"The Beautiful Game-Alive and well in the U.S.

There is a god.  Soccer in the U.S., in my humble opinion, is clearly developing its own identity and style of play. In today's World Cup game against Algeria I contest that it has succeeded in breaking down yet another barrier of doubt placed upon it after the downfall of the USA and NASL attempts.

Watching the game today with such pure emotional disarray I survived 3 major episodes of breathing trouble as well as emotions I have never felt before.  With Donovan's goal (I am a Donovan supporter) and in my opinion, Steve Cherundolo's solid performance in all of Round 1, we have inked another historical entry into our blossoming soccer style.  The story of the sport in this country is actually quite inspiring and clearly harkens back to our "Don't tread on me" attitude as Americans.  I find it so perfectly appropriate that US Soccer, fans and association alike, through Nike's powerful campagin, have adopted that revolutionary emblem of the Gadsden Flag to accomodate our attitude and soccer identity. 

It is perfectly perfect.  Like a rattlesnake, we will never back down from a fight if you dare to tread on us.  We are now fully capable of competing with style and production with players fulfilling the role of "strong players" around the world.  Players like Steve Cherundolo have served admirably as captain of a major team in the Bundesliga.  We have stud players who won't even play for our country (Giuseppe Rossi) and we are still finding success.  Imagine 12 years from now where the sport will be when players like Rossi want to play for the U.S. instead of Italy.  (Which for the record, he should have been on the Italian roster instead of Gatusso who I loved watching play)

Keep the faith.  If you ever lose it or can't find it, give me a holler.

The Beauty of the Beautiful Game: Watching them discover the game!

Soccer is so perfect.  It is so complex yet when played perfectly so simple.  Why is the game great?  You don't even need goals to play!!!!  When you see kids experience this, it can be inspiring.

My college coach once told me something so important when I informed him that I wanted to "coach" soccer.  He said, "working with older players can be a rewarding challenge, but if you ever want to discover how good or bad of a coach you really are then go coach the U-11's and younger."  "It represents a true discovery of the game right before your eyes."  Thank you Coach!

Since starting to work with the youth players, I have had moments of great satisfaction and even greater dissatisfaction with my abilities as a coach.  My session last night was a composite of both.

Recently, I was running a clinic with our town U-9/10/11 year old groups with the purpose of the players improving their ability to see a problem (cramped space) and solving it (by moving the ball to a different less cramped part of the field).  Part of my session involved "Two goal" soccer (attack two, defend two) which went very well and accomplished what I was looking for.

But another part was a game called "Don't feed the monkeys".  It involves passing/receiving with the opportunity to change the "point of attack" when needed.  I have used this activity before successfully with my older groups U-14+.  However, these types of activities involve rules and boundaries.   Some U-10's get it right away and some... not so much.   Movement off the ball was the biggest issue I had as many felt that it was a "game" and not soccer so they would stay in one area waiting for the ball to come to them.  Oh man, the waiting and standing kills me.  Is there really anything worse?
 
Then I decided to fix and make it better by scrapping the activity.  Instead......let us feed the monkeys. PLAY KEEP AWAY!  It is so old school and so dependable.  Every three passes in a row equals a point, game to 10, no boundaries.  I have used it before and always forget how incredibly productive it is.  It is represents the bulk of the game, the essence all boiled down into a game within a game.  It is everything that is great about soccer less the goals and saves. 

It was awesome watching them using their vision habits we have worked on, moving off the ball constantly to support but not crowd, getting the ball away from pressure.  But most exciting was that they were being responsible for the possession of the one item that truly matters the most in the game, the ball.

It was a moment of pure satisfaction watching the beautiful game unfold right before my eyes.  Everything I know our American youth are capable of because I have seen youth of the same age in other countries do it, came to fruition.  It was like watching evolution happen with a soccer ball.  Problem solving at its best!  The cherry on top was that when they went to play with nets it all translated.  They had brought the concept of possession into the game.

