is selected.  The individual effects will be outlined in the article that contains the camera mode.   The following terms in these articles will be used to describe motion on the touchscreen.  Currently, the finger gestures are:

Slide left/right

Single press and hold on the touchscreen then sliding the finger right and left.

Slide up/down

Single press and hold on the touchscreen then sliding the finger up and down.

Single Select

Single press and release on the touchscreen.

On-Screen Joysticks

There are two on-screen joysticks that are available, depending on the camera mode.  The effect of the on-screen joysticks will change based on the camera mode, however, the each joystick maintains a specific function.  The two joysticks are Elevation Joystick (see below, yellow #1, outlined in blue) and Location Joystick (see below, yellow #2, outlined in blue).  The image below shows them in their default modes.

Clicking on either of the joystick icons will activate it.  Only one joystick will be active at a time.

Elevation Joystick

Once the Elevation Joystick is activated, it becomes larger so that it is more easily used.   There are three button areas of this joystick.

1. Increase Elevation (see above, yellow #1, outlined in light blue) – Pressing the upper part of the joystick will increase the elevation of the camera.
2. Decrease Elevation (see above, yellow #2, outlined in light blue) – Pressing the bottom part of the joystick will decrease the elevation of the camera.
3. Close Joystick (see above, yellow #3) – Pressing the center circle of the joystick will close the joystick and put it back into the default joystick mode.

Location Joystick

Once the Location Joystick is activated, it becomes larger so that it is more easily used.   There are five button areas of this joystick.

1. Move Forward (see above, yellow #1, outlined in light blue) – Pressing the upper part of the joystick will move the camera forward (similar to stepping forward in the facing direction).
2. Move Right (see above, yellow #2, outlined in light blue) – Pressing the right part of the joystick will move the camera to the right (similar to side-stepping right while looking forward).
3. Move Back (see above, yellow #3, outlined in light blue) – Pressing the upper part of the joystick will move the camera back (similar to stepping back while looking forward).
4. Move Left (see above, yellow #4, outlined in light blue) – Pressing the left part of the joystick will move the camera to the left (similar to side-stepping left while looking forward).
5. Close Joystick (see above, yellow #5, in the center) – Pressing the center circle of the joystick will close the joystick.

Camera Modes Menu

The camera controls are activated through the camera mode button located near the top left corner of the drills screen (see below, yellow #1, outlined in blue).

Pressing the camera mode button will activate a slide-out menu with all the camera modes that are available (see below).   To change the camera mode, simply reactive the menu and select a new mode.

Camera Modes

The five camera modes available are:

Pivot-In-Place

This camera mode allows the user to easily look around with finger gestures and move with the joystick.  This is the default mode.

Rotate-Around-Location

This camera mode allows the user to rotate around a single location on the field.  When this mode is picked the user will be asked to Single-Select a point on the field.  Once the point is selected (called the rotation-point), the mode is active.  Finger-gestures and joysticks will be used to move the camera.

Follow Player/Ball

In this camera mode the camera will follow a player or ball as the player or ball moves on the field.  The camera acts as if it is attached to the player or ball.  When this mode is picked, the user will first choose to follow a player or ball (through a new menu) and then will be asked to select the player or ball with a Single-Select.

Track Player/Ball

In this camera mode the camera will track a player or ball as the player or ball moves on the field, without the camera moving.   The camera acts like a stadium camera that follows players or balls.  When this mode is picked, the user will first choose to track a player or ball (through a new menu) and then will be asked to select the player or ball with a Single-Select.

Top Down Perspective

This camera mode tilts the camera to a fixed downward angle.  Finger-gestures and joysticks will be used to move the camera.

Back/Cancel

When this button is pressed, the Camera Mode menu will hide and the camera mode will not be changed.

Summary

In this article, we have covered the motion controls available to the user and given an overview of each of the camera modes.  In subsequent articles, the camera modes will be reviewed in detail.

View Part Two of this article series on App Camera Control here.

Get the MOTI Soccer Training app:
MOTI Soccer for Android: https://motisports.com/google-soccer-app/
MOTI Soccer for iOS: https://motisports.com/apple-soccer-app/

The post Drill Camera Controls appeared first on MOTI Sports.