Receiving = Bringing the ball under control or the 1st touch.

Retaining = Keeping the ball under control or dribbling.

Releasing = Passing or shooting the ball under control.

Using the premise that, 'the game is the best teacher'. We have developed a 'Routine' that includes soccer activity, good repetition, experimentation and enjoyment which we know will lead to soccer success. Here is a brief sampling of what a coach should do and how he/she can adjust 'the Routine' to fit the needs of their players.

Arrive early at the field to check both weather and field conditions. Know what you will focus on your 'theme' for that particular practice. As players arrive greet each individual with a smile and a bonding comment. Check for injuries and equipment issues. Encourage the players to get started in an activity, of their choice, which involves the soccer ball. They may choose to Juggle, play a FUN game, or maybe just socialize while passing the ball back and forth. Consider this their recess time before school begins -- it is their time!

Then, have a 'formal' beginning to the Practice Session like walking through a set of cones, just like walking into the classroom at school. Now is, when player development begins. They must be taught to put on their game face, that is, begin concentrating on becoming a better ball player.

A brief explanation and demonstration of the theme should be followed by the Figure 8 Warm up Stretching Routine. We have suggested that each player dribbles their ball in a confined area while carrying two cones. When a 'buzz' word is called out the players lay out their Figure 8 environment and begin to control the ball around the cones. Each Figure 8 movement includes stretching exercises that are followed by picking up the cones and the sequence is repeated. Here the players are practicing only the Retaining technique. So this is how you can adjust and get the other 2 R's involved.

After the players have finished their stretching exercise have them pass their ball to another player (partner exchange) to continue the sequence. This would mean that the player must Release the ball so that his partner can Receive the ball and then Retain it while going around the confined area or around the Figure 8 lay out.

You already know that the 1+1 immediately follows the Warm up. The 1+1 utilizes 'the SERVE' to focus the players attention and actions to the Theme. We have asked you to begin all 1+1 activities with 'the SERVE' where the server is forced to work on: Retaining possession while going around 'the SERVE' configuration. Once in the Push-Peek-Pass section the Server improves the Releasing technique. In the meantime the Receiver is working on his Looking and eventually the Receiving technique.

You have, also, been introduced to the Three Playing Stages used in the 1+1 that are aimed at improving the players 3 R's. That is, telling the 1st Defender (the Server) after Releasing the ball to, walk, jog or go at speed depending on the skill level of the 1st Attacker working on the Receiving or Retaining theme. The 1+1 is followed by the 1vs.1 games where the players' test their R's against strong opposition while the coach observes and determines his next theme.

After the half time break the Small Sided Games begin. These are either Cooperative or Competitive in nature. Cooperative means that the players are made aware that stoppages for correcting 'the Theme' will take place. This means you prepares to stop the action and make points of refinement on 'the Theme' when needed. In other words, "the coach adds information to improve the individual player or a small group of players. The coach can also add restrictions such as 'two-touch" play into the games to force the players to focus on the theme. 'Two-touch' play forces the player to Receive the ball with the first touch and Release the ball with the second touch. By making every third player work with five or more touches the Retaining technique can also be improved.

In the Competitive Small Sided Games the players are made aware that no stoppages will take place. While the players are experiment and playing their way to success the coach only observes and takes notes on weaknesses in 'the Theme' to be improved at future practices.

The Small Sided Games segment is followed by the Scrimmages. Once again the Scrimmages are either Cooperative or Competitive in nature. During the Cooperative Scrimmage the players are made aware that stoppages for correcting 'the Theme' will take place. This means that the coach prepares to stop the action and make points of refinement on 'the Theme' when needed. In other words, "you add information to improve an individual player, a small group or the whole team. You can, again, add restrictions such as 'two-touch" play into the scrimmage to force the players to focus on the theme. As mentioned before, 'Two-touch' play forces the player to Receive the ball with the first touch and Release the ball with the second touch. By making every other player work with five or more touches the Retaining technique can also be improved.

In the Competitive Scrimmage the players are made aware that no stoppages will take place. While the players are experiment and playing their way to success the coach only observes and takes notes on weaknesses in 'the Theme' to be improved at future practices.

Reviewing the Theme both physically and verbally during the Cool-down and End of Practice sessions can only add to the players understanding. It is, of course, a great idea to assign the 3 R's as homework. Just like doing ones school homework improves the overall individual so also does soccer homework improve the individual player.

It's a fact that 'good repetition creates good habits.' We have developed, for you an environment where the monotony of repetition is disguised. It is now up to you to use your imagination and adjust our 'Routine' in such a way that your player will benefit.

FUNdamental Reader: Very Important: If you have successfully used 'the Routine' or if you have had difficulties with 'the Routine' give us some details…Send your comments/suggestions to us for publication.