As a youth soccer coach, my biggest surprise and a source of continuous frustration was the poor ball control (and poor first-touch) exhibited not just by my players but by nearly all players who I saw play. I remember thinking that this must just be a youth problem. As these player got older, they would certainly develop this skill, right? Much to my surprise, this was not the case. I found that a majority of high school varsity soccer players did not possess this critical and basic fundamental skill.
So I did something about it. I invented and patented a soccer training device called Loopball. Loopball teaches and reinforces positively the art of stopping (and receiving) a soccer with the inside-of-the-foot. Most importantly,
- Loopball works!
- Loopball is FUN to use!
Visit the Loopball website to learn more about it.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK7_OxjGVKo&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1]
There are many ways to improve soccer in the United States and a number of problems that need to be addressed. I am convinced that poor ball and a poor first-touch is the #1 problem in youth soccer today. What needs to happen is:
- Players need to learn and understand the importance of ball control and the incredible power of the inside-of-the-foot.
- Coaches and parents need to emphasize and reinforce the importance of ball control.
- Proper form, mechanics, and technique need to be used and taught to control the ball with the inside-of-the-foot.
The Loopball training device and the companion Loopball curriculum will do this.
Stay tuned for many, many more posts on the subjects of Loopball, ball control, the first-touch, and inside-of-the-foot. Enjoy Loopball!
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