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WINTER 2020 GOALKEEPER TRAINING AT SPORTIKA

11/20/2019

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Details Every year during the winter months of January and February coach Niko, who is the goalkeeper director in New Jersey for Just4Keepers international goalkeeper academy form England as well as the goalkeeper coach at the Widener University will be conducting goalkeeper training. The goalkeeper training is done at a futsal enviroment which allows goalkeepers to better develop their goalkeeper skills in a short period of time. The goalkeeping training includes technical skill developing, positional skill training as well as read of game and small sided goalkeeper war games.

Coach Niko trains a lot of the area’s goalkeepers as well as being the goalkeeper coach for Widener University and the director of coaching of Just4Keepers in NJ. Working with keepers at Widener, coach Niko helped mold the last line of defense to one of the best in the conference. In his three years as the goalkeeper coach, Widener keepers have finished in the top-10 in the conference in total saves and have finished top-five in shutouts. Coach Niko has coached and developed goalkeepers to go on and be standouts in high school as well as college. He has coached Jackson's Ariel Donza to Community College All American team. As the goalkeeper coach at the Futsal 365 Academy coach Niko has coached Ryu Guevara to a roster spot in the USYF U18s National Team.


Details of the goalkeeper training follow:
​8 one hour training sessions - FREE J4K GLOVES with registration
Day: Thursdays 1/9,1/16,1/23,1/30,​2/6,2/13,2/20,2/27
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Training done on Futsal Environment surface
Venue: Sportika Sports 150 Woodward Rd Manalapan NJ
Investment: $249.99

​You can visit www.just4keepersnj.com to register for the training.

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Why do you play?

12/12/2013

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Most parents and coaches think players come to the pitch simply because they want to win. In reality, this is the furthest thing in a player’s mind. Players want to play more often regardless of the result. For less able players, if this means playing in a losing

side, then many would rather do that than not play at all. Players play, coaches coach fans cheer! Simple isn’t it?

As a coach my philosophy is to give all players in the development years as close to equal playing time as possible. Off course there may be situations or instances that may not be possible but overall the playing time should be divided equally. Think about it; would you just show up in every game knowing you will be sitting on the bench? And please do not tell me that some players know their role and have accepted that they are support role players or are on a team for development purposes. At the youth development level there is also a social element to being part of a team. Players build bonds and relationships and feel like they are part of a group.

Research shows the focus should not be on whether you lose or win, but on positives.

Introducing a procedure that reduces the emphasis on losing or winning and focuses on activities to create more developmental fun activities while creating a learning environment for the players is essential and the positive results will follow.

I had a parent recently tell me after a training session that he liked the fact that I trained, build and developed for the future rather than the now. He meant that he liked the fact that the training sessions were designed for developing the player/goalkeeper skill set, awareness of game, solving situations and most of all having fun. He said that his son always looks forward to coming to training because number one he is always curious to see what the coach has planned for the training session, (keeping a session always fresh by doing different things keeps the player’s retention and focus), and likes the fact that the players play.

That is what the “street games” philosophy is all about that SoccerSkillz Training and Just4Keepers are implementing in their indoor training sessions. Players/keepers come together and after a topic specific warm up and technical period the players play 3v3 and build to 5v5. However the players make their own line ups, substitutions and run their teams as they see fit, without the coaches’ input. Coaches make coaching points during brakes. As coaches we like to watch players/keepers find their own solutions in the game. Just like kids do on the school playground without any grown-ups around. It is beautiful to watch games start at a chaotic state and eventually settle down with a well organized group helping each other and working together.

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How To Know When To Pay For A Soccer Academy Program  - Pay To Play  

9/18/2012

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Futworks training with futpro trainers
This article has been perceived as too controversial.

We apologize to anyone who was offended by its nature. Furthermore, although no names or teams were disclosed, we apologize for the comment of a particular player lacking effort or otherwise perceived as "lazy." Our intent was not to publicly criticize, embarrass or label any one player, but we see how this may have been taken that way. Many teams face situations where its players are on different levels, whether it be talent, aggressiveness or effort. The beautiful thing about youth soccer is that, as players continue to develop, these levels can change and you can have a totally different player a few seasons down the road. Coaches and parents both must be careful not to label players at a young age.

