TOTAL SOCCER FOR CHILDREN

When should coaches start assigning specific positions to young players?

By Mike Woitalla (from Soccer America Magazine, January 2008 issue)

We see it so often one wonders whether American youth coaches are getting their soccer advice from Garry Kasparov.

"Kids come up to the halfway line," says Sam Snow, U.S. Youth Soccer's Director of Coaching Education, "and actually balance themselves not to go past it, because they suddenly realize, 'Oh my god, there's the line that I'm not supposed to go past.' Their arms are swinging, it's almost like they're on a balance beam or something."

It's a prime example of overcoaching - prevalent even though it's generally agreed that pickup games or street soccer spawned the world's greatest players.

And because it's widely lamented that American children don't play enough soccer in unsupervised games, where they're allowed to experiment and enjoy the freedom of the sport, the sensible response is that organized soccer for young children replicate a pickup-game environment.

One of pickup soccer's main characteristics is that players explore the field as they wish and decide on their own how to position themselves. I am constantly impressed with how even very young children begin to comprehend positioning without being instructed.

Snow recommends that coaches not worry much about talking to children about positions at the U-6 and U-8 levels.

"We're saying, from U-10 on up, begin to tell them the names of the positions, show them where they are, but don't screw them into the ground," Snow says. "Don't say, 'You play here and you're not allowed to go beyond a certain part of the field.'"

At the higher levels, teams interchange positions. Making players rely on instructions in their early years isn't likely to prepare them to read the game on their own. Besides, the children's instincts often make more sense than the sideline instructions. Manny Schellscheidt is the head of the U.S. Soccer Federation's U-14 boys national development program and Seton Hall University coach. He sees older players he calls "position stuck."

"When they don't know exactly what to do," Schellscheidt says, "they go to the spot they're most familiar with regardless of what the game is asking for."

The easy answer to the question of when to assign positions is to make it moot by using a small-sided format, as recommended by U.S. Youth Soccer (U6: 3v3; U8: 4v4; U10: 6v6; U12: 8v8).

"The small-sided game environment for preteen players aids the players in learning concepts of play, for example positioning as opposed to positions," says Snow.

Schellscheidt says, "It needs to be small enough so positions don't matter. That's the best solution. If coaches would have the patience to graduate their kids from really small numbers, one step at a time, that would be the most natural and the most potent education the players could possibly get.

"They would learn to deal with time and space, and how to move around and have some shape. The problem is we go to the bigger numbers too early."

Even if the league doesn't use a small-sided format for its games, Schellscheidt recommends that approach in practice. Above all, don't scream orders from the sidelines and shackle players to areas of the field.

"It destroys the children's natural instinct of being part of the game," he says.

Bob Jenkins, U.S. Soccer's Director of Coaching Education and Youth Development, says youth coaches are "skipping steps" when they try to organize and discipline young teams to play within a formation at a stage when they should be focused on the 2-on-1 situations.

Overemphasizing positions, Schellscheidt says, demonstrates the difference between team development and player development.

"There's such a difference," he says. "You can divvy up the field, make players rehearse what they're supposed to do in their small areas, and as far as team development it works fine because they can find a quick way to get results. It's a short cut to success, but the kids don't become good players."

U.S. Soccer's "Best Practices (.pdf) for Coaching Soccer in the United States" is pretty clear on the subject of allowing young players to make their own decisions on the field:

"A team of 9-year-olds who hold their positions and maintains a steady group of defenders who rarely, if ever venture into the attack, looks like a well-disciplined and well-organized team."

But U.S. Soccer does not recommend this approach, clearly stating it isn't how to develop good players:

"This approach hinders the player's ability to experience and enjoy the natural spontaneity of the game. It does not allow players to have an equal opportunity to go and 'find' the game based on what they see from the game or to handle the ball and develop instincts for the game.

"These are skills that they will need at the older ages and that are often lacking in the older players."

(This article originally appeared in the January 2008 issue of Soccer America magazine.)

Spain's brilliant message. Will it be heard in the USA?

The following article was originally posted on the Soccer America web site. I encourage everyone to read the comments below the article on the original page.

By Paul Gardner

Not for a long time -- not since the days, going back three decades, when Brazil was at its best -- have we seen soccer presented in more glittering garb than the version presented by Spain in the Euro 2012 final.

