Tag Archives: Sayings

The Edge

Posted on February 19, 2024 by jimsakeeper1

“You’re not mean, you’re strict.” This was some of the best feedback a Vikings player ever gave me. I don’t remember who it was, or which team. I do remember that it sounded heartfelt and I could see other agree. … Continue reading →

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The Butcher, The Baker, the Quarterfinals maker?

Posted on June 15, 2014 by jimsakeeper1

On Thursday May 29th, Jurgen Klinsmann announced his 23 player roster for the World Cup and rocked the soccer world. The former is a normal duty of all national team coaches — all 32 teams must do likewise no later … Continue reading →

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“Why did they abandon the match?” “Because of you”

Posted on March 22, 2012 by jimsakeeper1

A strange thing happened while I was watching Tottenham play Bolton in a FA Cup tie on TV: A player collapsed and died. For 79 minutes. Then he came back to life. Patrice Muamba, a 24 year-old professional and former … Continue reading →

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The Cassette Tapes, volume 1

Posted on July 31, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

A few days before our departure to Brazil I was texting with my friend and tour organizer Michael. There were some critical details that were not set up to my satisfaction, namely balls. Soccer is one of the cheapest games … Continue reading →

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Dispensability

Posted on May 24, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

dis·pen·sa·ble/disˈpensəbəl/Adjective: Able to be replaced or done without; superfluous. I’m thinking about what doing a good job means. For example, athletes are measured by their impact. In the Fink Tank and other analytical sports columns, use statistics showing how well … Continue reading →

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Taking Your Beating

Posted on May 15, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

If youth soccer, as in life, we are constantly balancing what is fair with what is expedient. And as we receive treatment which is less than fair, we have the opportunity to choose our reaction. In the Viking Upper House … Continue reading →

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Somos una piña

Posted on March 27, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

Nike used the USA – Argentina friendly match to advertise a new shirt for the US Men’s National Team last night. A deep red with a dark blue diagonal sash keeps the theme of the other two, but this one … Continue reading →

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If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow, and which will not, Speak.

Posted on March 14, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

It’s March, which around here means tryout time. Coach Toby Rappolt and I often talk about the futility of assessment. Take your roster and force-rank them from first to best. Take that list out a month later and won’t be … Continue reading →

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The Killer Pass

Posted on February 26, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

“Hombre precavido vale por dos.” they say in the old country. A warned, prepared man is worth two. As the sport of soccer approaches 150 years old, what new attacking variants can there be? How can we possibly get to … Continue reading →

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The Easiest Way to Improve A Team

Posted on February 19, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

Like any sport or other discipline where people crave mastery, there are a lot of experts out there who will give you their “secrets” in exchange for a few dollars. Training techniques from England, Germany or Brazil can be yours. … Continue reading →

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