i9 Sports’ Post

"STOP THE GAME...When are you going to stop dribbling and give it to someone who's actually good on the ball?" -My non-league coach to a 16 year old me. Sounds painful doesn't it! I can confirm it definitely was; I was instantly embarrassed, especially as I was training with the first team who were all 25-30 years old. 2 minutes later, the first team striker went through on goal and looked as if he was about to score. I hunted him down and slide tackled him from behind, perfectly timed, and came out with the ball, still angry and upset from the coaches comment. "STOP THE GAME...see that there, that's what you've got that no one else in this club or any club within 5 miles has, brilliant son, now stick to what you're good at" Suddenly, I was delighted with myself, and this one comment sparked an obsession for defending that became my bread and butter for the next 10 years. Every coach I have played under since has mentioned how they admire how much I love to defend. I always think back to my 16-18 year old days in a non-league environment and admire how much it taught me. I also question what type of player I would have been if I had that extra bit of talent which would have landed me in a youth academy set up instead. This type of coaching doesn't exist anymore, and rightly so. However, I think there's a lot to take from the intention behind it. In my opinion, players trying to be the player they want to be instead of the player that they are can hold them back massively. Most could benefit from trying to specialize within their strengths, whilst working on their weaknesses, rather than forcing an ideal player to come out of them that probably never will. For me, although it may be an unpopular opinion, I believe that in football, as in life, we are all blessed with certain gifts that when honed properly, can help the team to win. That is the beauty of team sports, and as coaches or mentors we should work our hardest to show individual players at any level their potential based on the gifts they have been given. I know this may be a slightly controversial topic! Looking forward to hear what you guys think? #Football #Teamsports #Professional

Coach's Behavior Sparks Controversy: Setting the Right Example in Sports #altercation #Athletics #behavior #coaches #coachesresponsibility #conduct #discipline #example #Gamecocksfan #goodsportsmanship #harassment #LSUwomensbasketballcoachKimMulkey #professionalism #respect #rolemodels #selfcontrol #ShannonSharpe #sportsworld #sportsmanship

Coach's Behavior Sparks Controversy: Setting the Right Example in Sports #altercation #Athletics #behavior #coaches #coachesresponsibility #conduct #discipline #example #Gamecocksfan #goodsportsmanship #harassment #LSUwomensbasketballcoachKimMulkey #professionalism #respect #rolemodels #selfcontrol #ShannonSharpe #sportsworld #sportsmanship

🏀I wasn't planning on sharing this, but trust me, you NEED to hear about Caitlin Clark's most significant skill. In the realm of sports, irrespective of the field, court, or track, the game-changing quality that separates exceptional athletes from the rest is the willingness to be coached. Caitlin Clark's success isn't solely attributed to her basketball prowess; it's deeply rooted in her openness to coaching and commitment to continuous improvement. Young athletes, take heed. Your path to success is intricately tied to embracing the power of being coachable. It extends beyond merely following instructions; it's about actively seeking feedback, learning from mistakes, and consistently striving for improvement. Regardless of your chosen sport, comprehending and applying this skill is non-negotiable if you aspire to realize your full potential. Your coaches serve as guides, mentors, and catalysts for your athletic growth. So, are you prepared to elevate your game? It's not just about refining physical skills; it's about fostering a coachable mindset that distinguishes you. Let's inspire each other to cultivate a commitment to growth, learning, and success in this profound athletic journey. 💫 FOLLOW ProBall for more mental basketball growth tips, shooting and handles drills, advise, and making your time scrolling worth it! 💫 And don't forget about the gift of ProBall! Elevate your game with elite EVERYDAY training at ProBall Academy. ⏳ Secure your spot before prices rise. 🔒 Act fast - Hit www.proball.com/freetrial for an exclusive FREE trial! Let's unleash your passion for basketball together! 🇺🇸 ProBall USA TOURS COMING SOON, stay tuned 👀 📍 Available in 🇦🇺 LIKE, SAVE & FOLLOW #proballkicks #proballtraining #fixyourshot basketball #basketballneverstops #basketballislife #basketballtraining #basketballplayer #basketballgame #basketballshoes #basketballseason #basketballcourt #basketballlife #basketballtrainer #basketballcoach #basketballteam #basketballwives #BasketballMom #basketballneverstop #Basketballcamp #BasketballTalks

