Soccer IQ, also known as football IQ, refers to a player's level of understanding and awareness of the game of soccer. It encompasses their ability to read and interpret the dynamics of the game, make quick decisions, anticipate movements, and effectively use their skills and knowledge to...
Here are some of the most common mistakes made by beginners.
It’s important for young soccer players to get a taste of every position on the field — including, when they’re ready, goalkeeper. Typically, keepers aren’t part of the game until kids are a little bit older and more experienced, around age 9 or 10. By then, the idea is that they’ve mastered at...
Here is a great one touch drill that we will work on in the Fall. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8ROleUmOWY
As an intermediate soccer player, there are several key skills you can work on to improve your game. Here are some top skills to focus on: 1. Ball Control: Develop your ability to control the ball with different surfaces of your feet. Practice dribbling, juggling, and trapping the ball to improve...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick here. Today we're going to discuss an incredibly important topic that's as much about performance as it is about overall health: pre-game nutrition. Let's learn how to fuel our bodies the right way before stepping onto the pitch. Carbohydrates are...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick again. Today, we're going to talk about a crucial role on any soccer team, the captain. A captain is more than just a player; they're a leader, a communicator, and an inspiration. Let's delve into the qualities and responsibilities that make a great...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here with another important topic: how soccer helps in building self-confidence in our young players. Confidence is vital, not just on the soccer field, but in all areas of life. Here's why soccer is such a great tool for fostering self-confidence in...
It's Coach Mick here, and today I want to chat about an aspect of soccer that's as crucial as scoring goals and making saves: Fair Play. The concept of fair play goes beyond following the rules of the game. It's about respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and the game itself. Let's...
Hey Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick back with you. Today, we're talking about a special group of players on the soccer field – the goalkeepers. Being a goalkeeper requires a unique set of skills and a lot of courage. Here are some basic tips and techniques that can help our aspiring...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here again with a crucial topic that goes beyond the soccer field. We all understand the importance of both academics and sports in a child's life. But finding the right balance can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help our young athletes manage...
Hey Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here, and today we're going to tackle an exciting topic – soccer tournaments. Tournaments are a highlight of the soccer season, but they can also be overwhelming for players and parents alike. Here's a guide to help you navigate your next tournament with...
Today, let's dive into a crucial aspect of the game that can elevate your performance and boost your team's chances of success: optimal reception areas. As the saying goes, "Be in the right place at the right time." By understanding and positioning yourselves in the best spots on the field to...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick here. Today, we're going to delve into an interesting topic that's integral to youth soccer development - the benefits of playing multiple positions. Now, you may wonder, "Isn't it better to specialize early and master one position?" While...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here! As we get closer to a new soccer season, it's time to talk about pre-season preparation. Preparing correctly before the season begins can help our young players hit the ground running when the whistle blows for that first match. Let's explore how we...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here! Today, I want to touch on a topic that's as important as any soccer drill or strategy – nutrition. Proper nutrition fuels our young athletes, helping them perform their best and recover quickly. Let's break it down by what to eat before, during, and...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here! Today, let's talk about a skill that can really make a difference in a game - heading the ball. It can be a thrilling sight to see a player leap and direct a well-timed header into the back of the net or clear a dangerous ball from the defense. But...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick checking in! Today, I want to address two crucial values that we foster in our youth soccer program – teamwork and sportsmanship. These aren't just essential for success on the soccer field, they're vital life skills. Let's explore why they're...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here, and today we're going to take a deeper dive into the strategic side of our beautiful game - understanding and reacting to different game situations. In soccer, the state of play can change in an instant, and it's crucial for our young players to...
Hello Soccer Parents, Soccer is a beautiful and exciting game with many unique rules and concepts. One of the most exciting moments in any match is the corner kick. These kicks can lead to some of the most thrilling plays, like spectacular headers or volleys finding the back of the net. But what...