This was wonderful to watch, delightful to see, almost too good to take in. No doubt it felt altogether too much to the overpowered Italians, who did not deserve to be the sacrificial victims of this master class. For them, as Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque so generously remarked, nothing went right. Injuries, having to play a third of the game with only 10 men -- such drawbacks leave plenty of room to sympathize with an enterprising Italian team. But they cannot obscure the truth that Italy was comprehensively outplayed.

No other team at Euro2012 could play soccer at the level set by the Spaniards. In fact, Italy, in the final, was the only team that tried. Portugal, France and Croatia had all opted for the negativity of a packed defense -- as indeed had Italy, when it tied Spain in the first of its group games. And nobody, whatever their tactics, beat Spain.

We are now looking at Spain as arguably the best team the world of soccer has ever seen. Better than the Hungarians of the 1950s, better than Brazil of 1970. Maybe. Up at the same legendary level, for sure.

What makes them so good? Patience, for a start, infinite patience and faith. It’s taken a long time for Spain to climb to the top, and its meant decades of bitter disappointment, and a really quite extraordinary history of bad luck and being victimized by poor referee decisions in crucial games.

I recall, 16 years ago, sitting in London’s Wembley stadium, watching in disbelief as England ousted Spain from Euro-96 on penalty kicks -- a game in which Spain had had a goal disallowed for a non-existent offside, had seen not one, but two, clear penalty claims ignored, and then suffered in the shootout as England’s goalkeeper was permitted flagrant movement as he made the crucial save.

Throughout trials and tribulations of that order, Spain has always stuck to its style, always played a game based on ball skills and close, on-the-ground passing. It has always been good to watch, but of course that soon became a criticism -- what’s the good of looking good, or “playing pretty,” when you don’t win anything?


Now Spain has won more than anyone has ever done before -- with three consecutive major titles. There can be no arguments -- this is one of the greatest teams of all time.

What happens next? Does the soccer world acknowledge that the Spanish have got it right, and try to play the game the Spanish way? A nice thought, but don’t put your money on it.

The analysts and the highly-qualified coaches, backed up by the latest in technological gadgetry will now spend a lot of time and money dissecting the Spanish style and what makes it work. Their answers will be elaborate and clever and maybe persuasive. And, it is safe to say, most of them will be inadequate, if not downright wrong.

Coaches always analyze the game from the coaches’ point of view, putting themselves at the center of everything and thus giving themselves a starting point that is bound to lead in the wrong direction.

An even worse reaction to the brilliance displayed by Spain -- and Brazil -- is to simply dismiss it as beyond reach. This has been the English attitude for as long as I can remember. Unable -- or, more truthfully, unwilling -- to match the skill levels, reliance is then placed on tactics and on non-soccer specifics like fitness, and grittiness.

It is 46 years since England last won anything. And Spain now rules the soccer world.

There ought to be an overwhelming message there for the USA, a country that is looking for a style and that has all the youth training resources necessary to develop one.

This country is in an absolutely ideal position to develop a style of soccer based on the Spanish model. We have the talent here, at the youth level, without any shadow of a doubt. Of course we do. And right next door to us, we have a soccer-playing nation that plays the sport in the same way that Spain does: a version based on ball skills. Mexico is not up to Spain’s standards  ... but it has pulled off some remarkable achievements at the youth level recently, including last year’s Under-17 World Cup.

Why is it then that we have a national team that displays absolutely no style at all? Why does Jurgen Klinsmann go searching in Germany for talent -- and not particularly impressive talent at that?

When complaints are made that, given all the time and the money that has now been spent on youth development in this country, we really ought to be producing better players, what answer is to be heard?

Only one, really. That there is a formidable influence at work in youth soccer in this country that belittles skill and emphasizes strength. Nothing more complicated than that. Where that influence comes from, and what keeps it so influential, is a topic for another day. But I don’t think there’s any secret involved.

That influence needs to be eliminated. Possibly the curriculum devised by Claudio Reyna for the USSF is meant to do that. It may -- eventually. I don’t think we should be dealing in “eventually” in this situation. Now is what matters -- because we’ve waited long enough. And because right now, set in front of us, in all its dynamic glory, we have the superb example of Spain ... the best team in the world.

