Wednesday, May 26, 2010



Coaching High School Soccer: 5 Ways To Teach Effectively


You might disagree, but hear me out on this when I say that in coaching high school soccer, communication is the first step to success. The actual meaning of coaching kids is the art of communicating with them. This has the effect of expressing yourself to people with a view to perform them things in precisely the same manner.When it comes to soccer coaching, I've observed that most of the coaches often are the ex-players. Yet, there are a number of issues that they are forced to handle. These issues come up due to the inability to communicate properly.

Your role as a coach would become far easier if you just pay attention to some most important communication issues.These are described for you one at a time.Emotions of the coaches take over their minds while they are watching their kids play on field. Instead of acting as analytical observers, they become more of spectators. They fail to notice the important points that could better their team's performance. The coaches fail to have an effective conversation that could help the players get to the winning post.The coaches are generally not trained to communicate effectively although they have all the knowledge of the game. For example; in soccer coaching, many coaches are not aware of the utility of a flip chart or a video.

It’s important for the coach to know the game well but if he is unable to communicate his thoughts, the training gets repetitive.This is especially important in coaching high school soccer since the players have been into the sport for quite some time. They have been executing soccer drills for a long time at different levels. And one of the ways to avoid the boredom of repeating important messages is to keep varying the format.You’ll be amazed to know that coaches tend to forget sometimes that it is people who carry out the trainings. Only with a view to execute the training program well, coaches tend to ignore every other aspect of it. For instance; the communication is incomplete when an instruction is given to a player but without his/ her name thus making it difficult for any of them to apply it.

In football coaching, there are some points that need special attention and they are as follows:

• All messages from the coach are important for players. So make sure that they are interpreted correctly.

• Use positive language that encourages players to give their best shot. Help them to improve rather than reprimanding them for not playing well.Make sure you spend quality time with all your players.

Research indicates that coaches spend a lot more time (up to seven times more!) with star players.Communicate the potential issues that could arise and have a solution ready.Add force to the player’s confidence by harmonizing criticism with praise. Tip the balance more towards praise with players in coaching high school soccer.Accept as true. Application of these simple strategies to your training programs will have far reaching results for your team.If you found it informative enough, then there's lot more in store for you. You just have to subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community to get all the latest and relevant information pertaining to the game.


By: Andre Botelho

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Soccer Injuries And Prevention

Soccer, one of the most popular team sports in the world with over 200 million registered players worldwide, is a game of non stop action. Generally soccer is a safe and healthy form of exercise and competition for children. However, some precautions should be taken to maximize safety. Of the approximately 150,000 soccer related injuries that occur each year. Participants under the age of 15 results are 45% occur each year. Most injuries in soccer occur in the lower body, mostly to the knees and ankles.

However, repeated or prolonged use (overuse) injuries are common problems, especially toward the end of a long and gruelling season. These injuries are the result of constant overloading and wearing down of a tendon (tissue connecting muscle to bone), muscle, bone or joint, resulting in the inability of that structure to perform its normal biomechanical duties.

Injuries are a common occurrence in the sport at every level of play. Although not considered a contact sport, there is considerable physical contact and combined with the high physical demands of the sport, soccer injuries are inevitable. Did you realize that being first to the ball is the main cause of soccer injuries? And of course, this is something we encourage.We're going to look at causes, prevention and to reflect reality... treatment and recovery!Types of InjuryThere are many injuries that can occur in soccer, such as soft-tissue contusions, (bruises), knee injuries, and foot injuries. For these types of injuries there are things that can heal it. For heel or foot pains, inserts, placed in the soccer shoes may help.

Other injuries are ankle injuries, fractures, and heading the ball. Children under 12 probably should not head the ball due to the injuries that can occur.The rate of injury in soccer has been reported to be between 15 and 20 injuries per 1000 hours of play. The rate is slightly higher for female players than male participants. Injuries range from a severe bruise to more traumatic type injuries (broken bones). Overuse injuries are responsible for almost 30% of the injuries in soccer and range from mild tendonitis (swelling of a tendon) all the way to a stress fracture. SymptomsInflammation (swelling) is the most common sign of an overuse injury. The signs of inflammation are redness, warmth and swelling, pain with movement, pain to deep touch, and a grinding feeling over the muscle as it is moved.

One or all of these signs may be present. In the early stages, players may feel an aching pain after practice. As the injury gets worse, the pain will occur during practice or games with increasing pains as an attempt is made to maintain a high level of performance. General prevention tipsAs with any sport, a good warm-up is important to an injury-free soccer experience. Preventing soccer injuries can be little tricky, especially if you are new to soccer. Players should be aware of their physical condition. Even seemingly minor injuries should be treated appropriately. Injuries tend to increase as players fatigue, so adequate rest is essential. Players should also warm-up and stretch prior to any practice or game, and warm-down and stretch afterwards.

