Here is for the start: There are three main qualities I expect from every soccer player: Fun Even Messi and Ronaldo must enjoy the game, love the feel of the field, look forward to kickoff, and give everything they have to win—while enjoying the process. Function No matter what, you must be able to physically run back and forth (the faster, the better), shoot, dribble, and pass, have solid technical skills, and know what is expected of you in your position. When you are on the field, you are doing a job—fulfilling your function—and you must be good at it. Brain As Pirlo said: “Soccer is played with your head.” Your entire body follows commands from your brain, which means your brain must be able to read the game, understand your next move, anticipate the next move of your teammates and your opponents, choose the best solution for each situation, and have the basics automated to the point where your brain doesn’t even have to think when executing them. So let's all commit to learning that as Players and teaching that as Coaches! I have been practicing soccer for 30 years and am very much looking forward to passing my knowledge on to you, guys. Thank you joining the team! Task 1. Below is a list of exercises that I expect you to do at least 4 times a week so you come into any season prepared. Nothing extraordinary—mostly beginner-level work—but as we all know, the basics are the most important. Everything else builds on them. Over the next 3 months, I would like to ask each of you to commit doing the below exercises on weekly basis and track your progress. You Will see results... At least 4 days a week (find the time and willpower): 1. Plank on elbows — every day Start with 30+ seconds and build up to 3 minutes over next 3 months Planks must be a part of the routine warm-up, get used to them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuHZyVg3zRA 2. Yoga — 2–3 times a week, 30 minutes Find a CD, YouTube channel, or studio—whatever helps you learn the basics. Knowing how to stretch properly is important not only for soccer players, but for everyday life.

Hi, my football fans! Happy to share the passion with you all!!! My name is Coach G. and this is a community (or a virtual team) where we are all club members. This club is oriented towards learning soccer together and bringing knowledge about this beautiful game from the Skool down to the green lawns all over the World. So, Let's Play Football, guys! In short about me: I am originally from Pyatigorsk, Russia. Played for a local Olympic reserve youth team, and later coached it as an assistant. I've spent many years teaching kids of different ages from 6 years old to 21 years old and not only in the school environment but also in the club environment. Currently, I'm coaching, U12 and U9 teams and I will be using the programs that I am running with my teams. I will be showing you what I think about soccer as a subject and how I apply it. I will be sharing my experiences and different ideas about practices. And maybe a thing or two about what you might want to concentrate on as a player or as a coach. So yes, guys, Welcome! And thank you for loving this game. It's a beautiful game. P.S. Please see Basic Presonal Development guidance in the next post. This is how we start!