Hey Coach!

Question:

My 12U team has done well trying to build out from the back with the ball, but my goalkeepers have struggled when it is time to kick the ball long or clear the ball over the opposing player pressure. Can you highlight some ball distribution techniques for my goalkeepers?

Answer:
It’s often said, “the goalkeeper is the last line of defense,” but we must not forget, “they are also the first line of attack,” especially on teams like yours who are committing to playing out of the back and need to vary the approach.

After a save is made or the goalkeeper gains possession, they should quickly look to start the attack by effectively using either throwing or kicking techniques.

Click below to check out our AYSO skills videos, featuring our young AYSO goalkeepers demonstrating goalkeeper distribution.

AYSO SKILLS VIDEOS

ClickHEREto check out this exciting goalkeeper distribution session from the AYSOCoachingManual.

As U.S. Soccer and Think Taylor continue their partnership to promote safe play and reduce injuries in soccer players of all ages, the two organizations will highlight the importance of concussion education during Concussion Awareness Week from Oct. 6-15.

Part of U.S. Soccer’s comprehensive player health and safety program called Recognize to Recover, Concussion Awareness Week encourages everyone involved in the game of soccer to take the#TTPledge, an oath for players,coaches, parents and fans to be educated about concussion symptoms, to be honest in self-evaluation and to be supportive of anyone with a concussion.

Visit recognizetorecover.org to fill out a certificate confirming you have taken the # TTPledge and show your commitment to concussion awareness on social media using the hashtag #TTPledge!

To help young players with a commitment to individual practice, check out Top Tekkers, the exciting new training aid from our partners at The Coaching Manual. An innovative new development platform for players to combine individual technical practice and achievement with fun technology and competition. Top Tekkers is the digital coach that every young player needs!

Click HERE to view the discounted Top Tekkers access we've secured for all your players!

Simply complete the registration process, then download the app and away you go. It's FREE for 7 days too, so you can try it out! Let us know what you think!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month! Join us in sporting pink all month long to help bring awareness! Snap a pic of your team in their pink gear and post it using#AYSOgoesPINK OR send it to us at [email protected] ! You just might see your picture AYSO's social media!

Thank you to all who have shared their#myAYSOstorywith us, we love reading and sharing them all but we know there are more out there! This year marks 55 years since AYSO's inception which means there are a whole lot of stories to be told and we want to hear yours!

Share your story by using #myAYSOstory or email your story to us at [email protected] !