Which phase of development is important? In my opinion, every phase of a player's development is important, but there's something special about the foundational years between ages 9 and 15. This is where young athletes lay down the groundwork for their entire football journey. It's a critical period where they absorb fundamental skills, develop their physical abilities, and shape their attitudes towards sports. While the later phases also play a significant role, the foundation built during these early years sets the tone for long-term success or failure. As coaches, we have a responsibility to provide the right guidance, support, and opportunities during this crucial developmental window to ensure that young athletes reach their full potential. Both, players, and coaches must be dedicated as well as consistent with their efforts to achieve great results. #VicJokovicFootballScout #UltraFootballAcademy #YouthFootball #NPLFootball

Reflecting on my over a decade-long experience in youth soccer coaching, I’ve come to realize the immense value of cognitive training, especially for elite players. Initially skeptical, I believed such training wouldn’t challenge or significantly benefit highly skilled young athletes. However, the progress of players like Nel from Belgium has completely changed my perspective. Nel, a 15-year-old central midfielder for the Belgian U16 national team, recently embarked on the COGNIGOALS program. Despite her impressive background, including playing for OH Leuven B and attending a top sports school, Nel’s encounter with our cognitive training was a revelation. Her eagerness to learn and her tenacity in mastering each exercise highlight the program’s challenging nature, even for someone of her caliber. In the coming weeks, Nel will share her insights on the tangible differences this training is making in her game. Her journey underscores that cognitive development is as crucial as physical training in soccer. Skills like quick decision-making, creativity under pressure, and maintaining composure are invaluable, and players like Nel are testament to this. As we continue to evolve our coaching methods, it’s crucial to recognize that holistic development, incorporating both physical and cognitive aspects, is key to nurturing well-rounded, versatile players. Nel’s story is a reminder to all coaches and trainers to embrace innovative training techniques that challenge even the most talented athletes. I’m keen to hear from others in the soccer coaching community – how have you integrated cognitive training into your programs? What impact have you observed in your players? Let’s share our experiences and insights to further enrich the development pathways for our young athletes. #CognitiveSkillsInSports #EliteYouthTraining #SoccerCoaching

Growing up in a challenging environment, Coach Mo found reassurance and direction in soccer, which offered him a structured and supportive community. This shaping experience profoundly influenced his perspective on life and decision-making, emphasizing the sport's role not just as a game but as a life-saving tool that provided him with better alternatives to the hostile conditions around him. Drawing from this personal journey, he passionately applies these lessons to his coaching philosophy. He creates a nurturing and positive environment for the young athletes under his guidance, emphasizing the importance of consistency, teamwork, and personal growth. He strives to instill values such as loyalty, resilience, and mutual respect among his players, viewing soccer as a medium to teach life skills and build character. By fostering a supportive team culture, he ensures that the sport serves as a positive force in his players' lives, just as it did in his, potentially guiding them towards brighter futures and helping them navigate their challenges more effectively. Find out more about him in the #EvoToca Youtube podcast. The #EvoToca initiative aims at enhancing not only individual coaching acumen but also elevating the overall quality of youth soccer in the United States. Imagine a scenario where each game and training session becomes a testament to cutting-edge coaching techniques that are shared openly among the best minds in youth soccer. Participants will have the privilege to contribute to a grander vision—a vision that sees the U.S. nurturing world-class soccer talents consistently. The benefits extend beyond professional development. It's about building lasting relationships with like-minded professionals who are equally passionate about the game. These connections could lead to collaborations that last a lifetime, fostering a network of support and encouragement among the nation's top youth soccer coaches. The focus here is not on individual glory but on collective growth and the shared joy of elevating the sport. Every coach who joins this movement is stepping into a larger role, one that goes beyond the soccer field to impact the lives and futures of young athletes across the country. By participating, each coach not only enhances their own skills and knowledge but also contributes to a nationwide uplift in coaching quality and player excellence. EvoToca #soccercoach #soccertraining #youthsoccer #soccerislife #ussoccer #footballcoaching #footballcoach

