How do you spend your free hours? Do you read soccer magazines and books? Do you decipher the latest soccer drills or study your favorite coach? Do you actually put on the boots and stomp the green pastures?
Decisions, decisions.
Learning versus training.
It’s an important decision don’t you think?
Probably one of the most important decisions you’ll make today.
How much time do you spend on learning, education, drills and networking?
How much time do you devote to training, fitness and strength?
When I was growing up, there was a significant shortage of soccer information and advice. Not only soccer information but information in general. After being kicked out of the library on a number of occasions and reading all the soccer books covered in dust, it was time to start training.
Things are very different today. The Internet, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Social media and the Iphone create an endless supply of knowledge with a few clicks of a button. Gone are the library cards, the overdue fines and the librarian’s dirty looks.
Opinions, expertise and advice can be delivered to your screen in seconds. But do not spend your free time surfing the net for the latest craze or gimmick.
Ask questions, ask for advice and seek help from soccer professionals who love the game.
Training is paramount for soccer success. The time spent on the green pastures brings you one step closer to your soccer dream. Difficulties that surface during training should be discussed with your coach or parents. If you want a second opinion ask the soccer world.
You could have some of the best soccer advice delivered to your doorstep with a few clicks of the mouse.
However
Always train first and ask questions later.
Always train first and educate yourself later.
The internet is 24 hours whilst the window for training is limited.
Here is a list of some great soccer personalities/coaches that are always willing to lend a hand with some friendly advice. In no specific order
Jared Montz “Believe in it” twitter:@JaredMontz
Aaron Danks twitter:@coachdanks
Justin Wheatley twitter: @CoachJustin76
Mike Beale twitter:@MikeBealesoccer
Jerry Macnamara twitter:@soccerclassroom
Pavl Williams twitter:@betterfootball
Daniel Abrahams twitter:@DanAbrahams77
Chris Gooch twitter:@Quest2Coach
Chris Hodgson Twitter:@Soccer20_Hodga
Hugo Langton twitter:@Baldy1974
Ben Trinder twitter:@19BRT
TWSports.Org Group twitter:@twsportsgroup
Make sure to follow them on twitter.
If you believe a soccer identity should be placed on this list don’t hesitate to suggest them. Leave a comment and I will be more than happy to add them to our soccer family. If you’re willing to help and have something to offer don’t hesitate to nominate yourself.
“May the winds of destiny blow you to the stars.”
Thanks for sharing your recommendations (and including me on the list).
I completely agree that there’s an unprecedented supply of great coaching information available at the moment; but practical experience is a far more intense and focussed learning process that can’t be matched by simple reading the theory of coaching.
My hope is that by reading the advice on our site, twitter and other great sites like soccer mastermind, coaches will be a little more self-aware and reflective about their practical coaching experiences.
If I was to suggest one more name for any twitterers it would be @coachingfamily (http://twitter.com/coachingfamily). It’s a collection of generous coaches with good philosophies who are willing to share resources and offer answers to any questions that coaches might put forward.
Cheers,
Pavl
nice twitter accounts. i will follow them. i came across your site via stumble! nice work keep going!
All of those DVD’s, newsletters, books with drills don’t mean a thing if the activities do not move, do not develop and are not fun. My kids do not want training to end so don’t know if I’m lucky or they are just good sessions. Lot’s of trial and error to get to that level tho.
Thanks for sharing your accounts. I’ll follow you.
Great piece of work..
Regards,
Sanjid Reza