Seasons
Videos
Pass & Movement Effectiveness
Another example of the maestro's impeccable ball sense. Pay attention to the timing, weight, and accuracy of the pass that splits the defence. Pay SPECIAL attention to Messi's movement immediately after releasing the pass.
Men & Women's Soccer - Gap Closing Fast!
Playing the game like a girl has been evolving in meaning...and continues to. Bless all investors.
Splitting Tight 1st & 2nd Defenders
Instructions on carrying the ball has typically impressed it upon players to dribble with one foot for optimal balance and efficiency of motion, rather than kicking with left and right (which for convenience of reference I call “double-dribbling”).
This video from today’s shocking defeat of Germany by Colombia, 18-year-old Linda Caicedo demo’d a situational expediency for double-dribbling – when the 2nd defender is very close to the 1st and the attacker has to split them. And the finishing… Enjoy!
USA at the Women's World Cup - Magic Johnson Pass(es)
USA Match 1
What I loved about USA’s 1st goal of World Cup 2023
Midfielder captain Horan received a comfortable pass from her center-back, World Cup debuting Girma, and released a Magic Johnson (no-look) pass over 20 yards to the feet of tightly-marked veteran striker Alex Morgan at the edge of the box. Striker Sophie Smith to Morgan's right, heralded as one to watch at the tournament, started her run in anticipation of Morgan’s smart soccer capabilities. Morgan checked in for the long ball from Horan, taking her marker with her and somehow slid the ball behind her into Smith’s uncontested path.
Coaching points: Timely accurate passes – long or short range. Trust teammates’ alertness to find you – make your run behind the D confidently.
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Tutorial - Through Ball
Perfectly-timed through ball on offense often leads to brilliant goals. Note the coordinated timing of the ball release by the midfielder and the striker's run into the space behind the defender.
Taking Effective Shots
Quite engaging curiosity and questions on our drills this week - especially taking more powerful shots. This clip demos our exercise. Review it often.
Play to the Whistle - Japan Goal WC 2022
The Japan goal against Spain, which knocked Germany out of World Cup 2022 was NOT out of bounds!
Tutorial on Chipping
The ability to chip the ball over a challenge or obstacle is a handy weapon for a player. This videoclip demonstrates a spilled ball that has to be lobbed (chipped) over potential interception. The effective chip is made with the blade of the cleat – essentially the side of the big toe with the cleat making contact with the “most underside” part of the ball. The height of the ball is more important than the distance it travels. The ball must descend in time to be effective - whether it's a pass or scoring opportunity. Practice!
Tutorial on Juicing up Your Shot
It’s mostly in the touch before the shot (The TOUCH). When you can, map your finishing shot after this clip. Pay attention to the following:
• Be reasonably removed from the nearest challenger.
• Receive the pass with The TOUCH – Note the combination of the Cushion, Twist, Push in the single touch. Study the slo’ mo’.
• Quick approach to plant the non-kicking foot next to or slightly ahead of the moving ball
• Strike with all power, with the laced part of the foot, at the “equator” of the ball
• Follow through with all of your momentum
Even the goalies would applaud.
Tutorial from Your Very Own Video - Give & Go
The pros can do it; so CAN you (even if not at the same pace). Here’s one teaching moment from a segment of the practice last week. The message of the yellow highlights? Share about it Tuesday/as convenient.
Play safely.
