How to properly implement rondos in your training sessions — In the first part of this series, we dove deep into the basic of rondos, learning where they originated, how they’re played, their developmental value, and some basic rondo variations as well as addressing some general misconceptions about them. With that foundation set, we’re going to focus on position play…

How to properly implement rondos in your training sessions — Rondos are deceptively simple, foundational exercises that are often misunderstood and misapplied by coaches—especially in the US. Because of this, their utility continues to be the source of frequent debate among coaches, clubs, and even throughout the ranks of US Soccer and their coaching education programs. So whether you’re just…

A simple trick to teach proper positioning and angles to goalkeepers — Good positioning is arguably one of the most important skills for a goalkeeper to learn. Here’s a very easy way to teach basic angles and positioning to goalkeepers of all ages. And, if you’re a visual learner, like me, this method is perfect! What you need A soccer goal (age appropriate) A long…

Loopers, Bucketball 2.0, Soccer Skee-ball, and Screamers — In continuing my series on 4 Fun Soccer Drills, I bring you Volume 3—a collection of a few more entertaining games I’ve discovered online in addition to a fun and effective drill I created a long time ago. Loopers Bucketball Soccer Skee-ball Screamers Loopers Ages: 11+ I discovered Loopers on YouTube…

Soccer Powerball, Touch Post, Power & Finesse, and World Cuppies — In Volume 2 of my series on 4 Fun Soccer Drills , I’m continuing the theme with 4 more fun games that teach specific skills. But, more importantly, they’re just a whole lot of fun! Soccer Powerball Touch Post Power & Finesse World Cuppies Soccer Powerball Ages: 8+ Powerball is a great…

Soccer Tic-Tac-Toe, Volleyball, Horseshoes, and Cornhole — I love soccer drills that are fun, competitive and effective at teaching specific skills—drills that can be added to a training session and serve as both instruction as well as a reward. You can use them on “fun days” before a long break or a light practice before a tournament. …

How to choose the right goalkeeper glove for you — Note: a newer, more in-depth version of this post has been publish on The Soccer Parent Lifestyle blog. Check out the New Guide to Goalkeeper Gloves. Choosing the right pair of goalie gloves can be confusing, especially for new goalkeepers (or parents of goalkeepers). I’m going to break it all…

Part 1 of a Guide to Coaching and Training Goalkeepers — For many youth coaches who have never been formerly trained as a goalkeeper, the idea of teaching a goalkeeper might seem foreign. It is, after all, unlike any other position in the game, and it requires a very special type of player. Therefore, it’s understandable that many youth coaches—especially at…

Video hub for the NCFC Royals — Table of Contents Since this is a rather long list of videos, I’ve broken them down into the following sections: Skill drills - Dribbling and ball control - Ball control for kids! - Goalkeeping - Juggling - Shooting - Speed, agility and quickness + stamina (or SAQ) Attacking tips & how-tos - 1v1 dribbling …