'Soccer 101' is a youth soccer training* group that trains players from 6-12. There are so many youth players that are great athletes but are undeveloped players. I think there are a few reasons for that, one being coaching failure.
It really isn't that complicated to develop players. There are only 6 basic skills to learn. If coaches concentrate on those skills then the players will become skillful.
There are two important elements of soccer skill building. The first is the correct explanation and demonstration of a skill. The second is repeated performance of the skill in order to make the skill easy. Again, its not complicated. The players just need good direction and a lot of diligent follow through from coaches who know what they are doing and care.
The first 6 week classes of Soccer 101 were fun and enlightening for me. I found the players to be eager and respectful and after starts that tended to be slow they gained quickly. I found that the players would involuntarily 'fight' the proper techniques due to bad muscle memories. For example, players who learn to kick the wrong way when young (95% of untrained players strike the ball incorrectly) continue to kick incorrectly and must be watched closely while trying to undo the muscle memory and bad technique. All the first session 101 players improved, most a good deal, but it was only 6 hours so few miracles occurred. The explanations and demonstrations alone take about that long. The repetition is the next phase. We didn't have time (yet) to do enough of that.
Soccer 101 emphases will be first touch and proper striking of the ball (far and away the two most important soccer skills), dribbling, fast feet exercises, passing and positioning. If your child can master these few things they will be able to play on any team they try out for. They will be limited only by their physical and mental abilities. Additional emphases will be competitiveness and decision making.
Want your child to be a good player? Do this.
sessions usually follow this schedule :
U8s (Co-ed) - Soccer 101 Mondays 4:15-5:15PM
U10 Girls - Soccer 102 Tuesdays 4:15-5:15PM
U10 Boys - Soccer 102 Wednesdays 4:15-5:15PM
U12 Girls - Soccer 103 Thursdays 4:15-5:15PM
U12 Boys - Soccer 103 Fridays 4:15-5:15PM
U14 Boys+ (Advanced U12s) - Soccer 104
U14 Girls+ (Advanced U12s) - Soccer 104
Cost
6 sessions...$60 cash (preferable) or checks payable to 'Soccer 101' only. No credit/debit cards. Bring on first day of attendance.
4 month program. I am going to start offering longer term programs to give the program a better chance to work. In 4 months I can definitely make a sustained difference in them. 4 months - 16 weeks for $140.
12 month program . Give me a year I will give you a player 2x or 3x as good as they were. I will give you a skilled player who knows how to make good decisions. They will have thousands of repetitions of each skill and the confidence that comes with that. This is what you would pay a top club like Dallas Texans or So. California Blues thousands of dollars per year for 12 months - $450. I will be personally responsible for the development of your son or daughter, nobody slips through the cracks. Will everyone become the captain of their HS team or play in college? No, a lot of it has to do with physical and mental ability. However, we will get what is in them out of them.
Graduating through levels. After the start of 101, players may be reassigned to a higher group when they are capable. If the player 'passes' 101, then they may move to '102' etc.. if the player wants to stay in their group or if the new day/time doesn't work that is fine too.
Longer term Soccer 101 will be a better developmental method than attending many camps or clinics for one reason. If you put the development in the hands of many different people you might get coaches of varying abilities, philosophies etc.. with 101 we are taking responsibility for the players development.
Evaluations Players who attend more than one 6 week session (two 6 week sessions, 4 months, 12 months) will get a complete player evaluation. Players who attend only one 6 week evaluation can get an evaluation for $10 (they take forever to complete!).
Indoor leagues Soccer 101 will be entering teams (optional participation) into indoor leagues.
Outdoor tournaments Soccer 101 will be entering teams (optional participation) into outdoor tournaments.
Other Soccer Clubs Many players were 'discovered' at the first Soccer 101 classes. Ten players joined club soccer through their identification at Soccer 101! I wont be pushing anyone in that direction, it is better for me personally to have them stay in Soccer 101, but if they are capable and want the next level, so be it.
Register
To register simply reply to Scorpionssoccer@aol.com with your child's name, gender, age group and emergency contact information.
* Soccer 101 is a training group, not a recreational group. Although there will be more demands on the older players then the younger players they are all going to be pushed a little.