Growing up in a challenging environment, Coach Mo found reassurance and direction in soccer, which offered him a structured and supportive community. This shaping experience profoundly influenced his perspective on life and decision-making, emphasizing the sport's role not just as a game but as a life-saving tool that provided him with better alternatives to the hostile conditions around him. Drawing from this personal journey, he passionately applies these lessons to his coaching philosophy. He creates a nurturing and positive environment for the young athletes under his guidance, emphasizing the importance of consistency, teamwork, and personal growth. He strives to instill values such as loyalty, resilience, and mutual respect among his players, viewing soccer as a medium to teach life skills and build character. By fostering a supportive team culture, he ensures that the sport serves as a positive force in his players' lives, just as it did in his, potentially guiding them towards brighter futures and helping them navigate their challenges more effectively. Find out more about him in the #EvoToca Youtube podcast. The #EvoToca initiative aims at enhancing not only individual coaching acumen but also elevating the overall quality of youth soccer in the United States. Imagine a scenario where each game and training session becomes a testament to cutting-edge coaching techniques that are shared openly among the best minds in youth soccer. Participants will have the privilege to contribute to a grander vision—a vision that sees the U.S. nurturing world-class soccer talents consistently. The benefits extend beyond professional development. It's about building lasting relationships with like-minded professionals who are equally passionate about the game. These connections could lead to collaborations that last a lifetime, fostering a network of support and encouragement among the nation's top youth soccer coaches. The focus here is not on individual glory but on collective growth and the shared joy of elevating the sport. Every coach who joins this movement is stepping into a larger role, one that goes beyond the soccer field to impact the lives and futures of young athletes across the country. By participating, each coach not only enhances their own skills and knowledge but also contributes to a nationwide uplift in coaching quality and player excellence. EvoToca #soccercoach #soccertraining #youthsoccer #soccerislife #ussoccer #footballcoaching #footballcoach

You are giving them such precious learnings. This comes as no surprise. My business coach once said to me “I know exactly how to motivate you, I tell you , you can’t do it”. The gift you are giving them is precisely. Go Jodie

Sportsmanship is more than just a word; it's a value that shapes the character of young athletes both on and off the field. It's about playing with integrity, respect, and fairness, and it's an essential ingredient for success in football and in life. 🌟🤝 In the world of junior football, sportsmanship holds immense significance. Here's why it matters: 1️⃣ Respect for Opponents: Sportsmanship teaches young players to treat their opponents with respect, recognizing their skills and efforts. It's about competing fiercely but always valuing the spirit of fair play. By embracing sportsmanship, young footballers learn that true victory lies in the mutual respect shared between competitors. 🙌💪 2️⃣ Grace in Victory and Defeat: Football is a game of highs and lows, victories and defeats. Sportsmanship helps young players handle both outcomes with grace and humility. It teaches them to celebrate their successes without arrogance and accept defeat with dignity. This resilience and sportsmanlike conduct build character and foster personal growth. 🌱3️⃣ Building Strong Team Bonds: Sportsmanship is the glue that holds teams together. By treating teammates with respect, supporting each other, and celebrating collective achievements, young players create a positive team environment. This camaraderie not only enhances performance but also builds lifelong friendships and memories. 4️⃣ Learning Life Lessons: Football is a microcosm of life, and sportsmanship provides valuable life lessons. It teaches young players about the importance of teamwork, communication, and perseverance. It instills values like honesty, integrity, and empathy, which they can carry beyond the football pitch into their everyday lives. 🌍🌟 So, let's celebrate the power of sportsmanship in junior football! 🎉⚽️ Encourage young players to embrace this value, reminding them that success is not just about winning games but also about the character they display while playing. Together, let's create a generation of footballers who excel not only in skill but also in sportsmanship! 🌟🤝 #SportsmanshipMatters #JuniorFootball #CharacterBuilding #FairPlay #RespectAndIntegrity #masteryjay #footballcoach