Get up and go

Get up and go

The time is now. If you are waiting for the perfect time you may never start. It is hard putting yourself out there. No one wants to fail. Remember it takes action to achieve your goals. Start now and you are one step closer. Focus on reasons to start, not on reasons to delay. Here are 5 keys to get up and go.

1. Be confident

It is important to be confident when it is time to get up and go. Believe in yourself. You can accomplish anything when you put your mind to it. Know exactly what you want to accomplish and why. Establish a plan and follow it. The more prepared you are the more confident you will be. Be confident enough to ask for help if you need it.

2. Remember your goal

Remembering your goal is a key when it is time to get up and go. Focusing on the end result can motivate you to get up and go. Think about how much you want it and how you will feel when your goal is achieved.

3. Listen to good advice

Understand that you are not alone. When it is time to get up and go, listen to good advice. You have a strong support group. Good advice can help you succeed and can give you a different perspective on situations. Incorporate the advice into your style and make it your own.

4. Prepare for setbacks

When it is time to get up and go be prepared for setbacks. Prepare yourself and follow the plan. Be aware of setbacks and plan a strategy that will help overcome them. Set backs may slow you down but they will not stop you from being successful.

5. Take a chance

It is important to be willing to take a chance on yourself when it is time to get up and go. Conditions may not be perfect but don't allow that to discourage you from moving forward. Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to try. Taking a chance is the first step in accomplishing your goal.

Accept constructive criticism

Accept constructive criticism

This is a tough pill to swallow but if you can work past your pride the information can improve you. No one wants to hear they could have been better. Especially when they have worked hard. Sometimes there is a better way and accepting constructive criticism can help you realize it. 5 things to remember when you are given constructive criticism.

1. Don't take it personal

It is important to not take it personal when being confronted with constructive criticism. Take pride in everything you do and always try to do the best you can in all situations. It is hard to listen to someone say you could have done better. Especially when you have done your best and you are pleased with your performance. 

2. The critics have been thru this

Every time you step onto the field strive to get better. One way to improve your game is to listen to people who have been there before. Accepting constructive criticism is effective when you realize the criticism is from a knowledgeable source. The information they provide will help you develop. They understand what works and what does not work.

3. The critics want you to succeed

Another key to accepting constructive criticism is to understand they want you to succeed. The information given is for your benefit. Hopefully it will continue to spark you to improve. They criticize because they want to help you improve. When they see an area where you can be stronger they will help. 

4. The critics provide a different perspective

They provide a different set of eyes. Understanding the critics provide a different perspective is a key to accepting constructive criticism. This will give you a different way of looking at the situation. The next time you are faced with it, you will have different options. This will lead to better decision making and stronger play.

5. This will give you something to work on 

Understanding that accepting constructive criticism will give you something to work on. You strive to be the best and always find ways to improve. This gives you a chance to strengthen a weakness or to fine tune a strength.

5 WAYS TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION AT TRYOUTS

5 WAYS TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION AT TRYOUTS

1. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
Understand the task you are asked to do. Coaches give specific instructions before each drill, which is used to train an aspect of the game. Be aware and follow the instructions in order to master that element of the game.

2. PAY ATTENTION
Be aware and focused. If you are not paying attention you will likely not know what to do. Give your coach your undivided attention at all times. There are many distractions that can occur during tryouts but do not forget why you are there.

3. BE A GOOD TEAMMATE
You and your teammates are there to have fun, be focused and play as a team. Try to be helpful and realize everyone is working to get better. Find ways to show your individual skills while bringing out the best of you teammates.

4. LEARN TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME
Every time you step on the field have the expectation of getting better. Improve your game by doing the drills correctly. Take the time to learn and perfect new skills in training.

5. HAVE ENERGY
Have energy and train at game speed. Be willing to work hard during tryouts. This will prepare your mind and body for situations that will occur during a game.

5 Keys to Playing Back in Soccer

5 Keys to Playing Back in Soccer

1. COMMUNICATE

Communication is  key when playing back in soccer. Be sure to communicate information to your teammates. Find unmarked opposing players and potential attacking dangers. Make sure your team identifies these players and limit their options.

2. MARK

Always be aware of the location of opposing players. It is important to mark while playing back in soccer. Be sure to see the ball and consider the options of the ball carrier. Mark potential attackers and make it difficult for them to continue the attack.

3. STEP TO THE BALL
If the opposing team does not touch the ball it makes it difficult for them to maintain possession. A key to playing back in soccer is to step to the ball. This will decrease their opportunities to score. Be alert and in position to step to the ball and gain possession. Put in the effort early by denying them the ball, so you will not need to 1v1 defend.

4. 1v1 DEFEND

Another key to playing back in soccer is to be a good 1v1 defender. Make sure you close the space quickly and under control. Delay the attacker and keep them in front of you. Get into your defensive stance, which looks like you are standing on a surf board. If possible try to force them outside or to your defensive help.

5. WIN THE BALL

It is essential to win the ball while playing back in soccer. Use the block or poke tackle to gain possession. Make sure you time your tackle and use the proper amount of force. Be confident and understand that your play can stop their attack while starting your attack. Once you have gained possession find your targets in order to start the attack. When you find your targets early this will increase the chances of keeping possession. Be sure to push up and be part of the attacking shape. Remember you can relieve pressure and switch the field. Be willing and able to support your teammates and help when needed.

