Coerver Minute -- April 2010

You might think that today’s title refers to our Multiple Camp Discount (10% off the enrollment fee for a player’s first camp for each camp beyond the first.)

But you would be mistaken. “Take Two” Touches or More is one of the Great Soccer Habits emphasized in our camps and other programs.

We see tons of one touch play in youth soccer, and you’ll see what we see if you try the following at an upcoming game: Pick a player and chart each time the player has the ball. When the possession is a single touch, does the ball go to a teammate or an opponent? When the player takes two or more, does the ball go to a teammate or an opponent?

It is very rare to have a youth player who does not give away the overwhelming majority of one touch possessions. And equally rare for a player to lose anywhere near as many of those where he or she takes more. What you’ll see is much more panic than possession.

One touch play has its place. Some shots, some defensive clearances and if you’re playing for Barcelona. It can be a marvelous condition in training exercises for developing the ability to “Think Ahead”. But for most youth players, it’s not yet an effective option.

One touch play is not easy. It requires that players have developed great skill (especially with that first touch), poise and vision. These are areas of emphasis in every level of our curriculum. Players get better at these things in our camps. They get better still, of course, if they take two or more (and take advantage of the Multiple Camp Discount.)

Tell Your Coach - Our Free Clinic for Coaches on Possession and Goalkeeping is Next Sunday, April 25

Coerver© Colorado will hold a free clinic for coaches on Sunday, April 25, from 1:30-4:00 PM, at the Stutler Bowl, Cheery Creek High School. All coaches are encouraged to attend.
The first segment will show a progression for developing the poise and confidence to possess the ball under increasing pressure.

We’ve used this progression (which has, coincidentally, a strong “Take Two” or More focus) in our Center of Excellence program for players U8-11. With remarkable results.

Most of the time, though, will be devoted to an introduction to the DiCicco Method, which we think is the best goalkeeping instruction available. The clinician will be Ben Pinkerton who will direct the SoccerPlus Goalkeeping Academy which will again share the fields with our Greenwood Village Camp, August 2-6. Featured will how to teach young goalkeepers the essential technical skills, and ways to integrate the goalkeeper in a team’s training.

No pre-registration is required, but call us at 720-255-4911 to find out what Plan B is if the weather is bad.

Thanks to all who have put registration for our 2010 Summer Camps way ahead of last year’s pace, which saw many camps fully enrolled. In 2009 the last places were often filled by last minute registrations. That’s not likely to be an option this year.

Players get the greatest benefit from our Camps and other programs when they have teammates who have also improved with Coerver's skills training. The more players who can challenge each other's skills at practice and in free play, the better all will become.

Coerver Colorado offers a Team Discount of $20 per Player for “teams” of 8 players or more. Our definition of “team” is fairly liberal. Players do not have to play on the same teams, or in the same clubs. They don’t even have to attend the same camp. A “team” can even include those who have already registered.

Get all of the details here. (Excel Form) This discount is on a space available basis and ends May 24 for June Camps and June 25 for camps beginning in July and August.