I am a former professional soccer player who’s produced collegiate & pro standouts, I have students ranked in the top 25 in the Nation in high school, committed to BIG 12 & PAC 10 schools as Freshmen & more. Since 2007, my focus has been the principles of long-term player development. LEARN MORE
Think about the times you have received the ball in a tight space, knowing you needed to get the shot off. Shooting in tight spaces brings so many different challenges. Sometimes it requires you getting any part of your foot or leg on the ball to score. One thing I often say is “ugly goals count too”. Players like to…
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The term in soccer getting “touches on the ball” to improve your game is slowing growth for many. I’ll never forget when I went from college to pro soccer. My first experience was after the pro combine… I was on trial with MLS side Kansas City. It was a whole different level of play! It didn’t matter how many silly…
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Most will agree that possession style soccer passing is far more pretty than long ball. Anyone can just kick the ball, while few can pass with purpose. Players need to know when to hit the long ball, through ball or simply play it back. Players need to have good vision on the field and know where the numerical advantages are….
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Today, I’m honored to introduce a guest blogger to the GFT family: James ‘JR’ Reid. JR has been featured by some of today’s top authors, leaders, and speakers for his Champions Ranch™ Program. JR has worked with professional athletes and their families from all sports, including a 16-year old figure skating prodigy to some of the top names in Major…
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What most players learn when they are older [ages 17+] is that they weren’t as good as they thought they were. I recently watched a video of US Women’s National Team player, Crystal Dunn who said she learned when she was 17 that she was behind technically compared to other top players. She grew up as a top youth soccer…
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