That is where all our efforts, all our coaching routines, all our soccer ambitions should be focused. I’ll admit that I do not, any longer, see this as a slow process. I think something needs to be done quickly -- brutally if necessary -- while we have before us this superb example for us to follow, and that we need to make a much stronger effort to learn from the Mexicans.

When I said brutally, I meant just that. I mean getting rid of coaches who do not believe in the path I’m outlining, who cannot understand it and therefore cannot teach it. We have been trying the other way, or the other ways -- all of which tend to put the physical side of the game first -- for far too long, and we are not making anything like the progress we surely should.

Let them hear Oliver Cromwell’s famous words, from over 350 years ago, “You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you.”

Should We All Try to Play Like Spain?

The following article was originally posted on the World Class Coaching blog site.

At the end of every major World Cup or European Championship those involved with youth development look at the results, what conclusions can be drawn and how they relate to the youth level of the game. In the case of Euro 2012, many coaches and commentators are asking, “How can we get our players to play like Spain does?”

A loud and consistent voice advocating move toward a more player-centered, creative game has been Soccer America’s Paul Gardner. He has often bemoaned the direct, ‘kick-ball’ game and asked coaches to set aside their selfish desire to win today in favor of a greater emphasis on developing skillful players who can think for themselves and eventually lead to greater success for the U.S. on the world stage.

Gardner recently posted a blog entitled, “Spain’s brilliant message. Will it be heard in the USA?” He asked the question that we all do when we see a truly special team, “What makes them so good?” Gardner goes on to explain how long Spain has worked to achieve the high level of technical skill and tactical brilliance that they currently possess.

“Spain has always stuck to its style, always played a game based on ball skills and close, on-the-ground passing. It has always been good to watch, but of course that soon became a criticism — what’s the good of looking good, or “playing pretty,” when you don’t win anything?”

The question Gardner asks next is the most important one, “What happens next? Does the soccer world acknowledge that the Spanish have got it right, and try to play the game the Spanish way?“

At least one coach, Dan Minutillo, has taken action to answer this question. He has created an, “ongoing working group dedicated to improve soccer in the United States resulting in improved performance by our National teams, men and women.” The group began as a small group of coaches, players and administrators who attempted to answer the question, “Considering the present state of play around the world evidenced by teams playing in Euro 2012, what can the US soccer community do to advance US soccer in order to ensure that our National teams continue to improve and be competitive against other National teams?“

Minutillo has recently opened the group to comments from anyone who is interested in the topic. I would encourage you to read Gardner’s post and then consider Minutillo’s question. You can also read the views and comments of others that are passionate about the subject. Add you comments to the discussion and let’s see if we can start to move U.S. Soccer down a path to success similar to that of Spain.

Have a great day!

Tom

'Total Football'

The following article can be viewed where it was originality published by clicking here.

'Total Football' and its attacking pressure are very spectacular. It places great demands on individual and team tactical excellence... An absolute prerequisite, to master such a team tactical aspect, is that all the players possess a positive mentality, including the substitutes." -Rinus Michels 

The playmaking style, also known as Total Football, is one of two team strategies, the second being the counter attacking style. These two styles are at the base of all the decisions about how a team will play in a match. The decision which style to adopt will determine the functions and responsibilities inside the team and how to conduct training sessions. The playmaking style is the hardest to prefect and is beyond the capabilities of most youth teams. In order to play this style of soccer certain key ingredient's must be present. Not some, or in some measure, but all and in spades. Without doubt the most important is to take the field with the correct mentality, the 'Amsterdam Bluff' as it's called in Holland.

 "On the day of the 1974 final even West Germany expected Holland to win. 'They were a better team,' said Uli Hoeness later. Winger Bernd Holzenbein recalled: 'In the tunnel, we planned to look them in the eye, to show them we were as big as they were. They had the feeling they were invincible - you could see it in their eyes. Their attitude to us was, "How many goals do you want to lose by today, boys?" While we waited to go onto the pitch I tried to look them in the eye, but I couldn't do it. They made us feel small."

 Sjaak Swart on Ajax: "When we played in our own stadium, teams who came here were afraid of us. In the bus they were already trembling. Many old players have told me this. Before the game started, it was already 1-0 to us." 

