The other day my wife brought me an article from a local magazine and said, “You should read and blog about this article. It states everything you’re always talking about.”
Things like when a player tells you they’ve been injured and recommendations on who to see professionally for concerns over sprains, strains, or rehabilitation.
To me, the right soccer training is teaching technique to the right age group. Too much time is wasted at practice with kids standing in lines, and many players are not being taught which parts of the foot and parts of the ball should connect.
Key Takeaways
- The right soccer training focuses on technique before tactics or fitness.
- Players improve faster when they get more touches instead of standing in lines.
- First touch, passing, and ball control should be emphasized at younger ages.
- Training should challenge players while keeping the environment positive.
- Parents should research coaches and prioritize safety and proper development.
Response to the DFW Child Article
While I disagree with some parts of the article, there are some things I agree with. The pressure, expectations, and competition placed on kids at very young ages can be too much.
North Texas is one of the most competitive areas in the country for youth sports, especially soccer. That is great for my business, but as a parent myself, my first concern is for the kids.
Working on the Right Training in a Positive Setting
What makes soccer training the right training? The sad truth is that most youth soccer players are not learning the correct things.
First touch and passing and shooting different ways are huge.
Nothing fancy about it. It’s realistic. It’s what you need to be good at.
There are many good coaches, but there are also many who do not teach the game well.
A good coach is someone who makes players excited to come back next week. They also teach character, teamwork, and how to stay positive during difficult moments.
Teaching the right training means focusing on skills for the right age and level while also helping kids feel confident about themselves.
Handling the Ball Under Pressure
There are skilled players who struggle when pressure is applied.
Tricks around cones might look impressive, but players must learn to perform under pressure.
1v1, 2v1, 2v2, and 3v2 situations are excellent ways to train decision making.
Players must learn how to create space with and without the ball.
1v1 situations are easier because there is less thinking involved.
2v1 and 2v2 drills are harder because players must read the game and make decisions.
There should be a mix of all these situations.
Some coaches argue that all training should be opposed. I believe there is also value in unopposed training.
If players become excellent at trapping and passing, they will naturally learn how to solve problems in games.
The Myth of What Soccer Parents Want
Some people believe most soccer parents only care about scholarships or professional opportunities.
I disagree.
Most parents simply see that their child loves soccer and want to help them improve.
They are trying to give their child the best opportunity in something they enjoy.
What Is Too Much Soccer?
Many professionals believe that youth players today play too many games.
Excessive games combined with poor technical training can reduce a player’s desire to play and increase injury risk.
Now even 10-year-old players are running long distance conditioning sessions in hot climates.
Kids ages 9-12 should not be doing large amounts of fitness running.
Many players become extremely fit but lack strong technical skills.
Kids also play in multiple leagues on different surfaces because they believe it will give them an advantage.
Players need rest.
The physical, emotional, and developmental maturation of each athlete is different, and no child needs excessive pressure too early.
Playing Multiple Sports
I support young players playing different sports if that is what they enjoy.
However, once players reach high school and have serious goals in soccer, balancing multiple sports can become difficult.
The athletes I train consistently year-round are typically not the ones dealing with injuries.
Many of them have trained with me for years and stay healthy because the training focuses on proper technique rather than excessive physical strain.
Maintaining Your Body and Training Smart
If your goal is to play college soccer, you must maintain your body.
This means monitoring the total physical load on your body.
You can train more if it is the right soccer training. This usually means skill development instead of constant conditioning.
Many players benefit from:
- Club training
- 1-3 extra days of skill training
- Practicing at home
If private training is not financially possible, players can still improve by using structured skill programs like my online ball control courses.
The Right Soccer Training Is Balanced
The right training mixes different elements.
Some days training should be lighter, especially during hot summer seasons.
During preseason, training intensity naturally increases.
When weather is hot or players are in season, skill work such as stationary drills is often more effective than excessive running.
Training That Can Injure Muscles
Avoid excessive long-distance shooting during periods of heavy match schedules.
Power shooting places stress on the hip flexors, quads, knees, and lower back.
Limit high-rep long-distance shooting to around 15-20 minutes.
Mix in finishing drills from different angles and distances.
Strength training also needs balance. Heavy lifting every week is not necessary for soccer players.
The most important training areas remain:
- Passing
- First touch
- Ball control
Do Your Homework
Many coaches claim they played professionally.
If someone says they played professionally and charges money for training, you should verify it.
Google it.
If they played at a high level, there will usually be information available.
Parents should also ask a more important question:
Is this person safe and trustworthy around my children?
Protecting Your Soccer Child
I personally would never allow a coach to curse my children.
Every family has different standards, but parents should trust their instincts.
If you cannot verify a coach’s playing history or feel uncomfortable with their behavior, it may not be the right environment.
Technology now allows us to research coaches and training programs easily.
The greatest protection we have is parental common sense.
If you do not feel your child is safe, learning, or enjoying the game, it is time to say no.
Train Smarter, Not Just More
The right soccer training is not about doing more for the sake of doing more. It is about doing the right work at the right time.
If your player needs a more structured way to improve first touch, passing, and ball control at home, start with my ball control courses. They are built for players who need proven repetition, better mechanics, and a clearer development path.
For families who cannot do private training every week, these courses are the most efficient next step.
FAQ: Soccer Training
What makes soccer training the right training?
The right soccer training focuses on technical development, age-appropriate instruction, and positive coaching. Players should spend more time touching the ball and less time standing in lines.
What skills should young soccer players learn first?
The most important early skills include first touch, passing, ball control, and decision making under pressure.
Is too much soccer bad for kids?
Excessive games and conditioning without proper skill development can increase injury risk and reduce enjoyment of the game.
How can parents find good soccer coaches?
Parents should research coaching experience, verify credentials, observe training sessions, and ensure the environment is positive and safe.
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