There are certain things coaches cannot live without on the soccer field. They are: soccer balls, cones, flags, coaching board and of course soccer players. There should always be a first aid kit, water, ice, and a phone nearby.
In today’s society, every month a new product is introduced to the market. For the past 15 years there are three items that I feel have made significant contribution towards improving our game and that is why I’m bringing them to your attention.
Product #1 - Field Turf
Field Turf is an incredible product that has changed and revolutionized the way our game is played especially in the inner cities where quality playing surface is hard to find.
It’s the closest playing surface to real grass. Of all the artificial surfaces I have played on, I find Field Turf to have the truest bounce. It plays well when receiving, turning and passing situations. Injuries have also decreased because of the way Field Turf has been perfected.
Field Turf is the global market leader in terms of artificial sport fields with over 3000 fields built. Some of the clubs who utilize Field Turf are FC Barcelona, Liverpool, Newcastle, Man City, New York Metro Stars, Toronto F.C., New England Revolution and Seattle Sounders.
Fore more information, visit www.fieldturf.com
Product #2 - IGoal
IGoal is also a unique product that was introduced recently at the NSCAA Convention. It was first used in Wembly for the U14 FA Cup Finals. Three minutes up, three minutes down. IGoal is an inflatable goal that is quite durable and can be used for indoor and outdoor competition. It is made out of special materials and is extremely safe.
I have tested IGoal in various sizes for over a year and found it to be very durable and functional. It can be set up anywhere for immediate use.
IGoal is extremely safe. Every IGoal is independently tested for durability and comes with a one year guarantee.
To find out about IGoal, go to www.smia.com
Product #3 - SMIA Coaching and Training Series
SMIA Series is a tremendous teaching tool and accepted by the USASA Coaching program. I highly recommend it for all levels of competition.
1) In The Beginning- a complete technical breakdown based on proper body mechanics.
2) Possession Game- All necessary skills and training for maintaining possession of the ball.
3) Art of Finishing- Complete breakdown on scoring, creating scoring opportunities, and finishing.
4) Demands of the Game- Attacking tactical breakdown.
5) Demands of the Game- Defensive tactical breakdown.
6) Animation from all five DVDs on one DVD. Addresses:
· Systems of play
· Style of play
· 10 lessons from the World Cup
· 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defender
· 1st, 2nd and 3rd attacker
· Playing though channels and much more.
Many exercises from the SMIA DVD’s were used for the 1994 World Cup U.S. Soccer M and Mars Snickers Coaching Manual.
You can find more about the SMIA DVD Series by visiting www.smia.com
Have a great summer. If you have any questions, please email me at aleks@smia.com.
Sincerely,
Aleks Mihailovic
USASA Men’s National Team Head Coach
USASA Coaching Committee Chairman
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