Again, our intent was to give an opinion, and only as to who do we think should pay for an academy program, when to pay for an academy program and how to choose an academy program.

If you wish to read this entire article please email us at info.soccerskilz@gmail.com.


 We do not see anything wrong with academies charging fees and offering a higher level of coaching and developing programs than the free clubs do. In fact the academy programs were created to do just that and be selective about which players they accept. They were supposed to accept players of an advance playing level and skills and were supposed to be the stepping-stone to a college showcase program or even the professional levels. It used to be impressive that a player played for an academy team. In General I do not think that applies any longer. There are still academy programs throughout the country that have high standards and offer a higher level of training and do not compromise their standards for the old mighty dollar.

So how does a parent know if they should pay for an academy program, and if so which academy program should they choose? In my opinion it’s simple. If your child is not playing at a premier level free club team and is not excelling at that team you will be wasting your money. As far as which academy program to choose from, do your research. Do not get impressed my fancy training gear, training grounds or coaches with accents. Look for the academy’s record on that particular age group as well as the coach’s record. Meet with that particular coach and speak with him. Just because he is a great coach with a proven record it does not mean he will be a good fit for your child. Great coaches do not always mesh with players and that is why you see changes at the professional levels. You have every right to interview the academy just like they try to interview you and make it look like you are so privileged to be accepted by them. Remember, it is your money you are spending. 



View more photos and videos of non academy training with futworks here


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The #1 Secret On How To Make A Soccer Team Or A Soccer Program Tryout

6/11/2012

7 Comments

 
http://ibourl.com/sh2

Coaches look for many things during the soccer tryout, and it's not always about the skill and speed. Parents, tryouts are mainly for new kids that will like to join an existing program. If your kid is already a member of that particular program, the coach already knows what your kid can do. Because most soccer programs have tryouts annually, the coach has a chance to watch and evaluate your kid’s performance, focus, attention and development all year. If your kid has a great tryout but has been fooling around all year chances are he or she may not make the team.

Below are some more trips:

Think ahead and be prepared.

Be in good physical condition.

Prepare your skills to the best of your ability.

Make sure you have a ball that's the correct size for your age.

Wear your shin guards.

Make sure your shoes fit properly.

Keep yourself hydrated and make sure you have a nutritious snack about two hours before the soccer tryout.

Make sure you bring your own water.

Be on time. That means getting to the field with enough time to park the car, find the coaches and the field, and get signed in.

Make sure you are already dressed with your shin guards and shoes on before stepping on the field. Then, make sure that you're warmed up BEFORE the soccer tryout starts. Also, all long hair should be up and out of your face. Do not wear any necklaces, rings, earrings, toe rings or any other jewelry when you play soccer.

Introduce yourself to the coach. Don't let your mom or dad do it. Don't interrupt him if he's talking to someone else. Wait until he's done. It might be scary, but just walk up to the coach and say, "Hey, Coach. My name is Mia. Where do you want me?"

Be respectful. If the coach introduces himself as "Coach Niko," call him "Coach Niko" or just as "Coach." Coaches like it when you call them coach - especially if this is their first year. You should always use "sir" or "ma'am" when answering a direct question from the coach.

Don't mess around with your soccer ball while the coach is explaining things. Stand with the ball cradled between your elbow and your hip, or place it on the ground between your feet. If someone kicks or hits your ball away, let it go. You can retrieve it AFTER the coach is done talking.

Make eye contact with the coach. As he is talking to all the players that are there for the soccer tryout, keep your eyes on his face and eyes. Many of the other kids will be messing around, not paying attention. If you make eye contact with the coach, he will soon be talking directly to you. He might look around at all the other players, but he will come back to you. He'll know that you care about what he is saying and he'll see that you are paying attention. He will notice who you are.

