Train at Home (Home Work)

I know our players don’t like to associate our soccer training with homework. However, if players want to excel in our sport, they do need to work at home on the skills and games taught and practiced in our training sessions. Sorry, but training twice a week and playing one game per week will not give you an edge if you are trying to prepare yourself for high school or beyond.

This "homework" can be done alone or with a friend.  Many of our individual ball touching skills can be done in small areas at home, but, for now, let’s focus on those soccer activities that can be done at home with a friend.

Two players and a ball is all that is really necessary. You don’t really need uniforms. Goals can be made with almost any markings; cans, bottles, etc. Fields can be a backyard, street, basketball court, or anywhere else that is convenient.  The ball can be any size; small ones help focus on touch. 

As far as games, let our young players make up their own. You’ll be amazed at what they come up with.  For example: play to two small goals, two goals on the side, one large goal one small, three sided goals, etc.  Instead of goals use target lines that the player has to dribble over.

If a third player comes, play 1v1 while one rests, or play 2v2, 1v2.  Rotate the extra player after a score. If another player shows, well 2v2, etc.

The point is to give the games to the players. Let them change them to their satisfaction. As long as they are doing their homework. We need a soccer culture in this country. Pele, Cruyff,  and Messi didn't  have someone giving them instructions all the time. It seems that in this country players do nothing unless they are given instruction by an adult. Prior to a training session, how many times do we come up to our field and see our players standing around talking or taking shots on goal rather than warming up with ball touches or playing a little possession game to get ready for the session?

Then can get their ideas from training. But, to be truly successful, they need to go home and play freely.

Enjoy the Game,

Charlie