Listed below are some of the benefits which include:

• increases aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health
• lowers body fat and improves muscle tone
• builds strength, flexibility and endurance
• increases muscle and bone strength
• improves health due to shifts between walking, running and sprinting.
• is generally a non-contact sport
• teaches coordination
• promotes teamwork and sharing
• teaches you to ‘think on the run’
• helps to increase skills in concentration, persistence and self-discipline
• is a great way to meet people and exercise with friends
• can provide an opportunity to increase your confidence and self-esteem, and help to reduce anxiety
• requires very little equipment so it can be played in the backyard or park
• is relatively easy to learn, so beginners can easily join in the fun and play basic soccer for recreation is an international sport.

The post Some of the many Benefits of Soccer appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

JOHN GALLUCCI, JR.

The development of core strength is important for all athletes. The core is where balance originates and is what helps a player stand up, change directions, stop at a moments notice and breathe through it all. Core muscles are important for a soccer player — core strength is needed for endurance … that burst of speed and ability in the 90th minute that can win games. Core workout usually refers to the abdominal muscles but it can also include other muscles like the gluteus maximus.

John Gallucci Jr., MLS Medical Coordinator for more than 600 professional soccer players and FOX Sports medical analyst discusses the importance of core strength for an athlete.

What is Core Strength?

The core, by definition is the center or most important part of something and this definition holds true when speaking about a core in terms of the human body. The core, simply put, involves all muscles located within your torso; the body minus the arms and legs.

Why is Core Strength important?

When we think about a core — whether it be in an apple or in the human body — we are talking about the central, strong stabilizing aspect of the object or being.

The core is where power, strength, endurance and balance originate. It is what helps us stand up, stay standing, propel forward into a walk, run or skip, change directions, stop at a moment’s notice and breathe through it all.

The strength of the core also plays an important role in determining a soccer player’s quickness, not only in terms of sprint speed but also in the ability to change directions and is vital in winning the ball when shoulder to shoulder with another player.

The core, although commonly thought to only include the abdominal muscles, also includes the muscles in the back and the upper hip. As mentioned above these muscles are responsible for continual spinal stabilization and rotational stability which play a major role in coordination of movement for the soccer athlete.

“Core” Facts for the Soccer Athlete:
Improved Posture — Strengthening the stabilizing muscles in one’s back can greatly improve one’s posture and endurance. Proper posture during physical activity will lead to mechanical efficiency and decreased energy expenditure allowing the athlete to perform at a high level for longer.

Increased Power — Strong core muscles are essential in generating fast, powerful, explosive movements that define a soccer player. The core musculature is responsible for distance and curvature on a corner kick, distance and height of a goal kick, quick footed dribbling and the last minute cut and fake out of an opposing defensive player.

Increased Coordination — Developing the core muscles will aid in coordinating whole body movements. Soccer players must be able to dribble the ball, run and keep their head up and eyes forward. Without coordination the most basic elements of soccer would not be possible.

Decreased Injuries — For all the reason listed above, a strong core will decrease one’s risk of injury. Proper posture and increased endurance, strength and coordination lead to a healthier body that is efficient in movement.

Exercises to Strengthen the Core: Perform 2 sets of each exercise at 10 reps and with a 30 second break in between each exercise. As strength develops sets and reps can be increased.

• Perform these exercises 3-4 times per week.
• Plank (side, front)
• Supermans
• Bridges (Single and Double leg)
• Flutter kicks
• Bicycle Crunches
• Mountain Climbers
• Russian Twists

The post Importance of core strength appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

Southampton’s director of performance Mo Gimpel explains how you can take the guesswork out of training by using this simple piece of technology a heart rate monitor.

When Sam Allardyce introduced heart rate monitors at Bolton Wanderers in the mid-1990s, his cutting edge approach to sports science had mixed results.

While most of the squad embraced his methods, veteran striker Ian Marshall strapped his monitor to his pet dog in a bid to avoid additional fitness training.