Stay focused and remember why you are there. You are at the field for a soccer tryout. You are not there to hang out with your friends. You are not there to play tag, chase butterflies or due cartwheels in the grass. Mind your own business. Don't let the other players distract you.

When you line up to do drills, and if you know exactly what you are supposed to do, do not be afraid to go first. Coaches respect kids who are willing take the lead.

On the other hand, you don't have to be first all the time. If you don't go first in the drills, try to do it faster and better than the kids that do go first.

Throughout the soccer tryout, the coaches will give you opportunities to take water breaks. Be the first one back from the water break. Do not play around during water breaks.

Keep your shirt tucked in. You'll have to do it during games, so you might as well get used to it. Tucking in your shirt makes you look taller, more muscular and in better shape. Long, sagging shirts make you look dumpy. Wear your shorts how they were designed to be worn, with the waistband at the waist.

Don't whine and complain. A coach doesn't want to hear how hot it is or that Johnny is jabbing

you in the back.

He doesn't want to hear that you can't find your ball.

He knows you're thirsty; you don't have to keep reminding him.

He doesn't want to hear "I can't do it."

Don't tattle on the other players.

Don't ever excuse bad behavior on your part because "Johnny did it!"

When your soccer tryout is over, pay attention to what happens next.

Many times tryouts are conducted over several days.

Sometimes the coach will tell you right then if you made the team.

Sometimes they will notify you with an email or a phone call.

Make sure you gather up everything you brought to the field.

It's perfectly okay to say good-bye to the coach and even thank him.

Do not ask him if you made the team.

If you followed all of these Soccer Tryout Tips, he knows who you are.

The waiting to find out if you made the team can be excruciating.

The best way to handle that stress is to get outside and continue to work on your dribbling, juggling and shooting skills.

 If you followed all the Soccer Tryout Tips, the coach is going to love you.

But, if it doesn't work out for you this time, find yourself another team to tryout for, and keep working on those skills.

Even Michael Jordan didn't make the team the first time he tried out.

Here is the # 1 secret to making a soccer team or a soccer program tryout:
http://ibourl.com/sh2

7 Comments

Good Ball Retention Starts With The GoalKeeper

5/1/2012

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To have a goalkeeper confident with his feet when you have play against high pressure teams is extremely important and a big advantage to your defense. 


Keeping possession has become the way to play football. Long ball football or Hollywood ball football, as otherwise known,  has become extremely unpopular and broadly unsuccessful. Every side wants to have possession of the ball for the majority of the game, and a key way to impose this on a side is by getting the goalkeeper to play short. Barcelona’s Victor Valdes is a master of it.

This is why improving footwork and agility in a goalkeeper has become as essential as having a GREAT touch with one's hands.

Watch How Victor Valdes' footwork skills help the team play from the back and develop play without giving up possession HERE


Swansea actually bought Michel Vorm to play in goal because he is so comfortable with the ball at his feet. ”For us it was then the case of looking to get in the right type of goalkeeper,” said Rodgers. “We needed one that was going to suit our style and Michel was one that was on our list. After looking at his style and his game I think his attributes suit us perfectly. He makes saves, which is important for a keeper. But for how we play, we like to build the game from behind, it is vital that the goalkeeper is comfortable with his feet…he is a player that not only does that but he controls the game well from behind and will help us construct the game from the back. He is very quick and very agile so he is similar to Victor Valdes at Barcelona.”  Watch a GREAT video about improving goalkeeping footwork HERE
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    Picture

    Niko Alexopoulos

    As an ex player I have loved the sport since I was 4 years old. 
    Soccer has always been part of my life, both on and off the pitch. From my early years as a 4year old playing in my dad’s pro team peanut programs for kids, to the older training sessions, through high school, college and eventually going back to Europe and playing at the pro level I have loved the game, and the lessons it has taught me both on and off the pitch. The relationships with fellow players and coaches are priceless. 
    Passing the knowledge of the game and teaching kids the love of the game, watching them develop, both on and off the pitch, watching their love for the game grow, leading with the game being the best teacher and showing them how to play a complete game is a great passion.

     


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