Tag Archives: Youth soccer coaching tips

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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Preserve the Park or Let Kids Play: Pick One

Posted on November 11, 2014 by jimsakeeper1

Here in San Francisco we just voted (again) on whether to convert one of our grass field complexes to turf. There were two measures, Proposition I and H, one in favor of going ahead (I) and one trying to prevent … Continue reading →

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Walk the Fields of Gold

Posted on November 10, 2014 by jimsakeeper1

“You can tell the sun in his jealous sky When we walked in fields of gold” Soccer, like American football and baseball, is a sport designed to be played on grass. But football and baseball expanded into professional stadia where … Continue reading →

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The Silence of the Dogs

Posted on September 21, 2013 by jimsakeeper1

Yesterday, upon the stair, I met a man who wasn’t there He wasn’t there again today I wish, I wish he’d go away…  * I am continuing a short series of posts on the new book, The Numbers Game: Why … Continue reading →

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Regressing to the Mean

Posted on September 7, 2013 by jimsakeeper1

This fall for the first time in five years I don’t have a team to coach. Long story. So I thought I should use the time to write, with busy coaches in mind. Write stuff I’d like to read if … Continue reading →

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Why don’t we have creative players? Because we don’t like them.

Posted on January 22, 2012 by jimsakeeper1

The most exciting moments of soccer come from plays — and players — showing brilliant creativity. The unstoppable, weaving runs of a single-minded dribbler who beats several defenders to bury the ball in the back of the net is the … Continue reading →

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Re-creation and recreation

Posted on October 29, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

I was reading a thinky article I found online about corporate culture, innovation and positivity, posted here on a site called “Bigthink.” It highlights the linkage between happiness, creativity and innovation, which is a key attribute for corporate survival and … Continue reading →

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Jonah Hill right on the Money.

Posted on September 18, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

When I read Moneyball I knew it had an impact on me. I thought it was because as a mediocre athlete, I was constantly looking for ways to play better by being smarter, and this is a key theme of … Continue reading →

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It’s Cruel to Be Kind

Posted on September 4, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

My wife and daughter accused me of cruelty to animals the other day. My crime? Putting Lil D’s favorite cat toy just out of her reach. Lil D is Ariel’s cat, with gifts and attributes matching her non-traditional upbringing at … Continue reading →

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The Cassette Tapes, volume 2

Posted on August 9, 2011 by jimsakeeper1

Last week I wrote about the importance of preparation and confidence in coaching. Then the Women’s World Cup offered up another example. Coach Hope Powell was quoted on her disappointment when her England  went out on a penalty kick shootout: … Continue reading →

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