To achieve a high objective in soccer, high-level soccer must first be recognized. If the difference between poor quality and good quality soccer is not understood, then the knowledge of skillfully played games must be acquired. This was discussed in Bringing Up the Soccer Skill Level for the Coach and Manager--Article 4, Part 1--frequently watching first division games, live but mainly on TV. In addition, high quality matches can be distinguished using the following guidelines

Perfect or near perfect soccer is displayed when:

1. all players trap the ball (most of the time) and are in control of the ball's movement </br>
2. all players make short ground passes most of the time

3. they maintain the ball in the field of play most of the time

4. they cause few penalties to occur

5. the defense players (including defensive halfbacks) prevent the opponent's forwards from penetrating their zone--at least most of the time.

When these observations become ingrained, you will have acquired the potential to be an excellent coach or manager.

A self-disciplined coach or manager is totally committed to developing disciplined players, players that go out into a game believing in their skills. Without the knowledge and belief in proper tactics and skills, each player's skill level will come to a peak at the present level. Therefore, all that one can expect at the end of the season, would be an improvement in the team's endurance and aggressive play (which may surface in the form of dirty tactics). This is generally the result of inexperienced and or poor coaches. One should not emulate their methods. But the individuals who have had the exposure of witnessing one or two self-disciplined superior coaches, ones that nurture skills until they take hold, are more fortunate. Their methods should be emulated. A winning coach or manager does require the knowledge and fortitude that many people may not understand. This should be your objective.

The self-discipline comes from these recommendations--

1. As a coach or manager, be in control of yourself and the team by insisting on the use of taught skills. Players must also be required to abandon poor habits. Succinctly, coaches must allow newly acquired skills to be applied in games, regardless of errors made by the players.

2. Retain the identical strategy throughout tough games as taught in practice--do not change formations. Doing otherwise confuses the players and reduces your credibility. Show your leadership by staying level headed especially when the opposing team is superior to yours. If rules allow coaching from the sidelines, calmly give constructive commands. For example: to your defensive players "do not let your opponent be closer to our goal then you!". To any field player, "Back up with him (or her)...Do not attempt to take the ball until he (or she) has lost control of it!". To the goalkeeper, "Assure that your left defender always remains goal-side of his (or her) attacker!".

3. Take your eye off of the ball now and then make objective observations in and around the field. If you are in a losing situation, it absolutely does no good to become emotional. The cause of you losing the game may not be directly related to your forwards' or mid fielders' inability to mount effective attacks. Rather, it can be due your team's inability to use superior skills against the opponent's better skills. It can also be due to the team's lack of optimum conditioning.

4. Get to understand the FIFA Laws of the Game.

A good coach or manager will keep in mind that there will always be another game. At the next practice, explain how to correct the errors that were made in the previous game. This realization may help improve the team's skills and also help build the team's strengths if objectivity is utilized by impartially observing the game, even when losing. At this next practice, spend more time on defense and endurance. Employ developed and tested defensive techniques from a good soccer handbook or by getting a guest coach or trainer that understands team-defense: Team-defense begins where the goalkeeper is in command of the defensive network. When you learn new strategies, perfect them in practice; and then begin to utilize them in games. Gradually, over time, by promoting those skills taught in practice you will develop a superior team with exceptional skills.

Naturally, I recommend that my soccer books be read to promote a better understanding and employment of high level skills.

Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo (Coach AL) is Formerly a NJ, RI and Canada Soccer Coach, Manager, Referee and League Organizer, and Coach of a RI state championship teams. He has also played all positions in several adult soccer leagues. One son (Al) became a RI All State goalkeeper and two other sons (James and Anthony) were top players in high school and in their state. They went on to play in their Universities.

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