Coaches Blog

Strikers are special players and they need lots specific games and sessions that give them loads and loads of opportunities to create and take shots and have finishes at goals.

When coaching, particularly when the coaching involves games, try and apply the basic principles of soccer coaching. Remember KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid.

A football parent. It is something wonderful and precious. We are committed, supportive, encouraging and always there  for our child, whether it is a win, draw or loss. The best football parents can keep a perspective on it all and a smile on their face.

Every week there is a contentious handball issue. This weekend, Sanchez scores a goal for Arsenal against Hull, with his hand.  In the vital relegation game Swansea v Leicester, the Leicester Captain, Wes Morgan comes flying out to block a shot. He throws himself at  the ball, his hand is away from his body and the ball hits his arm, stopping the shot going towards the goal. No handball!!

A recent blog , UEFA B Game – Develop finishing from crosses has been a big hit. We have had lots of really positive feedback. Last night Sheffield Wednesday played Birmingham. The second Wednesday goal came about through a bit of link play, a pass out wide to the right, a whipped cross and two great runs from the forwards to attack the cross, resulting in a headed goal. That is why, as coaches, we work so hard on the training ground, to develop and improve players and sometimes, like last night, we see how a game related, rotating crossing and finishing training game, results in all the hard work being worth while.

UEFA B game designed to improve game related finishing from crossing.

A follow up to the recent post of the Technique of 1 v 1 defending. In this defending practice, we focus on the basics of 1 v 1 defending. Closing down as the ball travels: Distances: Body position: and feet movement