| Spotlight on Technical Training: Receiving the Ball and Playing under Pressure | ||||
 Attending try-outs and pool training sessions with an elite program can be a grueling time for some young players, but one of the major factors that my coaches and I take into consideration when select our training pools is: "How comfortable is the player when he/she is gaining possession of the ball?" As I mentioned in last month's Spotlight, teaching technique to young players is something that should be a number one priority for you to focus on. Helping players improve their first touch and become more comfortable on the ball (with or without pressure) will allow your players to relax more when playing the game. This Spotlight focuses on this technical aspect of the game and also has an article/lesson plan for you to provide your players with so they can improve their first touch during their own time. |
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Below are four sample lesson plans that focus on First Touch & Receiving the ball along with a training plan which you can distribute to your players that will help them develop better foot skills. Many coaches also like to build a library which the can use for the season, you can do this by writing your own plan out on a blank practice planning form (see sample Lesson Plan Form) or using other resources such as the Lesson Plans on the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association website. For more lesson plans, click here! |
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| Target Players Receiving the Ball | ||||
| by Lawrence Fine FineSoccer.com | ||||
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If a center midfielder has the ball and is looking to play the ball up to a target player who is under pressure, it’s important for the target player to position himself or herself in a way that they will receive the ball “side on” to the defender. This means, positioning their body in a way so that instead of having their back to the defender, they have their shoulder to the defender which allows the target player to receive the ball with the opposite foot allowing the target player to use their entire body to shield the ball from the defender. To read the whole article "Target Players Receiving the Ball", click here. |
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This interactive web skill segment is comprised of 4 slides on improving players ball skills. After view the graphics and the coach tips on each of the slides, be sure to click on the [Video] button to see the online training session with the players. |
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| To view the slides and play the video clip, click here. | ||||
| RECOMMENDED READING: | ||||
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Paperback / Reedswain / October 2004 / 1591640784 / List Price $14.95 This book offers a proven method of developing ball skills, the first touch and two footed players. The repetition of the movements makes the skills almost automatic in actual game situations, allowing the player to play with his head up and focus on the tactical solution rather than controlling the ball at his feet. Focus is on developing skillful players who are able to perform on both sides of the body in match conditions. To learn more about this book, click here For more Recommended Books for Youth Soccer Coaches, click here! |
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Smart First Touches: Developing The
Skillful Player
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