He was later forced to admit the canine was responsible for the bizarre readings on the device after being quizzed by Allardyce, who thankfully saw the funny side.

Heart rate monitors have since become a staple piece of wearable tech used by professional clubs, amateur sides and even Sunday League players trying to get in shape.

But how exactly can you use one to improve your fitness? We spoke to Southampton’s director of performance, Mo Gimpel, to find out…

Work out your maximum heart rate

“First of all what you’re trying to do is work out your maximum heart rate,” says Gimpel. “You can do 220 minus your age, which is a bit old school and isn’t accurate for everyone – but it will give you a rough idea. From that you will be able to work out where your 90%, 80% threshold is and all the way down.”

Get a sweat on

“When you train you’re looking to get a stimulus that makes you fitter. To do this you need to be working at 80-85%. Interval training such as repeated sprints will ensure you reach this zone and get you fit fast.”

Use the numbers

“If you have a system that means you can see your heart rate live, you can see how hard you have to work. If you have to work harder to reach that zone, then so be it – run harder or reduce your rest time so you don’t allow your heart rate to drop so much.”

Reap the rewards

“When you get used to reading the numbers you get in tune with your body and how hard you need to work. We’re all busy trying to fit in training so let’s get the best quality training we can – a heart rate monitor is a great way of trying to do that.”

The post How to use a Heart Rate Monitor appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

Coerver Coaching is widely regarded as a leading curriculum and method for teaching individual skills, with over 30 years global expertise.

Coerver Coaching Co-founder Alf Galustian gives his expert views on the two finalists USA and Japan, since he has worked extensively in both countries for over 20 years.

Alfred Galustian Coerver Co-founder with US World Cup legend Kristine Lilly also a Coerver Coach

Influence of Coerver®Coaching in the USA

Coerver Coaching started in the USA in 1985, and to date has programs in over 34 States. Coerver Coaching USA is headed by Chelsea Legend Charlie Cooke.

For over 30 years Coerver Coaching has had a profound effect on the development of both US Coaches and players. Anson Dorrance, USA Women’s World Cup Champion Coach was one of the first US coaches who championed the need to introduce Coerver Coaching into US Soccer in order to improve the technical level of players.

World Cup Champion Coach Anson Dorrance says “USA players are great athletes, have fine physical and mental qualities, now we need to upgrade our technical qualities, I believe Coerver provides a curriculum that can improve the US players technical ability”

Many other respected coaches and players in the USA also became convinced of the value of the Coerver System; this included US Men’s National Team Coach and Technical Director Jürgen Klinsmann and former Coerver graduate Kristine Lilly. Kristine remains a Legend in World Soccer; Two time World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold medal holder.

The post Coerver Coaching & Development of Women’s Soccer in USA and Japan appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

Learn how to dance with the ball at your feet. Try introducing this Coerver Coaching drill into your training sessions and see how a simple ball mastery drill can help you improve today.

FourFourTwo Performance has teamed up with Coerver Coaching to design a set of drills aimed at improving ball mastery.

No matter how old you are or what level you play, it is never too late to improve your skill. And this drill will help you transform into the Sunday League Xavi.

Stoke City under-15s demonstrated the drills.

By: Ben Welch

Read more at FourFourTwo

The post Master Technique: Ball Mastery Part One appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

Use this Coerver Coaching pre-season soccer training exercise to pick out a team-mate every time.
By: Ben Welch

How do I set this drill up?

Use three discs to create a 4 x 4 yard triangle. Use different colored discs at the base of the triangle to emphasis the use of your left and right feet. Set-up another triangle 10 yards away with a supply of balls. Use four pop-up cones to create two passing gates, both two yards in width, at the halfway point of the grid, diagonally facing the top triangle.

How do I do this drill?

0 > 1.11 minutes (see video): Start at the pop-up cone in the top triangle with your partner in the centre of the grid, between the two passing gates. Once your partner takes a touch and feeds you the ball, look back over your left shoulder and shuffle back to the left cone.

