A goalkeeper has probably the psychologically challenging of all positions in the squad. Any errors made by the goalkeeper are usually crucial and are seen by all members of both teams plus the spectators. This is recognized by a competent coach and as part of his duties, he will act almost as a psychologist to the goalkeeper, certainly more so than he would with the other team members.

There are seven key points that should be remembered when coaching a goalkeeper. Read The Rest……

Scoring more goals than your opponents, whilst conceding as few as possible, is the main objective of a soccer match. Each time a team has control of the ball, the aim should be to create scoring opportunities. However, in junior and youth matches, all too many scoring chances are missed and there is a possibility this is because the managers and coaches may be unintentionally drilling the team out of shooting.

There are five pitfalls that coaches may find themselves falling into and all these may have an effect on the players’ competence at taking shots on goal. This article looks at these pitfalls and offers some advice on encouraging your players to make more attempts at goal scoring - hopefully with success! Read The Rest……

Regardless of what level of soccer is being played, throw-ins are a major part of set pieces. Using throw-ins efficiently will give your team an advantage over their opponents by utilizing available space and setting up goal scoring chances.

By paying close attention during games, you’ll see that once a throw-in is conceded, all the players switch off and unwind due to the interruption in play. Once the level of concentration is broken and players are taking it easy, your team need to take advantage and punish their opponents.

Five key points are involved when coaching soccer throw-ins. Read The Rest……

It’s a tough task for a young goalkeeper to stop the opposition scoring. According to statistics, goalkeepers often have lengthy periods when they’re not actively participating in the game, usually around 3 or 4 minutes. However, as soon as they are required, they must make a decision within a split second on what action to take and follow through with it.

Unsurprisingly, mistakes happen. Below are the five most common errors a young goalkeeper will make. Read The Rest……

Perhaps you’re wondering why a goalkeeper should need to head a ball? If you pay attention to soccer games, either professional or amateur matches, you’ll notice two scenarios where heading the ball will be useful in getting out of a sticky situation. Read The Rest……

There are no stringent guidelines in soccer rules and regulations on what is allowed concerning shoulder charges. It goes without saying that any contact with another player should not deliberately be aggressive or dangerous. The laws of soccer state neither the leg nor the arm should be used to push a player with possession of the ball. Lunging at an opponent’s back, forcing him to hit the ground, then looking bewildered when the referee brings out his card isn’t going to work either! Read The Rest……