3 Key Ingredient's For Playmaking Soccer 

The predicted outcome determines choice. The playmaking style is only effective when you believe, and can back up, that you are better then the opponents, see above. If the predicted outcome is 4-0 to you, you can do what you like. If it's 4-0 to the opponents then you'll do what the opponents want you to do. One goal games, 1-0, 2-1 present a problem. While you can attempt to use the playmaking style, you're likely to be spending a good deal of time in the counter attacking style as well. Everyone in the team must understand and accept the decisions about how the team will play, that it is the best choice in the given situation. 

Trust. The players must have complete confidence in themselves and each other. That the plan is correct and everyone is capable of carrying out their part. This is only possible when the players really know one another, when they play 'instinctively.' Youth teams usually don't have enough time together to reach this level. Swart observed "It came from playing together a long time."  The playmaking style is a high risk style. It requires very high ambition and very low fear of failure on the part of everyone. "However, structural team building makes sure that: the players have confidence in each other, there is calmness in the games actions, the essential team spirit and team tactical views are present." 

Higher level of TIC and fitness then the opponents. If the opponents are better in some area of the game they can provide sufficient problems that the playmaking style becomes too difficult. They can either become the playmakers themselves or so dangerous on the counter attack that fear becomes a factor. In the first case the opponents can have the ball a lot, and the playmaking style assumes that they won't. This means that you'll be defending, playing negative soccer, more then you'd like and expending energy in ways and areas that are not a part of the plan. In the second, fear leads to a safety first approach and this runs contrary to the mentality of the playmaking style, calculated risk taking. The team can play too conservatively, hesitate and become so preoccupied with what the opponents might do that they forget about what has to be done. (This applies to every member of the team. In a close game any weakness in even a single player can defeat everyone's work.) 

Since most of the game will be played in the opponents half players will find little space and often play in a numbers down situations, i.e. 1v2, 2v4 and so on. Superior technique is a prerequisite to maintaining the necessary speed of play. Without it players will lack confidence and the ability to maintain the attacking pressure. 

A higher level of insight and communication is necessary in order to seize opportunities. The correct moment to act will involve two or more players and there is not enough time for anyone to call instructions, let alone get any from the coach. Everyone must read the situation in the same way and arrive at the same conclusion. They must simultaneously act in a split second. The playmaking style involves a lot of nonverbal cues and communication. It is read, react and think later. 

The fitness level needs to be very high. Constant changes in tempo and prolonged periods of elevated speed of play takes a toll both physically and mentally. The key players have the responsibility for determining the match tempo. It needs to faster then the opponents can handle but within the capabilities of the team. And remember the old adage, sometimes you have to go slower to go faster. 

Adaptability. Mobility, the interchange of positions, is very important, but, so is speed. Players will need to cover for each other as they take advantage of opportunities but this must be done quickly and without hurting team efficiency. This means that players who switch positions usually do so with the players closest to them, i.e. right back and right midfielder or left wing and center forward. Every player must have mastered all of the basics in defending and attacking skills, notably both sides of 1v1 so that they can handle the demands of their temporary positions. 

Specific roles. Teams line up at the start of a game for a purpose. To get the best out of each individual and to hide any weakness. The central defender and the center forward are the best available for their jobs at that moment . So if the central defender spends too much time up top then at least two positions are being occupied by players who are not ideally suited for the roles. This upsets the balance inside of the team and results in less efficient, slower, play. The interchange between positions is temporary and players need to resume their key functions as quickly as possible. Sometimes it is only a limited number of players that have the actual 'freedom' to change positions. The majority of the team constitutes the 'work talent' which, by definition, play in the service of the 'key players.' This does not relieve the 'key players' of any burden. Just the opposite, they have the added responsibility of leadership and having to use 'their extra qualities' in order to win the game. In this situation, while the 'work talents' can lose the game, they do not have to win it. 

Concentration. Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. A break in concentration by a single player can disrupt the entire team effort and start a chain of events that can lead to disaster. The playmaking style requires tremendous concentration for long periods, like driving at high speed in heavy traffic for long distances. It is stressful and wearing. It is also presents a problem when a substitute comes on and is not up to the mental speed of the game. The attack starts where you win the ball. In the playmaking style it means defending in the opponents half. This prevents the opponents from retreating and, as long as you can prevent the deep pass, reduces the space in which to 'hunt' the ball. 

"The main aim of the attacking pressure football, the 'hunt', was: regaining possession as soon as possible after the ball was lost on the opponents half during an attack. The 'trapping' of the opponents on their own half is only then possible when all the lines are pushed up and play close together. This automatically means that you give away a lot of space on your own half and you are vulnerable to counterattacks... You need to control the opponent if you want to play an attacking style football!"  