The most important thing is that you must be properly dressed with soccer uniform and must use comfortable and sweat absorbent soccer jerseys which are advanced wicking fabric technologies that extract moisture from the skin to the fabric's outer surface where it quickly evaporates, regulating body temperature. However, in this article I will give you a few of tips on what you can do in order to protect yourself better.

Now, let’s check out the tips…

• Stretching; focus particularly on the lower body and hips, and don't forget to stretch your neck gently. You could also stretch in the shower but I would not recommend this as first choice because you could fall and hurt yourself. So be careful if you really want to stretch in the shower

• Passing; Begin with short distance passing, then move gradually into longer distance drives.

• Shooting; Work up from lighter, shorter shots on net to harder shots.

• Sprinting; Include a few short distance sprints.

• Listen to your body; If you feel tired don’t practice. Take a day off instead. This will help you recover and you will also be able to perform better on next practice.

• Proper warm ups; This will raise your body temperature and prepare it for physical activity. By warming up you simply tell your body to get ready for hard physical activity.

• Use proper cleats: Always wear shin guards whether you are playing with your friends or in a regular competition.It is hard to avoid all type of soccer injuries. Soon or later you will unfortunately get injured. But don’t let an injury discourage you. If you have a bone fracture in your foot for example you will not be able to kick a ball. But you could do exercises to get stronger stomach muscles. Some injuries in soccer are just bad luck and you have to accept it.

By: webmaster mysocceruniform
Why Soccer Is A Great Sport

The soccer game is played and appreciated by people throughout the world. To play soccer, you need two teams of eleven people in each team, a ball, and a place to play. Soccer games are usually played on a field which has a rich layer of herbs mowed about this. soccer is usually played by children and adolescents, but it can be played by adults. It is a competitive sport which can be enjoyed by everyone in the family and no matter how old they are.

The object of a game of soccer is to get the ball to the other team's goal without using your hands. People who play soccer in general use their feet, but many players have been known to use their heads quite a bit during the game to hit the ball if it is in the air. The only people allowed to use their hands during a soccer game are goalkeepers, who stopped the ball going in the net. These people are usually called goalkeepers too, and the arbitrators are likely to issue penalties to any player who uses his arms and hands to move the ball towards the end of the field. The judges maintain a strong research on the action that takes place during a soccer game. They use hand signals to communicate their calls to referees and players involved in the game and on the sidelines. soccer is a team sport and the team that works together is usually the team that wins.

The two teams trying to score points by moving the ball with their feet and the team with the most points will win the game at the end of the day. If there is a tie, then a draw will take place and the team that wins the lottery will be determined the winner of soccer game that day. soccer is a competitive sport that is played throughout the world. All people need to play soccer is a little time, a group of people and some gear sport as a soccer and some goals. soccer is also a social sport because it gives people the chance to interact with each other as they speed over the ground.

Off the field, soccer players in general for the pleasure of meeting in a pub or perhaps for a grilled pizza celebration. soccer players are very conscious healthy because they spend much time running. Many soccer players have a strict regime of exercise and diet to maintain their competitive edge during a game of soccer. With eleven players to do so during any game of soccer, it is preferable to ensure that all players on the soccer field is at the top of their fitness at any time.

By: John Salmon

Friday, May 14, 2010

Fantasy Sports Review: What’s New in Fantasy Football?

by: Steve Jones

Fantasy sports are a growing industry, fueled by the passion of sports fanatics from around the globe. Each fantasy sport web site has its own draw and unique advantages. According to the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, the United States is home to over 27 million fantasy sports players. As fantasy sports communities become more popular new fantasy web sites, applications, drafting tools, social networks, podcasts and forums are popping up all over the Internet and the competition to create the ultimate fantasy sports experience is fierce. But why not? Just like in real sports, in fantasy sports winning matters!

Fantasy Football: The #1 Fantasy Sport Fantasy football is by far the most popular fantasy sport online. In a report from EA Sports titled “Fantasy Football Myths Debunked” by EA Expert Keith Ruston, “It's estimated 15-20 million people play fantasy football. Fantasy football is not just for nerds it’s for successful professionals, intelligent strategists and sports diehards. So, what are some of the most recent developments in fantasy football? Let’s take a look! Stinkball.com: A New Twist on Fantasy Football On May 1, 2009 Real McCoy Fantasy Sports in Asheville, North Carolina released the fantasy football website Stinkball.com. Stinkball.com offers fantasy football enthusiasts a different take on fantasy football contests. According to the contest rules in order to win you must pick players you believe will have the worst performances this season.

