2011 Women's World Cup Soccer Tips

Tips for Youth Soccer Coaches
from the 2011 Women's World Cup Final
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Hi David,
Just wanted to reiterate how much my kids love the soccer patches. I now coach year round and am convinced Soccer Help is the place to come for ideas and advice.
My girls have won the select league the last two seasons and the Junior High team has two seconds and a first in state over the last three years - and we are ALWAYS outmanned...
Good stuff, and thanks for your efforts,
Jeff in Alaska, Premium member
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Tips for Youth Soccer Coaches
from the 2011 Women's World Cup Final

The 2011 Women's World Cup Soccer Final was exciting. Congratulations to Japan on a hard fought victory.
I noticed a few things in the Final that are worth mentioning to youth soccer coaches:

The first U.S. goal was on a 50 yard long ball played from the Defensive Third. For soccer travel teams, there is no doubt that teaching control is important, but used at the right time long balls can score. A long ball style of soccer from the Defensive Third is much easier to teach Rec soccer teams than a short passing controlled attack, and much more realistic too. Rec soccer teams usually have too many unskilled players to teach a short passing style of attack. Do what is realistic and gives your team the best chance of being successful and having fun.

The first Japan goal was due to a U.S. defender trying to pass the ball instead of just kicking it hard. If she had just kicked the ball hard (even out of bounds) Japan wouldn't have scored. If the ball is near your goal and there is pressure or attackers in the area, the safe thing to do is to clear the ball hard instead of trying to pass it out, even if you have to kick it out of bounds. If a Defender can kick the ball downfield you will not only get it out of the Danger Zone but your Forwards will also have a chance of winning the ball if they are toward the Halfway Line and have shifted with the ball,

Japan's first goal occurred due to a weak clearance by a U.S. defender in front of the U.S. goal, but ALSO because a Japan attacker was alert and in position to steal the ball and score. Alert attackers don't always have to be fast - positioning and smart play can score goals.

Keep in mind that these are the best women's soccer teams in the world. It is unrealistic to expect youth teams to play as well.
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