| During the 16 years that I've been coaching youth | | | | successful at soccer, but also more successful at life |
| soccer, I've had the fortune to see many great | | | | in general. |
| players develop and I've observed the qualities that | | | | WOW Factor |
| are necessary to excel at this sport. Many young | | | | A player should view their sport not only as |
| soccer players are happy just to show up and play | | | | competition but also as entertainment, and should |
| simply for the love of the game, which is fantastic. | | | | therefore learn to be creative and add another |
| However, this article is for those athletes who dream | | | | dimension to their game. Put yourself in the position |
| of taking their game to the next level; for the player | | | | of a fan or a spectator. Would you pay to watch a |
| who wants to become the complete soccer athlete. | | | | boring game? I don't think so. The game is about |
| My primary focus in coaching soccer at the youth | | | | entertainment. People want to see a quality game |
| level has always been "Technique, technique, | | | | with great athletes, plenty of creativity, and exciting |
| technique." A strong player needs to be technically | | | | goals! When a talented player can enter the field of |
| skilled with both feet, and be able to apply those | | | | play and change the chemistry of the game in such a |
| skills appropriately on the field. Good ball control and | | | | way that makes the crowd go crazy, that's what I |
| the ability to read the play are essential. To be a well | | | | call the X-Factor. This player is unique, creative, skillful, |
| rounded player, you also need to be fit, athletic, fast, | | | | and passionate about the sport. These are the |
| and mentally focused. | | | | qualities that make us remember a player, and this is |
| Technique is something that can be coached, and | | | | part of what makes a "star" stand out from the rest. |
| something that I've become very proficient at | | | | Here are some of my recommendations for those |
| coaching over the years. Fitness and physical | | | | who want to take it to the next level, and who |
| conditioning are other aspects that a coach or trainer | | | | dream of being a pro:oBe a student of the game. |
| can develop in their players by implementing | | | | Take a personal interest in learning everything you |
| regimented athletic conditioning programs. But there | | | | can.oEat right, stay fit, train smart, and adopt a |
| are other important qualities that must be developed | | | | positive attitude.oBe unique and creative. Develop |
| in order to become the best soccer player you can | | | | your own personal style and make a difference on |
| be. Some of these qualities a coach has less influence | | | | the field!oBecome a master of technique. Try to be |
| over. | | | | the best in your position.oBeing talented is great, but |
| Qualities such as maturity, independence, mental | | | | you must also be a team player! A superstar is of no |
| toughness, creativity, and what I call that certain | | | | use if they can't work with the team.oTo be a pro, |
| "X-Factor" (or WOW Factor) can be encouraged and | | | | you have to eat, sleep and breathe soccer! |
| modeled by a good coach, but these are | | | | Remember to have a strong work ethic when you |
| characteristics that a player will need to develop on | | | | train, and perform your drills with intensity. Don't |
| their own. Incidentally, this is the sort of personal | | | | worry about mistakes. Even the pros make mistakes. |
| development that will not only make you more | | | | |