The 'hunt' means two or even three players pressurize the player with the ball. The idea is that the first won't win the ball but forces a hurried pass. The second defender immediately applies pressure to the receiver forcing another hurried pass so that the third defender can win the ball. The 'hunt' is not strictly a man to man or zone defending scheme. Instead, every opponent ahead of the ball is marked and the rest of the team marks the players and space in the vicinity of the ball. Opponents who are behind the ball or in positions where they couldn't do much if they got it, the least dangerous men, are left free. This allows the defenders to concentrate in the area around the ball. They must still watch opponents, tracking down any that attempt to move forward and, above all, prevent the deep pass into the space behind the last line of defenders. When this is done in the opponents half it puts the attackers under tremendous pressure. Only when the opponents are able to successfully relieve the pressure will a playmaking team retreat back closer to their own goal. 

When the ball is regained it is critical that it is not given back. Ideally, winning the ball in the opponents half should present an immediate scoring opportunity. However, the space is likely to be very crowded. In that case the ball should be protected by passing it quickly to a supporting player and away from danger. Young players can get 'ramped up' when they're defending and lack the composure to make the correct decision, (to build up or counter) when they come out of a tackle. They often simply give the ball back to the opponents and have to start defending all over again. 

Learning the playmaking style is very difficult. It is designed as a means of breaking down packed defenses. It requires that the team master rapid ball circulation, both sides of 1v1, a lightning response to a change in possession, the ability to work in very limited space, the ability to change the tempo, speed, of the game and the ability to maintain concentration for prolonged periods under great stress. A tall order for young players. If their education is only started at 11 a side then only the best will be able to grasp the fundamentals and be able to contribute to the game as they get older. 

"This risky style of play demands individually a lot of football capacity. It entails that you often have to operate in small spaces during the build up and attack and defend large spaces with few players. This style of play requires a methodical process in the youth program, and also specific types of players; such as wing forwards and defenders who get involved in the attack." 

Games like 2v2, 3v3 and 4v4 can serve as the starting point and building blocks for developing not only the skills, but the mentality for playing this style of soccer and assist in youth development. 

The lighter area in the diagram shows the space where playmaking teams prefer to play. The orange team has committed all ten field players to the opponents half and their goal keeper has come forward to act as a sweeper behind the back line. As long as they can keep the game in this space they face little danger and the opponents will be under constant pressure. The danger for the playmaking teams is the space behind the last line of defenders. A single long pass to a fast forward can put ten orange players out of the game. The defensive phase must involve the entire team. Playmaking teams cannot function against quality opponents with a sweeper that plays ten yards behind the back line or forwards that will not, or cannot pressurize. They will lose the battle in the midfield and have to start their attacks too deep in their own half. Simply put, it is more then just quick ball circulation, the rapid interchange of positions and all out attacking play. Without a clear commitment by everyone to do the dirty work necessary to regain the ball and neutralize the opponents it is more risky then the return brings. In fact, without the high pressure defensive 'hunt' and a smooth, quick, efficient transition from defending to attacking/building up play the playmaking style is difficult if not impossible to pull off. 

 "The advantage of this play-making style is that you are capable of playing it under all circumstances. You always take the initiative, and you must do that. However, if you fail to carry the play and get under pressure, then the opponent will take advantage of the weak aspects of the style you are playing."

Youth Soccer News: The Importance, Role and Responsibility of Being a Coach, Part 1

The role of a youth soccer coach can be so powerful and important, SoccerNationNews asked two world class soccer legends Shannon MacMillan and Paul Caliguiri - both of whom represented the USA in the World Cup and the Olympics - to share their opinion on the role of being a coach.  The Role of Being a Coach is a new series of conversations with landmark coaches on the impact of their role in the beautiful game.

Part 2: The Role of Being a Youth Soccer Coach with Alberto "AB" Bru, Colin Chesters and Christian Lavers

Part 3: The Role of Being a Youth Soccer Coach with Michael Duggan, Marc Gonzalez and Ron Pulvers

SNN: What does being a coach mean to you?

Paul Caligiuri: Being a soccer coach is a privilege and a great responsibility. 