5 Keys to Defending Corners in Soccer

5 Keys to Defending Corners in Soccer

1. Communicate

Communication is key to defending corners in soccer. Make sure there are no unmarked players in the box. Alert your teammates and make them aware of who you are marking. If you see unmarked players in the box call a teammate to mark them. Be sure that you understand who your teammates are responsible for and they understand who you are responsible for. The majority of goals at the youth level are scored because of unmarked players in the box.

2. Mark goal side

Stay between the player and the goal. It s important to mark goal side when defending corners in soccer. This will give you an increased chance of stopping their attack. Use your body to make shots on goal difficult. Establish your position and be prepared to move your feet, remember to stay goal side. Attackers do not need a lot of space to shoot so close the space and take away possible shooting angles.

3. Step to the ball

Be aware and move to be first to the ball. Stepping to the ball is essential to defending corners in soccer. Remember to stay goal side and eliminate scoring angle. Move to the ball and gain possession or disrupt the attackers from having a clear path to the goal. Be alert and be first to the ball.

4. Positive touch

A key to defending corners in soccer is to have positive touch. Be sure to make solid contact with the ball in the direction of your attacking goal. Have open body away from your defensive goal. Keep the ball in front of you and make sure you touch away from your defensive goal. Be aware, maintain your balance and know where you are on the field. Remember to touch the ball high and wide to give your team a chance to attack.

5. Counter Attack

Another key to defending corners in soccer is to start the counter attack. First be sure to secure the ball by stopping the opposing teams attack. Then start the counter attack with the initial outlet pass. Proceed to quickly find your attacking shape and balance. Most teams commit numbers to attacking corners so be alert and ready to make or receive the next pass. Exploit open spaces and seek numbers up situations. Once you establish how well you can counter attack, teams will not commit so many to their attacking corners. 

5 Keys to Attacking Corners in Soccer

5 Keys to Attacking Corners in Soccer

1. Balance and Shape

It is important to have team balance and shape when attacking corners in soccer. Be sure to have players on the front post, back post and the center. This will give them a chance to score. Create depth by having players around the top of the box. This will spread the defense and leave gaps that can be attacked. Another option is to start by overloading an area and moving to separate open spaces. Make sure each area is accounted for in order to give your team the best opportunity to score.

2. Move toward the goal

Moving toward the goal is key to attacking corners. This will aide in the directional accuracy of the ball. Be sure to have open body which will put your body in the position to take a smooth shot on goal. It is difficult to take a shot when you are going away from the goal. This will limit your scoring chances and allow the defense to recover. The one touch finish in the box is hard to defend if you are moving toward the goal. 

3. Positive touch

Another key to attacking corners in soccer is to have positive touch. Remember to have your body in a position to take a positive touch toward the goal you are scoring in. Take advantage of this great opportunity to score using one touch in the box. Be sure to keep the ball in front of you, this will give you a chance to take a shot on goal. Occasionally you could score just by being in the right spot and have the ball bounce off of you into the goal.  

4. Rebound

Rebounding is important to attacking corners in soccer. Be alert and never give up on a ball. Make sure you are in a position to maintain possession or take a shot on goal. Lots of goals have been scored because of rebounds, so find the ball and take advantage of opportunities. While the other team is watching the ball be the first to react and the first to the ball.

5. Transition

It is essential to transition from attack to defense when attacking corners in soccer. Make sure you do not give up a counter goal. Stay alert and eliminate the other teams counter attacking options. A lot of effort goes into attacking corner and if you are not aware you could easily concede a counter goal. Sprint back to delay the ball and step in front to intercept passes.

5 Keys to Playing with a Man Down and No Subs in Soccer

5 Keys to Playing with a Man Down and No Subs in Soccer 

1. BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARED

In youth soccer there may be occasions when you will need to play a man down with no subs in a game. It is key to be physically and mentally prepared for this situation. Be sure you have received enough rest, food and water. Take care of your body and have it ready to perform at a high level. Understand that you will use a lot of energy and situations may not work out the way you planned but do not get discouraged. Continue to work hard, limit your mistakes and never give up. Challenge yourself and your teammates to play at your best.

2. UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

It is key to understand your responsibilities when playing a man down and no subs. Know what your coach expects you to do and accomplish during the course of the game. Be aware of what your teammates expect of you and need you to do. It is important to make the right decisions and limit mistakes. Remember that mistakes will be made and it does not mean doom, stay positive and find ways to solve the problem.

3. SUPPORT WHEN YOU CAN

Supporting you teammates when you can is important to playing with a man down and no subs. Be alert and provide support during defending. Make sure you are available as part of the attack. Being able to transition may the difference in scoring a goal or giving up a goal.

4. PLAY WITH ENERGY

Another key to playing with a man down and no subs is to play with energy. Your speed, stamina and quickness will be tested in this contest. Know that sometimes you need to sprint to maintain possession in the attack or intercept a pass while defending. Remember to conserve energy and rest when you have an opportunity. Be alert and ready to take advantage of mistakes made by the other team.

5. STAY POSITIVE 

Finally it is important to stay positive while playing with a man down and no subs. This will be a difficult game. You and your teammates will use a lot of energy and make mistakes. Remember to stay positive and showcase the skills you acquired in the training sessions. This is an opportunity for you to challenge yourself and get better. Recognize positive situations and moments and build on them during the game. Lastly no matter the score never give up and have fun.