Hello Soccer Parents, As you cheer on your little athletes from the sidelines, you might find yourself puzzled by some aspects of the game. In particular, the throw-in can be a source of confusion. While it may seem like a simple concept, there are actually a few important rules that dictate how a...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here with a new playbook session. As we continue to understand our 3-2-2 formation, an important aspect we need to cover is "building from the back". This approach enables us to maintain control, set the tempo, and create calculated attacks. The Basics of...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick checking in with some defensive tips. Sometimes, despite our best efforts in maintaining a solid team defense, you may find yourself facing an attacker one-on-one. It might sound daunting, but with the right technique, you can come out on top. Here...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here! Today, let's talk about a fun and incredibly beneficial soccer skill - juggling the soccer ball. It's not just a cool trick to show off to your friends but also a great way to improve your overall game. What is Soccer Juggling? Juggling is the act...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here, this time with some defensive wisdom! A strong defense is just as important as a powerful offense in soccer. Today, we'll talk about an essential defensive technique: Pressure and Cover. Understanding Pressure and Cover In the simplest terms,...
Hello Soccer Parents, As you watch your young athletes dribble, pass, and score on the soccer field, there's a lot to enjoy and appreciate. However, there can be moments of confusion, especially when the referee blows the whistle for what might seem like simple player contact. One such situation...
Hello Soccer Parents, As your children engage in the beautiful game of soccer, their safety is, undoubtedly, your number one priority. Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury, are a serious concern in all contact sports, including soccer. Understanding the protocol for dealing with potential...
Hello Soccer Parents, As your kids take to the pitch, their safety and the fairness of the game are paramount. Soccer, like any sport, has rules designed to protect players from harm, promote sportsmanship, and ensure a pleasant experience for all. One concept you may hear often is "dangerous...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick here, and today, we're diving into the world of soccer tactics. One of the fundamental concepts we've been discussing in training is the idea of "Expanding in Attack, Compressing in Defense". This post is to help you understand why we do this and how...
Soccer has a specialized set of terms and phrases that players often use on the field to communicate quickly and effectively. Here are some common ones: Basic Terms "Man On" - A warning that a player is approaching and about to challenge for the ball. "Time" - Indicates that a player has more time...
Hello Soccer Parents, We've all seen those heart-stopping moments in a game when the referee points to the penalty spot. As tension fills the air and the goalkeeper braces for what's to come, you may find yourself wondering about the exact rules that govern penalty kicks. Well, you're in the right...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick here again. Today, we're going to discuss an often-overlooked aspect of soccer that can make a huge difference on the pitch – knowing your teammates' names. Why Names Matter: Names are powerful – they foster a sense of identity and belonging. On the...
Today, I want to talk to you about a super important aspect of our game that can make a real difference on the field: vertical passing. It's all about advancing the ball toward the goal and creating those incredible scoring opportunities we all love. But here's the thing: to make vertical passing...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here again! Today's topic might seem a bit unusual: Why do we play small-sided games with six goals during training? It may seem like we're just having a bit of fun, but there's a method to the madness! Understanding Small-Sided Games with Six Goals:...
Hey Team! You've probably heard the term 'Tiki-Taka' thrown around when people talk about soccer styles. But what does it mean? Today, we'll break it down and see how this game-changing strategy from Spain could give you a new approach on the field. What's Tiki-Taka? Tiki-Taka is a way of playing...
Hello Soccer Parents, If you're new to the world of youth soccer, or even if you've been around for a while, one rule that often causes confusion is the offside rule. It's a fundamental part of the game and understanding it can really enhance your enjoyment as you cheer on your child. Let's break...
Hello Soccer Parents, One of the beautiful aspects of soccer is that you can practice it almost anywhere, and home is no exception! With the right exercises, your U14 boys can effectively hone their skills, even outside of formal training sessions. This blog post will walk you through some simple...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick here. Have you ever wondered why I always encourage our players to keep their feet on the ball as much as possible during practice? Let's delve into this key aspect of soccer training and see how it can make a significant difference in player...
Hello Soccer Parents, In the exhilarating world of soccer, slide tackling is a move that can stir up quite a bit of excitement. It's a defensive technique where a player slides on the ground to attempt to take the ball away from an opponent. While it can be a perfectly legal move in professional...
Hello Soccer Parents, When it comes to watching your children play soccer, it's important to understand all aspects of the game. And of course, one of the most recognizable symbols in soccer are the cards - the yellow and the red. These cards serve as a universal language for caution and dismissal...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick here, ready to dive into another session of our soccer playbook. You've probably heard me mention "rondos" during our practices. But what are they exactly, and how do they help improve passing? Let's dig in! Understanding Rondos: At its core, a rondo...