Vision Training: The missing link in American Soccer

While our national team pool of players increases in ability and experience by the minute, many young American players still struggle with the game of soccer for various reasons.  I contend that the largest road block we face is the way that we see and watch the game leading to a lack of true understanding and quality play.  This can be improved by playing the game more, watching the game on tv and proper training of our young players.  In this article I am focusing on how we train our players.

Seeing the Game:

"Visual Attention" on the ball, is in my opinion quite different in soccer than many American sports due to the inherent and unnatural location of the ball at our feet.  Once the ball has entered the player's immediate field of vision they must at some point lower their vision to focus on the ball so that they can make good decisions. "When something gets our visual attention we may focus both eyes on the object." This pause is called "fixation" and this is a true moment of frustration for American players.

We are not raised to play games where we need such a unique "field of vision" to play comfortably.  In addition, due to the lack of experience in the sport the vast majority of our youth players are being coached by volunteers who maintain the same levels of anxiety when a ball comes to them in a game as their U9 players do.  

How can we improve player vision?

By training players to work on their vision we can lower their anxiety levels and turn that feeling into a controlled and comfortable feeling.  Below I have mentioned some of the typical approaches taken by coaches.

1. Insist and ingrain players to continually take photographs in their minds over an over again before the ball arrives in their field of vision.  Use those photographs to remember where the pressure (opponent), space and teammates were before they receive the ball.  

2. Encourage them to anticipate and envision what decisions they will make when the ball comes to them by continually surveying the field while the ball is not in their immediate vicinity.  

Not enough

I have discovered though that this advice while sound, is clearly not enough.  We must strive to embrace the aspects of the game that the rest of the world has developed.  As a young coach I have embraced coaching courses, books, videos and logged countless hours studying the pro-game in an effort to devour more knowledge that I had not been taught as a player.  

A year ago I purchased a video called " The Vision Training System" and discovered two great coaches named TJ Kostecky and Len Bilous who have changed my outlook on what players need in training.  Ever since I have used the methods learned from them in my team training, camps, clinics and my personal play which needs every advantage possible. 

Coach Kostecky does a great job of putting together a comprehensive and dissectible video of vision techniques integrated with standard situations that will definitely improve a player's relationship with time and space.  I encourage every coach and youth soccer organization to incorporate this video into their curriculum.

The bigger picture--On field vs. Above field
In addition to "on field" vision training we must be diligent about showing "above field" training.  I refer to this as the bigger picture to our players so that they can envision the small phases of play as part of the larger puzzle.  


1. Train them to watch games with a wider field
Even my best players are so focused on the ball that when they watch a game on tv they truly only see the immediate field around the path of the ball.  I like to encourage them to watch the game with the entire story.  One method is to take the team to a pro game or college game and use it not only as a team building experience, but as mental training focused on tactics.

At Upper 90 Soccer we have built a "video session" into our summer program where we teach a lesson around goals from different world cup videos.  I have used these world cup videos and clips from our own games with my HS team with positive feedback from the players.  I believe this method can be used at any age as long as you understand your objectives and age group.  With our Lil' Kickers we use video to show rules, the passion for the game, introduce world class players to them, illustrate the simple shapes in the game (triangles and diamonds) as well as explain what all of the lines on the fields mean.

If you get a parent to video tape your youth games, it can be used as a great team building event and a training session.  Review the game first alone and take notes so that you can forward to the highlights you want to focus on.  The players will get more out of this than you might anticipate.

2. Use a White board with magnets
As often as possible I think a coach should use the tactics board  before warm-ups, at practice as well as at games to show players what it is they are striving to achieve.  Even if you are working on "change of direction moves" to avoid pressure like the "Cruyff" you can show them on the board/field where the move could be used due to standard situations.  If you do not own a tactics board you can simply lay out two different colored cones in the grass and move them about to demonstrate your bigger picture.

Some of our best players and coaches have used "Vision Training" in order to complete their arsenal of talent.  Click here to see what players like Cluadio Reyna, Julie Foudy and other pros have to say about it.

Best of luck.

Club Soccer

Should my child play club soccer?


This is not a question that should be taken lightly.  There are many considerations to be looked at when thinking about having your child explore this track of playing the game.  Below I offer some of the more important components that could affect your decision.