According to a Fantasy Sports Business newsletter sent on May 21, 2009 the most exciting features of Stinkball.com are the weekly and season pass options along with the large cash prizes. Stinkball.com currently offer a free demo and the ability to create a member account and purchase a team at an early bird discount. Web site members can expect the fully functional system to be completed and tested by August 1, 2009. ESPN.com’s 2009 Facelift: Fantasy Football for the Individual By now you have probably seen the recently redesigned ESPN.com. If not, go check it out. The web site navigation has been simplified and fantasy sports options have greatly expanded. According to the January 9, 2009 article “The New ESPN.com: Is It All Fantasy?” by Jacob on FantasyFootballFools.com, “ESPN is trying to make it easier for visitors to get to what they need, want and crave from their sports coverage…I think ESPN is gunning to become more of a tool and direct resource for fantasy sports fans.” ESPN.com also offers a host of personalized features as part of the myESPN account. Site visitors’ preferences and settings will now follow them as they surf the site.

All in all, the new version of ESPN.com creates an easier and more satisfying experience for fantasy football players. Fantasy Football Joins Forces with Facebook.com Since the fall of 2008 fantasy football and Facebook have been in bed together. Facebook has achieved unprecedented success over the last year and is smart enough to know the value of getting in on a lucrative market like fantasy sports. So, now you can hang with your friends online and get your fantasy football game on too.

Uniting the power of Facebook applications with fantasy football (and other fantasy sports) allows fantasy sports companies to identify where sports fanatics are gathered and bring the games to them. In a Washington Times article published on September 9, 2008, written by Tim Lemke, titled “Need a fantasy football fix? Facebook may be the new place to get it,” Mike Kerns, founder and CEO of Citizen Sports, states, “What we found, in our opinion, is that more and more people are going to [fewer] sites. The companies in the next generation that will stand to benefit are those that direct their information to where most people spend their time.” In addition to a variety of new Facebook applications, Facebook.com is also joining forces with LeagueFinder to create a Facebook application to help fantasy football players find the perfect league. According to the article “Fantasy Sports Finds a Matchmaker” written by Wall Street Journal reporter Nando Di Fino on March 26, 2009, “Anyone with a Facebook account can access LeagueFinder.

After revealing as much or as little as you'd like about the kind of league you want to join, and your matches appear immediately. LeagueFinder allows a fantasy player to choose difficulty level, league size, the entry fee and several other sorting characteristics.” So, these are just a few of the changes in fantasy football that may affect you as the 2009 season begins. Always explore the new features and tools fantasy sports web sites of all kinds are offering. The majority have been created to enhance the fantasy player’s experience and to continue evolving fantasy games to the next level. Look to the future and you will catch a glimpse of what fantasy football can be.
The Best Football Season Ever: Sports Widows Can Have Their Own Fun!

by: Tzippi Moss


The football season offers great opportunities for us women to rediscover ourselves, while keeping a distance from those who remain perpetually glued to the tube and their munchies week in and week out. So, don’t go in to ‘hibernation’ – here’s how you can take control of this season in some exciting and memorable ways. Around this time of year I hear of women who feel abandoned. Yes, I’m talking about that unique seasonal male bonding ritual, called NFL Sunday’s and Monday Night Football.

If you are one of those women who begin looking at the T.V. set and plasma screens with hatred and envy, or whose mind starts to numb at the very word “football”, start thanking your guy instead for the wonderful opportunity you’ve just been handed. What is that, you’re wondering? The chance to create your own Fall season ritual with your women friends. As the men become oblivious to you while tossing back a few beers, chowing down on their favorite junk foods and cheering on their chosen teams, take the ball in your own hands and organize your own celebration.

Remember, if you’re out of the house, you don’t have to deal with listening to the ongoing football commentary, requests for stuff from the kitchen or the assumption that you will be volunteered for clean up duty. If your partner is hopeless with organizing child care or cleaning up after the guys, write him a little love note, or say something that goes like this: Dear Football-Fan Hubby, I know how much you love the football season. Sunday’s and Monday nights are holy for you until the day after the Super Bowl.

This year I want you to really enjoy yourself. I’ve arranged a baby sitter/cleaner for the kids so that you can watch the games undistracted with your buddies. I’m getting out of the house, as well, so you can really hang out with the guys. You won’t even have to worry about the clean up. Have a great time and know I love you,… If on the other hand, your partner shares duties with you, you might try writing or saying the following: Dear Football Fan Hubby, I know how much you love the football season. Sunday’s and Monday nights are holy for you until the day after the Super Bowl.

