Koach Karl,
Thanks for reiterating on how to practice shooting. This team really is different than any I have had. Most of my teams typically struggle, like most, to get shots. This team gets them in droves but can't finish! We'll work on it the next few weeks and see how they progress.
I think your most accurate remark is that it takes many weeks to learn any skill. I know you say it in all your books, and it's obvious for anyone with kids in school, but it's hard to be patient!
It's hard to work on dribbling week after week, not really seeing any improvement, not sure if the work is paying off, wondering if maybe you're not a very good teacher and that's why they're not getting it.
Then, out of nowhere, the kids take a quantum leap, not the straight line progression as the coach might hope. Bottom line: It's hard being a coach! I'm glad I don't do it for a living
Koach Karl response:
Since you have 'again' motivated me - and, yes, it helps to get progress reports on how well the system works - It is always wonderful to receive a 'positive' email.
So, now, I am sending you one in return...!
Thanks for 'sticking with the Routine' Thank you for 'noticing the individuals development on the team and Thank you for proving to other coaches through action rather than words that they too could improve ...!
As for your shooting - Simple...:
Teach the players to Push - Peek and Place the ball.
Have them go through the Serve pattern - Push the ball forward -Peek to see the back of the net - or - the panels of the goal - or - corner of the net, etc... Get them to focus on finding A Target that has the net involved.
What is happening now is that they (may) look but I guarantee the last thing they see is the GK -or the GK fancy uniform -or the GK hair cut --?-- That is why keepers have different colored shirts -to catch the shooters eyes.
Now, the foot will place the ball ast the last thing recorded in the subconscious mind - and more than likely your players have been placing the ball straight at the keeper -or- way wide of the keeper since they really don't want the ball to go to the keeper (reverse psychology). It will take them many/many weeks of effort to begin not 'recording' the keeper.
Placing the ball - simply means - less power and more accuracy.
Here is what to do at the next practice...
Have them 'yell' the words out loud and make sure the keeper cooperates in this phase:
- Once the player has gone through 'the Serve' configuration and he has approached the Push area
- Have the player 'yell' the word Push.
- At that very moment the goalkeeper moves to either 'far right' or 'far left' of the goal.
Which means that the shooter will have a 'totally' open goal to shoot at - excluding the area where the keeper moved … (Note) You will be amazed how many times they will still 'hit' the keeper with the ball.
- At the Peek moment the shooter should be able to see either 'far right or left' wide open
- They should then Place (remember accuracy over power) the ball on the 'totally' open side of the Goal.
Drop me a note once the youth soccer players (consistently) place the ball - opposite of the goalkeepers position - and - I will give you the next phase of 'how to' improve their shooting...!
FUNdamental reader are you curious as to what the next 'shooting phase' is? Drop us a note and maybe we will give you the answer in our next publication?
