This week, practical session was followed by defending objective and focusing on importance on the defender who should be technically gifted player always ready to use his skills. Many times he finds himself in a situation to start the action and be involved in a build up of the action, or he’s put in a difficult situation when he has to outsmart the opponent player under pressure and close to his own goal. In training, experiencing possible situations, players are able to find themselves in a real game action so they can feel the difficulty of it. Finding solution and discovering opportunities helps confidence and creativity.

And finally, we awarded all our players with certificates for their dedication to the program. Every player received diploma for participation or accomplishing the program in full. They were all praised for their main achievement during the spell at the camp. We also received and appreciated support from the parents that left with great satisfaction of the entire Knowhowsoccer team.

For now, we are closing this event, but looking forward to the next project we’re already preparing for the upcoming months. Follow us for more to come.

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Today’s main session was to create various situations where the defender has to take the ball from a receiver upon his first contact with the ball. In this situation, the defender has to decide according to his positioning, whether he will press close or delay and not rush to miss a tackle. Putting players in different positions and approaching from a various angles gave players precious experience and learning from this practice.

Lecture was dedicated to the lows of the game presented from our special guest Mr Mario Pisani, ex referee and currently referees’ observer. Mr Mario’s interesting and educational speech was excepted with a great attention from the audience who had many questions from their own time experience. Our guest prepared a practical situations on the pitch that were self explanatory and more than useful for our players.

We thank Mr Pisani for his time and dedication, and wish him easy job in the future.

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The initial topic of the day was anticipation which means predicting the situation and reacting before the opponent receives the ball. We progressed from the minimal pressure to the full pressure encouraging players to learn from a real situation having the opponent close and with contact most of the time.

The main session began with tackling the ball, stressing importance of timing when the opposite players make their contact with the ball in a 1v1 situation. We progressed to 1v2 situation when the players were in numerical disadvantage. Positioning, intelligence and making the right decision leads to successful win possession.

Once again, our players were honored with a visit of a popular and recognized football star. This time, the number one position in a team, goalkeeper, player/coach Mario Muscat shared his huge football experience. Popular with the kids, Mario gave them tips how to score when you come out face to face with the keeper and various similar tricks interesting for our players.

We thank Mario for his time and dedication and wish him a lot of success in the future.

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We managed to put all the trained skills like heading, ball control, long pass, player’s movements, into the game situation such as cross passing and finishing; we learned one important lesson – you get out of it, what you put into it. We’re happy with the fact that our players understood this concept and adopted it trough the whole training process in the past seven weeks of the camp.

After the training session, our players were introduced to one of the life coaching techniques that players can use in their football career but also in any other aspect of life. We talked about the S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound goals) and what are the best ways to reach them. We all came to conclusion that every wish is reachable when you set it like a goal and with determination, clear plan and will to go for it, you are on the right path to succeed.

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Learning while playing proved to be the perfect environment for the group of players. They complement each other with finding solutions together on and off the pitch so the team spirit can easily be transferred during the game.

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If improving motor skills, such as coordination, agility, speed of movements, changes of direction, in training, it develops body balance and control over the moves that will help anticipate the proper performing skill of directing ball control.

Throughout progressing from the various moves over the obstacles correctly and increasing speed of movements, players felt confident and enjoyed work out. We easily moved to the game situation exercise designed to encourage decisive and clever first touch ball control.

As we said before, sharing experiences is valuable way of learning. You have the opportunity to evaluate your self and hear the other views. This time we shared within the group each and every one experience they treasured when they played or trained abroad, away from home. We heard extremely interesting stories.

Improve every day to get closer to your goal.

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With our players used to the system of work proposed during the camp, where exercises are in sequences from a real game, we managed to progress to the planned difficulty of the tasks. We build it up from a situation when players receive the ball while performing coordinated moves over the hurdles and finish with a shot at goal to the 1v1 and 2v2 situation in a small area, from the same moves forced to react quickly and smartly. At the same time being fun doing it, players must stay focused to be successful.

We had a visit from Argentinian international professional footballer Mauricio Mazzetti who is currently playing for a top local club. To the delight of all present, ”Maza” shared his experience with potential future players who aim to have the same or similar career in football. It was inspirational for all to hear how he became respected athlete in all clubs and countries he played for. The main massage we received is how to become and keep pro level – you have to believe in yourself and work hard all the time. The right opportunity will arise and you have to be ready to take it.

At the very end, kids had a pleasure to play and take photos to treasure the time spent together.

Big thank to Mauricio from all players, coaches and stuff for his candidness and professionalism on and off the pitch.

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Practical session targeted all mentioned aspects, encouraging players to perform proposed exercises in such a manner that they felt in control over their movements, moving smoothly from one station to another and positive approach with success in mind. It was delicate and complex session. Our players are used to different challenges and they responded to the mission with satisfaction for the coaching team.

Theoretical part of the session started with analyzing what was done and with understanding what was required in the session rather then just following instruction.

To understand and appreciate coaches’ effort to prepare training session for their team, our players had to get into their shoes. They had assignment to prepare and present training session for their team. At the end, the outcome was impressive. Amount of quality information from the players made us proud.

Learning through practicing and discussing proved to be a good way to inspire and motivate everyone to get better.

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For the coaching stuff it is the perfect situation to challenge their team to their maximum ability. If you train hard and you build on the previous sessions, it is most likely you are improving your performance.

Every time, at the end of the week, we create game situation where we aim to use skills. In this week, the team play build up and put in extra practice. During training, if you stress the particular topic, the team can show the previous work. Combination play between the players, organized defense and quick transition – checked. The best way to see players’ improvement is when they, within the organized formation and system of play, find more options to pass the ball or move into the space on their own.

We had another football specific quiz between the groups as the good way to monitor all the learned during the previous time and to refresh general knowledge. Putting your players into the competition and earning points for their team is the winning combination for learning in entertaining atmosphere.

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The session started with the additional topic – heading, during the warm up. We prepared various mini drills to raise hart rate and motivation for the training to come. The main part of the session was focused on passing and moving, creating opportunities for the return pass. Progression of the session led to combination play between the groups of players against the opponent, keeping the team in a shape of various chosen formations.

Players adopt fast when they’re confident and trained in a way they are asked to play in a match. Players should know the team formation and duties in their positions from a young age. They increase their knowledge and experience as they are growing.

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