This year I really want you to enjoy yourself. That’s why I’ll plan on getting out of the house so you and your friends can have a good time alone. I’m leaving the babysitter and clean up arrangements to you so they suit you best. Have a great time, Love,… That’s Stage I. Now for the best part… Stage II. Gather together a group of your friends and create your own version of female bonding. While it’s always nice to go out to a restaurant or a movie, why not try something a little different? Consider forming a women’s club that meets every Sunday afternoon or Monday night during the football season.

Have a different woman plan each week’s fun, according to her interests and specialties. That way, you may enjoy a spa night, a night tour of historical sites, famous homes, or great architecture in your area, a home crafts evening or one of decadent desserts. If one of you is a bookworm, ask each woman to come dressed as one of her favorite book characters and bring books to swap. The holidays are coming up – brainstorm with your women’s club on creative gifts for your family, while sipping on exotic wine punches and eating warm chestnuts. The possibilities are endless. So, leave the couch potatoes in their most comfortable position – this year’s football season will never be the same.
Fantasy Sports News: An Interview with Fantasy Football Expert Jason McCoy

by: Steve Jones


Fantasy football fans, the season is upon us. Things are really starting to heat up now that pre-season games are only weeks away. To get a better idea on some fantasy football projections for the 2009 season, I sat down with Stinkball.com Fantasy Football creator Jason McCoy in Asheville, North Carolina. McCoy is a member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association and was recently (July 21, 2009) featured on a MockDraftCentral.com expert draft.

S: Thanks for joining us today. I play fantasy football and follow the off-season news religiously. I was surprised by some of the choices in this year’s NFL draft. What do you predict will happen in the fantasy drafts? 


J: Honestly, no matter who is number one on the depth charts right now, their true value won’t be known until at least after the second pre-season game. A lot of fantasy relevant positions are up for grabs this year, and we’re going to see most teams nailing down those key slots sometime in mid-August. With the rookies, there’s too much uncertainty to pigeonhole them now; as usual rookies are somewhat of a hit and miss proposition.

S: When you’re drafting players for your fantasy leagues, how do you determine your draft strategy?

J: One site that I use frequently is http://www.mockdraftcentral.com/. I was just recently featured on one of their expert drafts and it was an awesome experience. When it comes to fantasy news and advice I use footballguys.com, thehuddle.com, and fantasyguru.com. For people who are new to fantasy football sites and draft strategy, pay attention to the Average Draft Positions (ADP). Professional agents and team representatives do a great deal of vetting before investing in a player. Hence, if a rookie is picked in the first round and gets a seven-year contract, then he’s done something to earn that. If you have a player and aren’t sure whether or not to throw him back into the player pool, check his ADP.

S: Do you participate in fantasy football mock drafts?

J: Constantly, I’ve done a couple already this season. Mock drafts are great because they let you know which players are over/underrated. I pick my players for my “real” drafts based around what I see in the mock drafts.

S: Do you really pick the players that are going to be on your fantasy squads based on mock draft results?

J: Absolutely. I’ll watch where the player is drafted in the mock drafts I participate in and how other fantasy owners rate him. And based on that, I’ll either pick him a little earlier than other fantasy owners just to ensure that he’s on my team, or I’ll wait and let someone else take a chance on him.

S: There are some pretty tempting names in the 2009 draft. When it comes to fantasy football rankings, who do you think is the most overrated?

J: Honestly, a lot of people. Michael Turner had a good season with the Falcons last year, but I think he might have trouble repeating those numbers because of the Falcons’ tough schedule this year against the run. I think Kurt Warner and Tony Romo are slightly overrated, although some people would probably disagree. Other players like DeAngelo Williams and Calvin Johnson are still a risk in my book because the sample size is just too small to get a feel for their true value.

S: Who would you say is an underrated player in this year’s draft?

J: Personally, I see great things for LaDainian Tomlinson. He’s consistently scored a minimum of 10 touchdowns per season, and, although he is on the other side of 30, I think he still has one great season left in him. For quarterbacks, Philip Rivers and Aaron Rodgers are good picks. Both had their best season last year, and I bet we’ll see great things from them this season. Wide receivers, I’m keeping an eye on are Wes Welker and Chad Ochocinco.

S: Who are some of your sleeper picks?

