|
|
 |
Feature Articles
Find the latest feature articles here! We generally post new articles each week, and most of them can be found on the home page or here. Be sure to click the 'view more articles' link at the bottom of the page to read articles you may have missed.
|
Adding Decision Making to Technical Training
Randy Hanson
Combining decision-making with the required repetition when training technique can sometimes be difficult. Many times we pick simple passing exercises and then move directly to a small-sided game. While this can be fine, I have been seeking ways to bridge the gap by simply and progressively adding decision making - while keeping the repetition high. . . .
keep reading
|
Re-Think Everything You Do
Randy Hanson
The New Year is a natural time for introspection, to review what we are doing and commit to changes to do better in the year to come. I am choosing this time to not only review but to RE- . . .
keep reading
|
Team Fitness
Randy Hanson
At certain intervals we will do fitness runs, choosing the distance and standard we feel are appropriate at the time. We measure an individual players results in whatever r . . .
keep reading
|
Add a Twist to Your 6v3 Possession Games
Randy Hanson
When choosing possession exercises for my team, I often pick what I would consider traditional organizations. One might be just a possession group around the defenders, or an organization with a bit more transition where one group sends in 3 defenders to "hunt down" the ball and bring it back, or another may even be to put these two ideas together where 2 teams group around a third team and the roles transition frequently . . .
keep reading
|
No Goals? Try This.
Randy Hanson
Many times we will arrive at our practices and have one goal to use or even an open space with no goals. Cones, corner flags or "coaching sticks" will have to do on the day, but how do you optimize this situation? Here is an idea to add to your arsenal to try. . . .
keep reading
|
Rhythm Passing II - Combination Play Variations
Randy Hanson
In a previous article I outlined a Rhythm Passing exercise that created a nice passing intro to a training session. I have since added 1v1 and combination play variations that could lead into a crossing and finishing or general finishing scenario. Really any session where some technical and tactical elements of passing and combination play will help. Diagrams and a short video are included to help with detail . . .
keep reading
|
Protect the Ball Bootcamp
Randy Hanson
When playing the ball in the defensive and middle thirds of the field, possession with the least amount of risk is at a premium. As I observe younger players, they tend to play with the ball "exposed" to the defender, lacking an appreciation of how to navigate the game while keeping the ball protected - all the while looking for and exploiting opportunities to penetrate the defense . . .
keep reading
|
Bending the Ball: An Attacking Necessity
Randy Hanson
Passing technique is a basic skill and building block for both players and teams. It is also a part of most training sessions that I witness. But what I don't often see is variety in passing - driven, chipped or bent passes. In observing the best players and teams in the attacking third, the ability to bend or curve the ball seems to be a necessity for creating scoring chances. What follows are a few scenarios where the skill in bending the ball may be effective . . .
keep reading
|
Team and Player Dynamics Learned from WWC 2011
Randy Hanson
What a journey the United States Women's National team took and let us share during the 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany. Whether one was impressed with the resilience shown in the late match stages or ultimately disappointed with the results, there was much to be learned, especially in regards to team and players mindsets. . . .
keep reading
|
2v1: An Important Building Block of the Game
Randy Hanson
Sometimes themes come out where you least expect them. While instructing a coaching license, the 2v1 situation kept popping up over and over again, giving me a chance to revisit it in more detail. Where they were on the field, how they could be created, the visual cues to both the players with and without the ball and the stagnation of attacking play without them. . . .
keep reading
|
Teaching Group Defending
Randy Hanson
Sometimes when you run an exercise with your team, things go even better than expected. Although the objective is to take scenarios from the team's matches and teach them, again it can go even deeper than originally thought. So it went when coaching group defending in a 6v3 organization. . . .
keep reading
|
Coaching Wisdom from Responsible Sports
Randy Hanson
This is the time of year where many coaches are in the midst of tryouts and others are in their "off-seasons". For me, these times are perfect for reflecting on coaching philosophy and preparing . . .
keep reading
|
"Clearing Your Lines" - Clearing Training
Randy Hanson
"Clearing Your Lines", or the technical and tactical ability to play safely and effectively out of your own penalty area, is a skill that must be practiced. Many times an opponent will have the tactics to play directly into the penalty area or attempt to produce goals while crossing from wide areas. The goals themselves can be created by the opponents effective skill in using these tactics or from our own teams mistakes. To avoid the latter is where clearing training comes in. . . .
keep reading
|
Two Key Performance Mindsets, Part 2
Randy Hanson
In "Two Key Performance Mindsets, Part 1", we discussed the importance of each individual playing at their top end, and some impactful concepts to help achieve that with more consistency. Now I will touch on another high-leverage performance mindset ... "Mind the Gap" . . .
keep reading
|
Two Key Performance Mindsets, Part 1
Randy Hanson
With seasons winding down for some comes the possibility of post-season tournaments, playoffs and state cups. Technique and tactics sure will be helpful but it will also be important to identify the mindsets that our teams can adopt to play at our best. As always, I am interested in the highest-leverage ideas so I have chosen two main mindsets. I'll discuss the first one today. . . .
keep reading
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| Here's what players, coaches and parents are saying about coach Randy Hanson...
"I honestly believe that he is one of the best coaches in the nation. His knowledge of the game is incredible. His love of the game motivates him to continue to learn new tactics in an evolving sport. (He) taught me a lot about soccer and was able to turn me into a soccer player I never thought I could be. I honestly can not express the amount of respect I have for him."
C.K.
NCAA All-American
"There are those coaches that are there and never really make an impact on an athletes life. Then there are those that educate, inspire, and truly make a difference. (He) is that type of coach. (My daughter) will have memories and skills she will take with her throughout her select and college soccer career. Thanks for making a difference."
D. Fenton
Parent of former player
"I can’t remember the last time I sat through a two day clinic and felt engaged the entire time. I appreciate the fact that you took our input and discussed the subjects we felt were most pressing. I know with a roomful of coaches that isn’t always an easy task! Thank you again for finding a way to....educate the soccer community."
S. Mourning
Coaching Clinic Attendee
|
|
|
About SoundSoccer