Use your first touch on your right foot to break out of the triangle on the other side, before performing the pull-push skill with your left foot to bring the ball back through the other side of the triangle. As your partner moves behind the left passing gate, pass them the ball.

Repeat this for a further two passes. Now switch to the opposite side so that you’re checking back to the blue disc, taking your first touch with your left foot, performing the pull-push with your right foot and passing through the opposite gate. Repeat this for a further two passes.

Progression one (1.14 minutes > 1.42 minutes):

Stand on the right cone (orange) and have your partner start behind the left passing gate. Check away, out of the triangle, before darting back inside to receive the pass with your right foot.

Your first touch should take out of the triangle. Now use the pull-push skill with your left foot to bring the ball back through the other side of the triangle. At the same time your partner should move across to the opposite passing gate (to your left) to receive your pass.

Repeat the above steps on the opposite side of the grid – left foot first touch, right foot pull-push, right foot pass to partner.

Progression two (1.44 minutes > 2.38 minutes):

Using the same set-up as the one used in progression one, you now start on opposite side of the triangle (blue cone) and receive the ball on your left foot, before performing a push-pull with your right foot and dribbling to the right passing gate.

As you reach the gate execute an inside left foot cut and drive back to the top triangle, where you perform a right foot twist off and then pass it back to your partner through the passing gate with your left foot.

Switch sides and repeat on the other side – start on the orange cone, right foot first touch, left foot push-pull, inside right foot cut, left foot twist off and return pass with right foot.

You can also try…

Positioning the target gates further away to increase the range of passing and reduce the width of the gates to demand more of your accuracy. See how many successful passes you can make in 30 seconds, keep the score and have a competition with your partner.

What are the key coaching points?
Make sure you call and show for the ball – communication is key. Movement has to be late and fast so you arrive just as the ball does. Before you receive the pass, make sure to check over your shoulder to see where teammates, opponents and the space are.

Try to get out of the triangle with one touch. When you’re playing a pass keep your eyes up with your hips and shoulders facing the target so you deliver the ball to the correct foot. Play at game speed – punch the pass back to your partner.

How will this drill help?

This drill will help to develop first touch direction and speed, which will help you keep hold of the ball when defenders close you down. It develops ball mastery skills so you can change the angle of attack when a defender shuts off space. Most importantly it improves passing, which is crucial to keeping possession when marked tightly i.e. – hitting your teammate’s furthest foot from the defensive pressure.

Read more at FourFourTwo

The post Pre-season training for soccer: Passing drills appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

According to the Wall Street Journal youth soccer participation is on the rise.

It doubles tackle football and has over million more kids than baseball.

Taking the overall statistics of youth football and baseball participation going down you have to conclude soccer is on the right track.

It is no wonder that MLS teams are expanding into new markets and lower level professional teams are gaining bigger fan bases.

How do you see soccer growing in your community?

The post Participation in Youth Soccer on the Rise appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

It’s perfect for players of all abilities from beginners to the elite.

In the last 30 years, millions of Coerver Coaching players from ages 5-18, have improved their skills at our practices.  When you download the app you will get these secrets to soccer ball mastery.

When you use this app at home or at practice, your game will improve.

You can always get better.

Want to improve your first touch?

Want to improve your weaker foot?

With this app you will improve;

• Your passing and shooting
• Your skills to beat your opponent
• Your weaker foot
• Your first touch

When you complete these 30 skills you will achieve the Coerver Coaching Bronze level.

These are essential skills that every player should have.

Master these at home and at practice, and you will see genuine improvement.

When you complete this Bronze level, you can make one easy purchase to unlock 69 more skills.

You will then progress through the Silver, Gold and then perhaps if you practice hard enough, and are good enough, you can complete The Coerver Coaching Master level.

Information on the skills in app.

• Essential (Bronze Level): 30 skills/videos – in APP purchase
• Intermediate (Silver Level): 37 skills/videos – in APP purchase
• Advanced (Gold Level): 20 skills/videos – in APP purchase
• Master (Black Level) : 12 skills/videos – in APP purchase
• Search Coerver Coaching in the apple app store now!

