[tag-tec]Soccer kicking[/tag-tec] is the primary means of passing the ball from one soccer player to another and of scoring goals. However, it is not always possible to bring the ball to a standstill before kicking it and therefore considerable practice is required to strike the ball whilst it is moving.

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The soccer shin guard is the main piece of protective gear for a soccer player. Unlike some sports, there is minimal protective gear required for a soccer player, however should the [tag-tec]soccer shin guard[/tag-tec] be worn at soccer training or is it only a requirement for soccer games? Why should you have to wear them at practice, no-one gets hurt at training, do they? In this article, I want to address these questions and also provide some tips on buying the right soccer shin guard for your child.

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When [tag-tec]coaching youth soccer[/tag-tec], it may seem fairly basic to coach players on how to tackle. After all, all you have to tell them is get in there, win the ball and start going forward – right? No, not quite!

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The primary objective of [tag-tec]coaching youth soccer[/tag-tec] is to win the game.  Therefore, it is very important for a team to score goals, but it is also equally important to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals.  This task of preventing the opposing team from scoring falls to the players known as the defenders, or does it?  You may have heard in some games where a striker will call out and blame the defenders for a goal being scored against them or a soccer parent on the sideline blaming the defenders for letting another goal in. However, if you are coaching youth soccer, your [tag-tec]defensive soccer tactics[/tag-tec] requires the involvement of every player as every player on the field has a role to play when it comes to defense.

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[tag-tec]Coaching soccer[/tag-tec], in particular [tag-tec]coaching youth soccer[/tag-tec]? Have you noticed in games that players are struggling to find the back of the net? There are some great coaches out there teaching many terrific techniques and skills but many coaches overlook one of the most important skills – Finishing technique. Being able to finish off an attacking movement is vital. Even though it is one of the most important aspects of[tag-tec]soccer[/tag-tec], it is unfortunately overlooked or not adequately addressed at soccer training sessions. Many players don’t know how or have never learned to finish off attacking movements, leading to missed opportunities and frustration for everyone involved. These tips and [tag-tec]soccer drills[/tag-tec] will help those coaches in charge of [tag-tec]coaching youth soccer[/tag-tec] and give the strikers in the team the confidence needed to become more efficient in front of goals.

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After a very tense weekend, the final four teams have been decided in the Hyundai Australian [tag-tec]A-League[/tag-tec] season with the [tag-tec]Central Coast Mariners[/tag-tec] finishing first, followed by [tag-tec]Newcastle Jets[/tag-tec], [tag-tec]Sydney FC[/tag-tec] and [tag-tec]Queensland Roar[/tag-tec]. It all came down to goal difference and [tag-tec]Football Federation Australia[/tag-tec] could not have scripted a better finish to the season.
By winning the Minor Premiership, the Mariners have officially qualified for the 2009 edition of the [tag-tec]AFC Champions League[/tag-tec], the most prestigious club competition in Asia. Has the Central Coast Mariners been the best team all year and deserve to finish on top of the A League ladder and earn the right to compete in Asia in 2009?

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[tag-tec]Coaching youth soccer[/tag-tec] and your team is struggling to score goals and you are unsure of what tactic or [tag-tec]soccer drills[/tag-tec] to implement next? What is one of the most effective and under utilized offensive soccer tactics? I’m sure you have heard it said many a time ‘get the ball wide’ and “get it across”, but what does that mean?

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Why is dribbling one of the most basic [tag-tec]soccer skills[/tag-tec] but probably the most important skill a soccer player should be practicing? Firstly, if you are [tag-tec]coaching youth soccer[/tag-tec] you need to understand why a player needs to learn such a skill.  Let me explain further….

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