Are Formations a top priority?

Soccer, just like anything else goes through phases, evolving and changing over time. One clear aspect is the debate over formations and systems of play used in modern day soccer. Have you found yourself asking the question, "should I play a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3? I know I have but at the end of day that is not the top priority.

There are a tons of books, videos and coaching courses geared toward understanding the details, nuances of various systems and formations. It is important to know the difference, their strengths and weaknesses at the highest level. Should it be a top priority for young soccer development?

Regardless of being on defense or offense, soccer players need to adjust constantly ot the situation around them. Where is the ball? Where are my teammates? Where are the opponents? How can I help? All are constant questions and anwers that need addressing every second of every game. This requires constant focus, awareness, endurance, communication and effort.

It is not as easy as it sounds.

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Teaching the love of the Game

Coaches occupy multiple roles in children's lives as sport participants. Coaches must be excellent instructors so that youths learn and improve skills, increase knowledge of strategies and tactics and achieve their goals. Coaches also can inspire children to maintain motivation for participating in sports.

We need to get all involved:
Coaches, parents, peers (teammates, close friends) => perceived competence => Enjoyment & Motivation.

I want to thanks the Owen for the party on Saturday. I will continue to motivate athletes by teaching them self-regulated learning strategies, which allow children to depend on themselves, not only adult.

The major reasons children play sports is to develop and demonstrate physical competence, experience positive social interactions with adults and peers and have fun and enjoyable times. We all need to embrace the love of the game.

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