N.B. Not available on android

P.S. Look out for Mastery Monday. More info this Monday….

About the authors of the application

Alfred Galustian has gained a reputation over the last 30 years as being one of the leading technical skills teaching experts in the World. This knowledge & reputation has seen Alf working with some of the world’s leading federations and clubs that include: The Premier League, The French Football Federation, Football Federation of Australia, Japanese Football Association, Arsenal FC, Bayern Munich FC, Real Madrid CF and Newcastle United FC.

Charlie Cooke played for Aberdeen and Dundee in the Scottish First Division before joining Chelsea in the English First Division, where he played for the next 11 years. He made 380 league and Cup appearances for the Blues and played in four Cup Finals, winning the English F.A. Cup in 1970 against Leeds and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1971 against Real Madrid. He also played 16 times for the Scottish National Team and a World Select Team in 1979. He shares the Chelsea club record of three Player of The Year awards with Gianfranco Zola and in 2005 Chelsea’s Centenary celebration year he was selected for the Chelsea All Time XI. Charlie is the co-founder of Coerver® Coaching is a Director in the Americas since its creation in 1984.

The post 99 Skills to Soccer Ball Mastery appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

If you are new to world of soccer coaching and the challenge feels daunting then here’s some great advice on some of the most common mistakes and the steps required to avoid them.

1. Planning

Choose drills that are fun. All kids need to have fun otherwise you will loose their attention quickly. If you choose drills that are fun then the players will focus allowing you the coach to concentrate on teaching.

2. Over-coaching

Over-coaching means talking too much or in the wrong place. Trying to do too many drills or moving on too quickly. Don’t try to put too much into each session. You will often find that drills for longer than intended. A good idea would be to have a buffer in place. For example an extension of a drill that can be skipped or included depending on wether or not the session is running to schedule.

3. Focus

Finally focus. Remember that you are a development/youth level coach. It is therefore key that the players are developing each session. Even if the team isn’t winning its important that the players can identify progress in their game and overall ability.

For more great free advice for coaches and players be sure to follow Coerver Coaching on Facebook and Twitter @CoerverCoaching

The post 3 Most common mistakes first time soccer coaches make and how to avoid them appeared first on Coerver Coaching.

The Fake Pass is one of the easiest ways of creating essential time and space to create an opening or chance on target. You may use this skill already without even thinking and should feel natural with either foot. This skill has to be one of the easiest to practice. It require no special equipment, just some space and a ball.

This move can be combined with many other Coerver Ball Mastery Skills to make you a better player! Below Jason Lancsar, Coerver Coaching Asia Pacific Director takes you through the simple steps to perfecting this move. Remember to practice with both feet.

Tips to remember when practicing this move are:

•  Keep the ball close, not far out in front of you to prevent defenders from stealing the ball.
•  As you become more confident, increase speed of the move and try linking several fakes together.
•  Try using opposite foot to ensure confidence in using both feet.

• Step 1: Start with the ball inside of foot ensure standing leg knee bent for good balance. Remember to shield the ball from defenders using your body or opposite leg.
• Step 2: With same foot roll foot over ball slightly touching the ball first with instep and the with the sole of the foot in one smooth motion
• Step 3: Ball should now be on the outside of the foot. At this stage in the move the ball is most likely to be stolen by a defender so keep this step as fast as possible to fool the defender.
• Step 4: Go back same way reversing the process.
• Step 5: Ball should finish where you started, protected by your body.

Many professional use this move to create space or a shooting opportunity. Players like Messi, Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic often use several fake passes within the box to force defenders into blocking shots. This opens up the limited space within the box and makes hitting the target far easier for strikers.

This move can be incorporated into warm up drills and should be encouraged where possible in other drills.

For more soccer skills drill and tips be sure to follow Coerver Coaching on Facebook, Twitter & Youtube

The post Grass to Grass / Fake Pass – A Coerver Coaching Master Class appeared first on Coerver Coaching.