The impact of Mojo on your decision
I suggest that a child's spirit can be a major factor in the development of their happiness.  If you agree with the "statement" below then you should read on, if not then I would suggest you maintain your child's involvement with town soccer which has its own set of influences on players.

Statement
My child demonstrates a true passion for the game, appears to be developing a physical connection to the skills and the competitive demeanor necessary to play the game at a higher level.

If you agree, then you should consider looking into club level soccer.   Your child's inner spirit (mojo) will play a major role in his/her overall experience in club soccer.  It will be an emotional journey regardless of how good of a player they are.  You as a parent should be prepared to look at yourself as a parent in order to guide them through their experience.  You should also be prepared to travel and block off your schedule on weekends.

What does club soccer provide my child?

Speaking generally, I believe that the club level should provide your child with a more developed opportunity where he/she can deovote more of their time to the sport of soccer. The ideal club should provide your child with an environment of proper training from proper coaches and league play that includes players of reasonably equal caliber. These coaches are people who have dedicated themselves to knowing the sport and have crafted the ability of bringing that knowledge to a player so that your child can take the field with confidence and a love for the game.

How do clubs differ?

There are many different clubs at all levels of playing and coaching ability. Some clubs are very professionally run and set the bar high for player development.  In return, they place the same high expectation of effort on players and parents. Some clubs are more focused on providing the players with a less intensive playing environment where the child does not feel a constant need to win.  I believe the best clubs teach your child how to be a skilled, knowledgeable and competitive player supported by a dual focus on playing the game correctly.  In other words, setting the expectation of winning is okay as long as winning does not stand alone as the ultimate goal.  It should be considered as a partner to player development.   You should read the club's philosophy and mission statement or contact the Director of each club in order to ask about their attitude.

Commitment Levels of Club Soccer (Tryouts, schedules, playing time, cost)

Tryouts:
Typically in New England, clubs will hold tryouts in June after their spring season has ended.  Most clubs have all tryout info on their website with locations and age groups.  This can be emotionally difficult even for the best players.  Coaches should be invested in each player, but also coming from the perspective of "what is best for the team".  This can be an aspect that deters some parents/players and inspire others.  I suggest you talk to your child about entering a tryout with confidence coupled with humbleness.  If your child is not sure how they will perform are they prepared to deal with not making the team.  For many pre-teens this could be their first experience with rejection.

Schedules:  Family Time
Most clubs offer two nights a week of winter training and some play in a winter league.  In addition, Spring is the main season for older players.  Most games are played on Sundays and Weekends are often consumed.  Spring season often involves travel time between 1/2 hour to 3 hours away.  The higher level you are the more traveling you will do in order to find teams of equally higher levels.

Playing Time: Are you Committed?
It is crucial that you understand the commitment level expected for club.  Many parents underestimate how much of an impact over-scheduling will have on their child's experience.  I have seen far too often parents who pay the money, but have their child involved with other commitments at the same time and conflicts begin to emerge.  The child's play can decrease and their overall impact on the team can decrease including a loss of playing time.  Although you are paying for your child to play, I suggest you sit down with your child and discuss where they place this on their priorities list.  Along the same lines, a player could be very dedicated, but still not see much playing time.  This can be very difficult for a player and parent to cope with however in order to reach the highest level of play towards promotion a coach needs to play the best combination of players possible.

Cost: 
Most club costs are roughly $1000.00-$1500.00.  This most often includes winter training, spring season, uniform costs, warm-up costs and typically at least one out-of-league tournament.  However, many clubs also have costs for going to additional tournaments including very distant trips with flights, hotels etc.  You MUST read the club's information and inquire.

Please feel free to contact Kip Lewis at 508-507-1875 with any further questions and best of luck.

SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN! The sport of soccer in the U.S.

A proclamation:
Watch out world and more importantly watch out America! You can't stop it, the wave is building! Soccer is slowly but surely on the rise in this country and I believe the Men's National team will win a world cup before I die. Now I am not claiming to be an expert but I sure am trying to get there through coaching, playing, education licensure, reading and logging as many hours of footie as my loving wife and dvr will allow me to. Here in the U.S. we have many years of catching up to do with the game, but I am confident that we will.

