|
||||||
|
|
||||||
ZenFooty Blog Archive - May What kind of coaches do we need in this "Beautiful Game"?Published on Thu 05/29/2008 | 30 total comments Youth soccer players are, above all, special youngsters who love the game for the fun of it. Sure, some players grow to become serious, but the overwhelming reason they play is for the joy it brings them. So what kind of coach keeps it fun and developmental at the same time? What are the ingredients to a good coach or trainer? Is it the "Inspector Gadget" man with all the newest gear (remember him)? Is it the "Robin Williams" coach with a joke a minute? The competitive "Mike Ditka" coach with fitness drills up the whazzou? The compassionate "Cream Puff" coach who comes bearing fruit roll-ups and juice boxes? The "Ex-Pro Player" who does "bicycle kicks" all day long while the kids watch? The "Brownie Leader" turned soccer coach who has the kids in a circle holding hands and signing koombayah? or "Megaphone Man" who has a playbook thicker than the phone directory? What do they need to know and do to bring out the best in the kids and keep them playing throughout high school (and perhaps beyond)? ZenMaster says that the best coaches are the ones that keep the players "in the game" by passionately leading them to small successes all along their youth journey. They do this by introducing enjoyable activities and games which build a healthy "Soccer Appetite" while continuously developing their capabilities and character. These children wont all be future pros, but they may be future coaches (and may be coaching the next generation of great players). What say you? « comments » Looking back on the 3v3 - What did you think? Published on Mon 05/26/2008 | 37 total comments Anybody who was at the ZenFooty Community Cup saw the value of 3v3. Lots of touches, lots of games and lots of fun (oh, and lots of laughs...especially in the Masters Division). We made an effort to make the game look and feel professional. Truly hope everyone had a good time. This blog is a chance for all of you to provide some feedback on this year and suggestions for our next event. Thanks a million to all of our volunteers. You guys really impressed me...everything came together: Great planning, marketing, officiating, marshalling, quick set-up and tear-down. I can't thank you guys enough!! I am committed to do it all over again if there is interest!! What say you? Any memorable moments to share? « comments » Pregame rituals - fact or fiction? They do exist and they are weird! Published on Fri 05/23/2008 | 14 total comments Soccer players have among the craziest pre-game rituals. There is no question they are a superstitious bunch!! Get this: Some players kiss and bless the goal posts while other players go to the field the night before and "stake out their territory" (much like a dog if you know what I mean). Still, other players go to the game pitch a couple hours before game time, and play against an invisible opponent...its comical to watch for a non-soccer player. I have even seen a player go up into the stands alone, look down on the field, and do commentary on the sensational plays he will make in the game. Then there are the indoor types: I watched one guy stand 3 feet from the wall just heading the ball against the wall for 15 minutes straight just to get in "The Zone." One of my favorite players needed to have one cigarette before and a cigarette after the game....don't ask. And, of course, there are the "Thinking" types that find an empty stall in the locker room, a magazine, and then rest on the throne to contemplate the match (lot's of these types in college...I think its the food). Funniest of all was a goalkeeper who would run up to a padded wall in the gym and slam his body against the wall to get "Pumped Up"...What is your ritual?? « comments » Do you love this game?? If so, how do you know?? Published on Thu 05/15/2008 | 81 total comments You love this game when it is the first thing you greet in the morning (soccer slippers, posters, skills balls, or soccer channel on TV)! You love this gane when the furniture pieces in your house have the names of defenders and you are dribbling around them with an invisible ball (or a real one when mom is not watching). You love this game when you demand that training be more than just Tuesday and Thursday. You love this game when you have smashed the lights in the basement while juggling..more than a few times. You love this game when you have kicked the cover off of your favorite ball and still won't throw it away. You love this game when you are shining your car's headlights on the training field when the kids just won't stop playing after dark (and your battery goes dead). You love this game when you take interest in the development of kids other than your own. You love this game when you deflate a soccer ball and bring it on vacation. You love this game when fresh cut grass gives you the urge to play one-on-one with the dog (or your 3 year old sister)....and win... You love this game when you believe anything round should be kicked, dribbled or juggled. You love this game when it becomes a friend and a pathway to new friends. You love this game when it gets inside of you. What say you? What tells you that you love this game? You love this game when... « comments » Are the GOAL celebrations out of hand! ZenMaster Says NO!! Published on Sat 05/10/2008 | 28 total comments I love the creative celebrations after a goal is scored. I think it's part of soccer. Are the well-rehearsed "skits" a bit tedious, sure. But the jubilant expression of joy after "putting one in the 'ole oinion bag" has been part of the game for years. Should the players remove their shirts. Nah..that's over the top. But what's wrong with a headfirst slide, a backflip or a quick two-step dance with the cornerflag. How about Robinho sucking his thumb after a goal? or Torrez with the Matador pose? These are all OK with me. The best is when the goal scorer points to the club decal on his jersey when he trots in front of the crowd as if to say, "all for the club." Just so you know, the coaches and league administration are taking the celebrations out of youth soccer. I say this is very very wrong!!! Sure, the parents need to keep cool (and put away the cow bells and fog horns)....but let kids celebrate their success!! Hi-fives, hand-pounds and body-bumps all around!! What say you? « comments » |
|
||||||
|
|||||||
| Contact Us Become a Member Guiding Principles Meet the Team Advertise Investor Relations ZenFooty Jobs |
| SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST | MAKE ZENFOOTY YOUR HOME PAGE © 2007-2008 ZenFooty.com |