96. You Control the Intensity

In my house, horses are the core toy, and LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and blocks are the collateral. This week I’m asking a question every coach should be able to answer: is soccer the horse or the LEGO for each player on your team?Knowing the difference changes how you coach. Collateral players aren’t hopeless, they just haven’t found the hook yet, and they need you to build the reps into your session. Core players don’t need you to lay it on thick, they need you to protect the love. And in the acquisition years, both need play, low stakes, and a lot of ball. @LeeDunneSoccer

My first coaching job ran on one number: 1,000 touches. For beginners it worked, but it never taught a kid to solve the game. For episode 100, I’m coming full circle with 1,000 Decisions, a curriculum that counts choices instead of reps, and what it asks of coaches who’d rather interrupt than watch. @LeeDunneSoccer

You can’t teach a kid the FIFA shot fake, and that’s exactly the point. This week I’m making the case that the best skills are acquired through thousands of low-stakes reps, not coached into players, and that a coach’s job in the early years is to protect that play, then teach the “when” once the “how” is in the bag. If you’re still stopping the game to explain the move, this one’s for you. @LeeDunneSoccer

Ted Kroeten, the author of 'The Talent Thief' explained the role of the oldest kid in the playground. They lead, they ensure everyone continues to play, and they teach. You are the oldest kid at practice. How do you lead?@LeeDunneSoccer

When I was a lifeguard, scanning wasn't optional — it was the job. Head counts, hazards, the kid who went under a second too long. You didn't stare at one spot and hope for the best. You watched everything, all the time, on a loop.Coaching is exactly the same. We teach players to scan the field before the ball arrives. Then we step back, fold our arms, and stare at the ball. In this episode I break down the four things your eyes should be moving across every single session: player engagement, activity on plan, coaching moments, and individual and collective analysis. Simple habit. Massive difference.@LeeDunneSoccer

Feedback, please.Leave me a rating on your podcast provider. Share with your coaching friends.You can contact me on Twitter @LeeDunneSoccerYou can see what else I have going on www.leedunnesoccer.comSend me a Voice Message!

Exciting news in the Dunne house. My daughter can ride her bike. because of one simple trick. What is your simple trick for teaching soccer? Please let me know - @leedunnesoccer

Ask your players what you need to know. Or what you think you know. Then use that to build incredible rapport with them.@leedunnesoccer

Finally. The whistle has been blown. Kick off.Welcome to part 2 of the game day series! @leedunnesoccer

Game Day is chaos, if you let it be.You can also take a lot of steps forward before you even play a game with organization and communication. Part 1 will help you set up for success.@leedunnesoccer