J: Pierre Thomas and Matt Ryan are still young and I have no doubt that their best years are ahead of them. I could see both of them outperforming their draft positions. Larry Johnson is someone I think could rebound this year and be a top 15 RB that you can draft in the early to middle rounds of most fantasy drafts. As for WRs, Ted Ginn Jr is a guy I will be watching closely because he is a 3rd year receiver and Chad Pennington has a very accurate arm. I could see Ginn end up as a top 25 fantasy WR that you can get in the later rounds.

S: Well that’s all for today. Thanks for answering my questions Jason. I really appreciate your fantasy insights.

J: No problem Steve. It’s my pleasure. Jason McCoy is owner and creator of Stinkball.com Fantasy Football. This interview was completed in downtown Asheville, NC. Whether you play Yahoo fantasy sports or ESPN fantasy football, participating in mock drafts and listening to expert opinion can help give you the competitive edge you need to win big. Also, don’t forget to check out Stinkball.com, the web’s newest “loser league” style fantasy contests and leagues.
How To Collect Sports Memorabilia.

by: Lydia Cooper

Collecting sports memorabilia is a popular hobby amongst sports enthusiasts all over the world. It is also a massive commercial industry and is growing every year. A passion for sport can turn into a large collection of signed pieces, and in some cases this collection can have great financial value. For others, the value is merely sentimental.

Whatever, the reason for collecting sports memorabilia, there is no doubt that it is a very popular hobby. Sports memorabilia covers a lot of different pieces, and the prices can range from pence to thousands of pounds. Photos, cards, shirts and other sports related equipment that have been signed by an athlete are considered memorabilia, but only when the signature has been certified by a reputable company. Adding an autograph to an article can either decrease of increase its value.

For example, if the autograph has been personalised to a specific name then the autograph will devalue the item on the public market. The price of an item will also be very low if the item is sold without a certificate of authenticity. Replica and authentic sports products that are unsigned, or are signed but not authenticated, are considered collectibles. If you decide to become a collector of sports memorabilia, you must first establish a strategy.

Firstly, you will need to decide whether you are going to become a collector as a hobby or if you want to collect in order to make a profit. If you decide on the latter, you need to consider to likelihood that you will become attached to the items, and in the event that this happens how likely it is that you will be able to part with your things. If you think that you may get too attached to your collection then it may be wise to collect merely for pleasure rather than as a money-making scheme. If you think that you will be able to give up your treasures in order to make a profit you need to give yourself limits on how much you are willing to spend. Next you should decide on a theme for your collection. It may be that you are interested in one type of sport or a certain period of sporting history.

However, you should try to narrow your search to include maybe only one team, one athlete, the Olympics, or one sport. This will enable you to become more educated about one area and with time you will be able to spot interesting and rare pieces that will be popular with buyers. Now that you have established the theme of your collection you will also be able to determine its value. For example, if your collection focuses solely on one player then it may be difficult to sell, but a collection that is dedicated to a certain piece of sporting history may appeal to a wider range of buyers. In order to keep track of the growth of your collection, it might be helpful to make a wish list of items that you want the most. If you stick to the list this will ensure that you do not panic buy items that may turn out to be bad buys. A wish list will also help you to establish a budget and stick to it.

In order to make your collection as good as possible, it is helpful to educate yourself about the sports memorabilia market. You should make yourself aware of market prices, factors that make prices fluctuate and decrease and the general history behind your collection. This means that you are less likely to be ripped off when buying pieces and you will be able to choose pieces wisely. You should also keep up to date with the sports memorabilia market in general to see what is selling well and what isn’t. Being a collector of sports memorabilia takes a lot of time and effort.

You should expect to have to take the time to shop online, scour newspaper adverts for auctions and deal directly with a specialised sports memorabilia broker and even attend collectible shows. Another way is to go to the direct source, for example attending games or training sessions to get the players to sign memorabilia. If you have a genuine interest in your collection then these things will not seem like hard work to you, but if they do then maybe you should reconsider becoming a collector. If you want 100% genuine sports memorabilia then look no further than www.genuinememoriabilia.co.uk. They are a family run company that has an extensive catalogue of over 6,000 items of memorabilia. For more information on sports memorabilia click here.

Sejarah SSB. Putra Baladika

Didirikan dan diresmikan pada tanggal 2 Mei 2010 di stadion Group I Kopassus, Serang, Banten. SSB ini mendidik anak-anak usia dini mulai dari usia 6 tahun sampai 17 tahun untuk menjadi pemain sepak bola profesional.

Latihan diadakan 2 kali seminggu yakni setiap hari Jum'at jam 14.00 Wib dan hari Minggu jam 7.00 pagi.

Pendaftaran dapat dilakukan setiap hari juga ketika hari latihan.

Sekolah ini dilatih oleh pelatih-pelatih yang berpengalaman.