Welcome to SkillfulCOACH

Article: Over The Top Reaction

2010-12-30T08:00:00Z

What is happening to the game we love to watch, play and coach. Are there no longer any ethical standards by which the game is played? It seems that all is fair provided the desired result is achieved. In response to recent events and comments, I have chosen to write an editorial, which is called, “Over The Top Reaction.” You will find this article in "The Final Whistle" of our Coaching Magazine.

SkillfulCOACH: The Online Coaching Magazine

2009-09-17T08:00:00Z

Welcome to the SkillfulCOACH online soccer coaching magazine. We are redesigning our product to better serve the needs of the soccer community. In our magazine you will find carefully crafted articles, diagrams and videos that will help you become a more knowledgeable and resourceful soccer coach. To further expand your resources, our online forum and blog will allow you to interact with coaches from the four corners of the globe. We will also offer monthly coaching seminars that will address numerous practice topics and coaching methodology, as well as the latest information about sport science.

USA U-20 World Cup

2009-10-02T08:00:00Z

On Friday, October 2, 2009, the US Men’s National U-20 team lost by a 0-3 margin to South Korea in the final group match of the U-20 World Championship, which is being contested in Egypt. The US team now rests in third place and awaits the results of three other group matches. Finishing as one of the best third place teams will ensure the US advance to the second round of play. If not, they’ll have a long return flight to the United States and plenty of time to reflect upon their dismal performance in Egypt.

In watching the three matches played by the United States, it became increasingly evident that the team lacked organization, composure and on the field leadership. Overall, their play was extremely naive, uncreative and purposeless. This was most noticeable when linking short and medium length passes through midfield and especially apparent against the Germans and South Koreans. Against Germany for instance, the inexperienced Americans were totally outclassed by their more professionally seasoned opponent. The high-pressure defense and intense speed of play left the US team totally unsettled throughout the match.

On Friday against South Korea, the result was even more embarrassing. Down 0-2 at halftime, head coach Thomas Rongen chose to make a single substitution. The team resumed play in the second half, as they had concluded the first: without conviction, determination or purpose. With numerous inaccurate long balls played to the opposing defenders and short passes to midfield teammates who were swimming in a veritable sea of red jerseys, possession was freely given away.

Seldom was there ever a change in the point of attack or in the rhythm of play, for that matter. Instead, we witnessed a boring, lifeless example of how to play the game poorly and without invention. Not exactly inspiring a great deal of confidence in the future of the US men’s national team program.

The Mobility Mindset

2009-09-23T00:00:00Z

The first article in our upcoming magazine will deal with mobility in attack. In this informative piece, we will explore how to improve player movement with and without the ball. We will also examine a variety of ways to make these movements more efficient and successful.

Internet Links

2009-09-23T00:00:00Z

SkillfulCOACH will soon introduce an Internet Links page that will become your door to all things soccer on the world wide web.

Visitors

2009-09-23T00:00:00Z

Hello Visitors,

If you have checked out the site, please send a note to editor@skillfulcoach.com.