Training For Soccer

The system we have in regards to training for soccer in America is steadily improving. However there are still some flaws. I coach many kids of various ages and notice some key things missing from all of them. These are the 3 areas I feel need the most improvement:

1- Long Passing
2- Movement off the Ball
3- Understanding of Defensive Marking on Set Plays

Long passing is really not taught to young players in America. Players are taught to use the inside of their foot for short passes and their laces for shots. When it comes to placing a pass over 30-40 yards, that is left to chance. Players need to be taught how to put back spin on a ball so it'll hold up behind a defense, how to drive the ball hard and low to play into a players feet, etc. This needs to be included in the training for soccer for our youth. Considering our country plays a very direct style, one would think that long passing would be a crucial part of our training curriculum, but it is not.

Movement off the ball is arguably the most important tactical concept for a player to know. Players need to learn this early on in their training for soccer. It's easy to understand how to move with the ball at your feet, but truly exceptional players are always available for their teammates. The best players I have ever played with were always the easiest to understand on the field because their movement was sharp, simple, and early. This needs to be taught to young Americans.

This is a very specific topic but young players in this current time have no idea how to mark a player on a defensive set piece. This is not covered in their training for soccer! The simplest concept of this is to never let your mark run across your body. Once an attacker get across you, you're beaten. Players must learn how to position their body to keep their mark on the outside of them so they have a better chance of winning the ball.

Important aspects of the game like this can not be left to chance. Training for soccer routines must include these 3 neglected topics if we plan to ever win a World Cup.

Check out http://www.mysoccerguide.com to view an instructional soccer training book written by Matt Avellino, a professional soccer player. There's a Free Preview on the homepage of this revolutionary soccer education resource and a demo video of some of the drills from the actual eBook.

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