Dissidents:

1. If you are an ex-pat living here, please don't bring on the you're an "ignorant American" and "you don't understand argument" because that is getting old and a little to predictable. I contend that if the U.S ever does win the cup and you are truly a lover of the game then you would be happy that they win. I think it would only lead to an increased level of play because it will set forth another challenger on the world stage. Is that not the ultimate prize for all football fans?-- The game going to yet another level?

2. If you are an American who thinks the sport is boring, soft or whatever, I would encourage you to go out an play it more, watch the EPL and definitely watch the World Cup. I will be illustrating in later blogs about why the game will be viewed differently here in the states with the hope of converting a few non-believers. As always I believe we are all entitled to an opinion, but you are in the extreme minority if you do not understand the game. Notice I did not say "like the game".

A little history for the uninformed:
During the 18 W.C. tournaments that have been held 7 nations have won the title. Brazil is the only team to have played in every tournament and have won the World Cup a record five times. Italy is the current champion and have won four titles, and Germany is next with three. The other former champions are Uruguay, winners of the inaugural tournament, and Argentina, with two titles each, and England and France, with one title each.


Pride and Belief in your country:
The World Cup is the most widely-viewed sporting event in the world, with an estimated 715.1 million people watching the 2006 final. I just turned 35 and according to statistics I will most likely pass from this world around the year 2050. That will allow me to witness just shy of 13 more world cups. We can do this!

The Real Question:
The question is will the United States win the Jules Rimet trophy before I am done here?

Answers: (This will be the first of my contentions supporting my "Belief". I will share more in future posts.)

Whether you are from Brazil, England or the U.S., don't you believe your country can win? I would like to think we have just as much of a shot at it as any country. We just need to figure out how to get over some hurdles. I don't think there is a need to completely travel down the "quantitative analysis" path, but some numbers are important to bear in mind.

DOES SIZE MATTER? It sure does- both auspiciously and negatively.

According to our last census the U.S. population was 304,059,724 - Jul 2008. This has the potential to be favorable for the U.S. One could argue that we have a larger pool of athletes to choose from than all of the previous winners and many other countries.

However- one issue is having a system that will allow us to choose the final 23 players allowed on the W.C. roster (including goalies) out of 300 million!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly:

Our current National Team system along with the 15 years of MLS and some decent college players is producing real solid football players. There are currently many "Yanks" playing professionally in the toughest leagues around the world. Some are doing quite well thank you.

But the physical size of our country and huge population coupled with a severe lack of game exposure is an enormous burden on developing and selecting a team worthy of the Best in the World!

The Good: Amongst many others, here are 3 great things about football in the U.S.

1. American goalies are considered among the best in the world.
2. The "A" squad of the U.S. has been challenging stronger teams outside of their region and recently played very well in a major tournament- The Confederations Cup against the world's elite teams.
3. Many youth in the U.S. can add Soccer as a possible profession. Although game exposure is limited here, we now have many more "great" games to watch available to us. Even ESPN is getting in on the game. Although it is not where it needs to be exposure to the game is on the rise here and the market is the biggest sports market in the world. It is a , the global game.

The Bad Our lack of playing and knowledge of the game is on the rise, but need it to increase. Kids love the game because it is a player's game and can be played very easily in your back yard. They lose interest usually around the age of 12 for reasons that would take a whole different blog to explain. But one of the major reasons is that they are usually being taught the game playing against other players of their age who don't know how to play and by coaches who have never played themselves. This is unlike most other sports in the U.S. like baseball, hoops or football where most youth coaches have a fair idea of the game as well as playing experience.

The Ugly Although we have capable players coming up we are also losing great players to other countries believe it or not. Giuseppe Rossi is a New Jersey native with Italian citizenship. He is an outstanding professional player currently playing for Villa Real in Spain, guess who he plays for nationally? We need to find a way to keep player like Rossi in our system as he is a game changer.