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LeBolt: Plot your course from green to tee
A golf-minded friend of Dr. Wendy LeBolt recently gave her some food for thought: "Look at the course from green to tee, rather than tee to green." In other words, figure out what you want to accomplish and then plan backwards, she explains in her latest post for SoccerWire.
Dougherty: For the young player, details matter
Longtime youth coach and soccer writer Joe Dougherty explains why helping young players focus on the basics - and the accompanying details - is far more productive than rushing to move on to more advanced technique.
O’Sullivan: The early specialization dilemma in North American soccer
When it comes to growing world-class soccer players, early introduction is mandatory and early engagement is crucial, but early specialization can be disastrous. Confused? Let SoccerWire's John O'Sullivan explain.
Landon Donovan goes rec league in sly new bank commercial
Landon Donovan has ridden off into the sunset after his storied career concluded with the LA Galaxy's 2014 MLS Cup championship victory over the New England Revolution in December, but he's still hanging around to make soccer fans smile. The iconic U.S. midfielder poked fun at himself -- and a few classic Sunday-league soccer stereotypes -- in a new TV commercial hawking Wells Fargo's banking services.
How to be intentional with your college commitment
Leading up to signing day, longtime soccer coach Joe Dougherty outlines the keys to a smooth, well-researched college commitment process for players and parents to feel good about.
LeBolt: What’s so wrong with early specialization?
After many conversations at the NSCAA Convention, Dr. Wendy LeBolt came away convinced that balance and perspective are the most important tools in determining when a young athlete should specialize in one sport, and when diversity is needed. Her take is a useful counterpoint to John O'Sullivan's latest column on specialization.
O’Sullivan: Why single-sport specialization needs to end now
Coaching expert John O'Sullivan debunks the theory of sports specialization for young children. In this blog post he explains that the medically, scientifically and psychologically recommended way to develop athleticism is ample free play and multiple sport participation as a child.