Shannon MacMillan

Paul Caligiuri waving with Thomas Dooley from the bench @ the USA vs Mexico Legends Game at the Home Depot Center, April 2012.  USA Shutout Mexico 2-0.

Shannon MacMillan: It is a great responsibility to be a coach.  Parents are putting their trust in you to help their children, which is something I do not take lightly. 

Paul Caligiuri: Youth soccer coaches have an important role to positively impact the development of young soccer players in their overall soccer experience.

As a coach, it is important to be a solid role model for our players. The way we conduct ourselves has a huge influence.

SNN: What is the importance of being a soccer coach?

Shannon MacMillan: The importance of a soccer coach is to be a teacher.  We have an amazing opportunity to help educate our players, not just on the field but also as young people.  There are so many life lessons that can be extracted from participating in team sports. 

Paul Caligiuri: The important that soccer coaches always look for ways to improve. For instance, coaches should always strive to be the best possible communicators. It is important to have integrity, and to be open and honest with players and parents.

SNN: What is the responsibility of a coach?

Paul Caligiuri: A coach's responsibility extends beyond just the playing field. Soccer coaches are teachers, and the soccer field is the classroom. Players need feedback. One method to be a successful coach, is to provide players with a pre-season individual and team goal, then follow up with a mid-season report, and finally, at the end of the season an evaluation. 

In terms of development, it is important to keep in mind that although soccer is a team sport, the team is made up of individual players and it is a coach’s responsibility to be available to answer questions from players and parents, and to promote open communication.

Shannon MacMillan: The responsibility of a coach is to find a way to reach all of their players.  Every player is different and is motivated differently.  A great coach can really find a way to motivate each individual player as well as the whole team. 

Paul Caligiuri: The best coach's are those that put more time into the game off the field than on the field.

SNN: Any final thoughts to share?

Shannon MacMillan: The game of soccer has been incredibly gracious to me throughout my career so I felt it was important to be able to give back to the game.  I want to be able to share my experiences, both positive and negative, and help my players reach their full potential and enhance their love for the game.

Paul Caligiuri: Through all my years in coaching, being a part of various Soccer Development Committees, and through my travels across the USA, players’ technical (skill) development is in great demand – especially for players U15 and older. 

U.S. youth soccer players still remain technically behind other countries in comparisons to the global soccer powers, and with the lack of any such technical developmental initiatives, this gap will continue to increase. The fact that U.S. youth soccer players are technically behind hinders the implementation of the tactical part of the game. 

Therefore, I encourage all players to practice on their skills on a regular basis in order reach their potential and to become a more creative soccer player on the field.  

Related Article: The Role of Being a Youth Soccer Coach with Alberto "AB" Bru, Colin Chesters and Christian Lavers; The Role of Being a Youth Soccer Coach with Michael Duggan, Marc Gonzalez and Ron Pulvers

My birthday gift from my neices and nephew!

I miss going to RSL games with my brother and his family! But we got it to stick! 35 minutes away from the Home Depot Center they remain die hard RSL RioTers!

Strike The Ball Like Clint Dempsey

By Ricky Clarke.

Clint Dempsey has become the first American player to score a hat-trick in the English Premier League. Dempsey produced an outstanding display of technical ability (watch how David Beckham strikes the ball almost the exact same way), movement and game awareness. Scoring three goals against Newcastle United in a rout this Saturday.

Below, I’ve outlined his key movements and decision-making process during his second goal.

Dempsey - Movement Pattern #1

Dempsey makes a great run across the defender, anticipating a pass from Zamora.



Dempsey – Movement Pattern #2

Dempsey recognizes the space created by Johnson, Zamora finds him with a pass.




Dempsey – Technical Adjustments #3

Dempsey arrived balanced. Non-kicking foot placed next to the ball and with his eyes on the ball.



Dempsey – Movement Pattern #4

Dempsey gets his body in-between the ball and the defender, and then strikes across the goal keeper scoring his second goal of the game.



Client Dempsey – Technical Striking Session



Ricky Clarke is a USSF ‘A’ License, USSF Youth License and NSCAA Master Diploma coach. Ricky is the DOC of Mission Valley United, leading several teams to state championships. Ricky also coaches for the Northern California ODP programs and is a state course instructor and NSCAA associate staff coach. Visit his Blog here.


This article was found on the World Class Coaching Blog.