I didn't post an article last week as it became a very busy week for me. I was directing my first 3v3 tournament, in Charleston SC. It was a one day event this past Saturday and it was a great success. By no means did I do it on my own, I had a lot of help which made things run very smoothly, which I was very grateful.
Everybody seemed to enjoy the fast paced game, some players and parents experiencing 3v3 for the first time and now can't wait until their next experience. With it being such a great game to develop soccer players I hope these players take part for many years to come.
My teams are now getting back into the swing of spring season soccer. We are training hard to get ready for the new season and shake off some old cobwebs. One of my first sessions was to re-cap some 'turns.'
As we were going through about 5 or 6 of them with both right and left foot there were a lot of repetitions so it was good fitness for the players as well. One of the players asked why we had to know a lot of turns. I replied by saying they needed them in their toolbox just incase. You may never use it but it is there if needed. Also some players prefer to perform different skills than the next player, therefore the more skills you are exposed to the more choice you have.
Just like you would not use a hammer to tighten a bolt, certain turns are better suited for different situations.
For example:
A Cruyff turn can be best used if the opponent is in front or to the side. A step over turn can be executed if the opponent is chasing behind or to the side. You may see the outside cut or chop used in tight situations to protect the ball.
Expose your players to different turns so they can have a large toolbox of skills. Making sure they execute them correctly and give/show examples of where on the field or what situations each one can be used. Better still, cleverly put them into game like situations where they have to use the skills and instruct accordingly.
It is not just turns that can fill your toolbox. Fill it with a multiple of skills so your athletes have a choice for every situation.