Watching an English Premier League U10 Academy team train the other day vindicated my belief that soccer is a sideways on sport. Often the players who were moving into a space to receive the ball did not check straight to the ball carrier (as on the left) but checked at an angle so that they could look over their shoulder to see if they were being followed by a defender (as on the right), which is more difficult if a player checks straight to the ball.  This is an aspect of Brazilian soccer I like very much and would encourage coaches to develop exercises which teach players the two habits of checking at angles to the ball and looking over their shoulders continually.

Admiral Sports is pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership with SF Glens Evolution.

“SF Glens Evolution wanted to create a completely unique team kit that represented their new brand identity,” Admiral Sports CEO Paul Hamburger stated. “Admiral’s designers worked with the club to create a whole range of custom teamwear, merchandise and accessories, including custom scarves, balls, pennants, and even phone cases.  As owners we’re personally involved to ensure the club get what they need directly from our factory.  We’re thrilled to be working with San Francisco’s largest youth club and look forward to helping them standout on and off the field.”  

The game of soccer can be broken down into a competition of 11 players vs 11 players, or small groups of players, 2 versus 2 players, 3 v 3 etc. The real heart of soccer is the 1 v 1 duel. These duels happen all over the field for the full length of the game.The team that wins the most duels will, in all likelihood, win the game. 1 attacker versus 1 defender is the ultimate player challenge and coaches are well advised to practice 1 v 1 on a regular basis.

Admiral Sports is pleased to announce that they have entered into a strategic partnership with the Heritage Soccer Club.

“We’re delighted to be working with the Heritage Soccer Club, adding yet another NorCal club to the Admiral family,” Admiral Sports CEO Paul Hamburger stated. “Companies choose Admiral because of the value, factory direct pricing, and a custom kit that promotes the club brand.  We also offer our clubs an online store and service that's personal from the owners of the business.”

Admiral's run as the "brand of champions" continued with the Rochester Rhinos winning the 2015 USL Championship.  Rochester brought home the hardware thanks to a 2-1 overtime victory over the LA Galaxy II.

Second-half subtitute Asani Samuels was the hero of the night, scoring both Rochester goals on his way to being named the match MVP. Both of the goals came off set pieces, the first in second-half stoppage and the game-winner in the 112th minute.

One of the key questions coaches must ask themselves is “Are the players transferring what we do in practice to the game?”

Winning is, without dispute, good for morale but if the wins come by just kicking the ball and running after it this is not going to be very effective, developmentally, in the long run.