Posted from the Rossville Area Youth Soccer's Newsletter. We are excited about the direction this organization is moving. We continue to grow within the recreational and travel leagues providing more opportunities for our local youth to experience soccer. In order to help enhance our youth program, we will be providing articles to promote the growth and development of our soccer players. We will be providing articles for players, coaches and parents. In finding suitable articles for this inaugural issue, we have chosen an article that is for both our players and coaches. If you are a player, please take the time to read these articles and see how they can apply to your game. If you are a coach, please read and identify opportunities where you can help your players enhance their soccer experiences. If you are a parent, please read and see how you can help support your child’s development as a soccer player.

The following is the beginning of a five part series provided by one of the top collegiate soccer coaches in the nation: former Indiana University’s head coach and hall of fame coach Jerry Yeagley. Enjoy.

Developing Soccer Technique

Individual technique is the foundation of soccer skill. Technique can only be developed through continuous use of the ball. Harmony or an “oneness” between the player and the ball is the ultimate goal. A player must feel at ease with the ball and not treat it like a hot potato. Ball sensitivity or “touch” comes only through purposeful hard work with the continuous desire and challenge for self-improvement. With improvement in technique comes satisfaction and ultimately the ability to use the ball constructively even under extreme pressure.

The coach’s responsibility is to create the proper environment that will allow every player to reach their maximum potential. This means providing the best possible training exercises and practice sessions. The coach also has the responsibility to motivate and guide the players through their development. This includes analyzing and demanding that each player follows proper mechanical principles involved with every aspect of soccer technique. Coaches need to model these techniques and provide positive feedback as players develop their individual touch.

The players’ responsibility is total dedication to hard work and a willingness to put in the training time needed to develop maximum potential. Playing beautiful, technically sound soccer is an art, just like playing golf or the piano. Pele serves as the master model. A person does not become a great golfer or pianist without tireless hours of individual practice. The same holds true for a soccer player. What is YOUR potential? FIND OUT!! Do not cheat yourself and your teammates by asking yourself after your playing days are over – “I wonder just how good I could have been?” Follow the directions of your coach. Listen and watch at the techniques you are taught. Go home and repeat these techniques until you master them. Only through repetition can you find the “touch” you will need in the beautiful game of soccer.

(Next issue we will provide ways players can develop better ball control skills and a separate article for coaches on ways to incorporate ball control in to practices.)