Have you spent much time looking at everything the new NSCAA website has to offer?  One area that many coaches can benefit from is the “Coaching Resources” section.  The NSCAA has spent years building an archive of coaching tips, articles, videos, DVDs and practice plans.  Many of them are available here.

For the last several years the NSCAA has been in a partnership with Soccer Learning Systems to write and produce videos and DVDs that touch on a variety of topics.  Among the topics addressed in the video and DVD series are: “Methods for Teaching Attacking Soccer,” “Tactical Training,” “Coaches Guide to Coaching 5-7 Year Old Players” and “Attacking Soccer in the Women’s Game.”  Many other topics are available – take a look for one that fits your needs.  A full list of available videos can be accessed by visiting the Soccer Learning Systems website. 

NSCAA Senior Staff Coach Jeff Vennell who has been heavily involved with the production of the NSCAA DVD series, had the following comment about the videos: “The NSCAA Coaching DVDs provide a wealth of information for coaches.  The range from brief coaching 'how to" segments on the Top 40 DVD's to extensive information and coaching instruction on techniques and tactical cues necessary to develop players from individual, small numbers and up to 8 v. 8 play.”

Are you a new soccer coach or do you coach your son or daughter’s team? The Coaching Fundamentals area is designed for volunteer and youth coaches.  This section of the website provides a review of the Laws of the Game, information on Managing a Coaching Session and a look at the basic skills of the game: dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting, heading and tackling.  You also will find an introduction to soccer tactics in the 1 v. 1 model and other basics before taking a look at the 5 v. 5 model.

A benefit of NSCAA membership has been and still is Soccer Journal.  This bi-monthly magazine is one of a few publications in the world produced exclusively for soccer coaches.  In each issue you can find technical and tactical articles, updates on important events, thoughts and opinions from leaders in the sport and features on interesting people and issues of the game.  A number of back issues have been converted to digital format, so you now can find archived articles online.  Currently you are able to look at issues back through 2003.  You’ll want to check back frequently as more issues will be added to the archives.

Another portion of the Coaching Resources section is a list of books the NSCAA offers.  Among them are The Soccer Coaching Bible and Soccer Skills and Drills.  In The Soccer Coaching Bible, 30 of the game’s most successful coaches share their expertise in one of six sections: Priorities and Principles, Program Development and Management, Optimal Training for Learning and Performance, Technical and Tactical Insights for Competitive Success, Player and Team Development and Motivation and Growth Opportunities in the Coaching Role.  Soccer Skills and Drills is a comprehensive instructional guide for players and coaches that teaches the techniques necessary for success as well as games and drills to hone your skills.  Through a partnership with Meyer and Meyer, the NSCAA has a series of books we have endorsed.

Do you love Soccer Journal?  Would you like a collection of the best articles from the past 20 years?  If so, Best of Soccer Journal: An NSCAA Guide to Soccer Coaching Excellence is the book for you.  It will be available soon, so please check back for information on how to purchase it.

Finally, if you are just looking for exercises, we have a small number available in “Coaching Resources.”  These exercises can be used to train players in techniques and tactics. We have exercises available in the following areas: finishing, attacking, transition, defending and ball control.  We are continually adding resources to this portion of the website.  If you don’t find anything right now, please check back because we may have something in the very near future!

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