I'm recording this episode a couple of days before its released. I've been splitting my time fairly evenly between family time and some exciting updates to WorldClassCoaching.com. The new format will make it SO much easier for you to find what you need for your next training session. Our Training Center will be your one stop for drills, videos and everything you need to coach your team. No more searching through thousands unrelated drills on Google or … [Read more...]
CSW Extra 5 – Double Rondo
There won't be a podcast for the next two weeks because I'll be spending some vacation time with my family and working on updates to our WORLD CLASS COACHING Training Center. There are some exciting changes coming that I all of our members will benefit from. Last week I interviewed Wayne Harrison. We discussed the common thread that goes through all game formats from 4 v 4 to 11 v 11. He has some very interesting methods that you should consider using with … [Read more...]
#051 How to Function Within the Formation
I’ve had some interest from a couple of coaches that are willing to be part of a coach’s roundtable discussion on the upcoming rule changes. I’d like to have four or five coaches involved to get a wider range of opinions. It won’t be difficult or complicated to be involved. You just need a free account on Skype and 30 to 45 minutes to talk. Email me at tommura@worldclasscoaching.com if you’d like to join the discussion We had our first weekend of the new … [Read more...]
#047 Finding the Moment to Go for It
I was listening to a podcast from Soccer Wire about the upcoming changes to age groups and small-sided game format. You can listen to the episode from this link. It got me thinking about all of the questions we have about the process and how the state associations, leagues and clubs will handle it. I'm putting together a round table discussion on the changes with an Executive Director of a State Association, a league administrator, and club director and … [Read more...]
#044 The Key to Being an Effective Coach
I'm sorry that last week's podcast wasn't released until Sunday. Our internet was out from Thursday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. I've prided myself on releasing a new podcast every Friday so this was extremely frustrating. If you missed the episode I'd encourage you to go back and listen because there's some great information there on shooting activities you can do with your team during the winter months. This week I want to focus on what I feel is … [Read more...]
#042 Training the Keys of Possession Play
Happy New Year! Our club took a two week break for the holidays. This is just as important for the players as it is for the coaches. It allows for everyone to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the holiday season. For the last 30 years my family has taken a trip to Glenwood Springs, CO between Christmas and New Years. If you're looking for a great place to teach your family to ski you won't find a better place than Ski Sunlight. I really … [Read more...]
#036 Training Session – Decision Making on the Ball
I've been looking into new educational opportunities lately and although I've already earned my USSF 'B' License I decided to take the new 'F' license course that is offered online by the US Soccer Federation. The course is a two-hour online course designed to share fun, activity-centered and age-appropriate exercises and training sessions for five to eight year olds. Coaching players of this age is very different than working with any other age group. The … [Read more...]
#035 11 Different Diamond Drill Variations
At the end of each season the coaches in our club complete evaluations on the players in their team. The evaluations focus on the four key areas of player development: technical, tactical, physical and psychological. We make comments in each area about the strengths and weaknesses of the player and give them feedback on their progress. We use a website called ZoomReports.com to complete evaluations for more than 60 teams in our club. The online format allows … [Read more...]
#034 Getting More Out of Your Finishing Exercises
I like to end every training session with a shooting exercise of some kind. Sometimes it's related to the topic of the session and sometimes it's not. The important factors for me is that it's realistic and competitive. Early in the season the exercises tend to be more on isolated shooting technique. As the season progresses and the players demonstrate an understanding of the key principles of shooting then I start to make the exercises more … [Read more...]
#033 Three Sessions to Teach Combination Play
Teaching your players the key elements involved in effective combination play will give them a framework to combine with their teammates in a free flowing game environment. Today I share three progressive training sessions that I've used to teach my players these key elements. These sessions represent a three-week MicroCycle that I used with a couple of my teams to teach them how to combine effectively. There are a wide variety of combination plays that can … [Read more...]