Hello Soccer Parents, If you've spent time around youth soccer training, you've probably noticed a shift in the way we approach conditioning. Instead of spending considerable time on traditional athletic conditioning drills, we've moved our focus to game situations. This blog post aims to explain...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick here with some tips to sharpen our forward line's teeth. Being a forward is not just about scoring goals, it's about creating opportunities, applying pressure, and outsmarting the opposition. Here are some strategies that our young forwards can work...
In the game of soccer, set pieces can be the turning points that decide matches. They provide teams with a golden opportunity to score, and mastering them can give your team a significant edge. Let's take a look at the different types of set pieces and some strategies for maximizing their...
Hey there, future soccer stars! Today, I want to talk about a special aspect of the beautiful game that can truly elevate your performance on the field: off-the-ball runs. It's like adding a touch of magic to your game, creating space, and opening up opportunities for yourself and your teammates....
The midfield area of the pitch is often considered the heart of a soccer game, and for a good reason. The midfielders are the connective tissue between defense and attack, often shaping the team's game flow and strategy. In a 3-2-2 formation, the role of midfielders becomes even more pivotal due...
In a 3-2-2 formation, the strikers play an instrumental role in leading the team's attack. The two forwards are the team's primary goal threats and often the last line of engagement before the opposition's goal. But being a striker in a 3-2-2 formation requires much more than just goal-scoring...
In a 3-2-2 formation, the three defenders - often comprising of two full-backs and a central defender or sweeper - form the bedrock of the team. Their main objective is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. However, the role of the defense goes far beyond that, especially in a fluid formation...
Hello Soccer Parents, As your child grows into the beautiful game of soccer, it's crucial for you, too, to understand the intricacies of the game. You might have heard the term "indirect free kick" during matches and wondered what it's all about. This post aims to simplify the rules and explain...
Hey there, Team Strike parents! As we gear up for an exciting soccer season, I wanted to take a moment to explain the five principles of defense in soccer that our team will be focusing on. These principles are key to removing options and space from the opposing team when we're on the defense....
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here. In today's playbook session, we're going to tackle the language of the soccer field, mastering common in-game communication terms. Common In-game Communication Terms: On the field, we need a shared language to understand each other, coordinate our...
Hey Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here again, today we’re going to delve into the world of defending, specifically mastering the one-on-one situation. A defender’s ability to handle 1v1 situations can be the difference between preventing a goal and watching the ball hit the back of the net....
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here with another exciting drill breakdown. Ever wondered why we practice the "Dribble Through The Square" drill? Well, today we're going to dive into what it's all about and how it benefits our players. Understanding the "Dribble Through The Square"...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, This is Coach Mick, and today I want to discuss a crucial aspect of youth soccer: injury management. While we always prioritize safety, injuries can still occur. Let's explore how we handle injuries when they happen and how we can prevent them. Immediate Response to...
Hey Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here with you again! Today, let's explore a vital aspect of soccer that sometimes gets overlooked - footwork. Great footwork can give you an edge on the pitch, allowing you to control the ball better, evade defenders, and create scoring opportunities....
Hey Team, As we explore different strategies and tactics that have shaped the beautiful game of soccer, there's one philosophy that stands out and has made a significant impact: Total Football. Today, we'll dive into this fascinating approach and see how it can enrich your understanding and...
Hello Team and Soccer Families, Coach Mick here! Today, let's tackle a rule that often causes a fair bit of confusion, even among seasoned soccer fans - the offside rule. Understanding offside is critical for both attackers and defenders, so let's break it down in simple terms. The Basic Rule In...
Hello Soccer Parents, As your young athletes take to the soccer field, it’s important to understand the sport's rules to help them play fairly and safely. One of the common fouls you're likely to see in any match is tripping. This post will help clarify the rules around tripping, why it's...
Book - Mastering The Pitch: The Soccer Omnibus by Mick Southerland Mastering The Pitch is an all-encompassing guide to soccer strategy that will captivate players, coaches, and enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive book takes readers on an exciting journey through the history of soccer in America,...
Hey Team and Soccer Families, It's Coach Mick again with some helpful tips for our young players. While team practices and games are essential, practicing at home during the Summer break can help improve skills and keep fitness levels high. Here are five easy drills that our players can do at...