THE VALUE OF PRACTICE

Many life choices come to wanting.  You do not need to get better. You must want to get better. If you WANT to get better the tools for your development are here.  You are in charge – go for it!

The value of practice vs. game development is superior. It is in practice where we learn the skills to survive and play the game. Without proper practice time and commitment the games are meaningless.  The bang for the buck is in practice time. 

A musician practices countless hours preparing for the concert/recital.  A tri-athlete puts in months of training before the competition.  A skateboarder practices his/her moves repetitively before competition.  A solid student studies hours preparing for examinations. Competitions and tests after thorough preparation provide meaningful growth opportunities.

Let’s do the math:

A team practices three times per week and has one game per week. The meat of their development is at practice, 75%.  A team practices two times per week and has one game per week. The meat of their development is at practice, 66.7%.  European youth players practice 4 times per week and play one game per week. The meat of their development comes at practice, 80%.  What if you miss practice – what is your opportunity for growth? 

You are taking a math class. You miss class and repeatedly choose not to do your homework. Test time comes – are you prepared? Is the test meaningful and how will you feel with the result. I think this is the same feeling when losing in competitions.

How do you feel when your team does not get the result or play well in competition? A common phrase I hear is “come on guys we have to commit to practice and improve – okay let’s do it”. Sound familiar? And how long does that last? 

Games are important. They provide the means to test your development. If you have put in the practice time the game is a meaningful developmental opportunity.  

Here are some opportunities for improvement:

1. Practice Attendance. Practice is a priority if you want to improve. 
2. Practice Intensity. Practice makes permanent.  Practice at a high intensity and you will play at a high intensity.
3. Practice Energy. Practice playing with energy, impact the game.
4. Practice with the Ball. Practicing with the ball will improve technical skills. Controlling the ball with ease will allow you to solve tactical problems during the game.
5. Practice to Improve. Wanting to improve is the first step in improving.

Can you still have fun by doing the above? Yes, ask a straight “A” student. They enjoy doing the best they can. The pursuit of excellence is a challenge. The rewards are great and the opportunity for growth tremendous.

I have had the opportunity to work with many teams.  The most distinguishing factor between the majority of our players and others are: Practice Attendance, Energy, Intensity and Wanting to Improve.  Value your practice time and your game will flourish.  

I wish you well in developing your game.

Written by Graham Canada (for FUNdamental SOCCER)

Final Note: Thank you for taking the time to read this article and Sharing it with your soccer community. Clicking Like and Commenting on this subject is very much appreciated

Your FUNdamental,

Koach Karl (Karl Dewazien)

·        Emeritus Director of Coaching - California Youth Soccer Assoc. 1979-2012

·        Author - Internationally Published FUNdamental SOCCER Books Series

·        Producer - highly acclaimed ‘FUNdamental SOCCER -Practice’ DVD.

·        Clinician at: www.fundamentalsoccer.com