USSF needs to make changes

If there’s anything that this past World Cup has taught us, it is that our technical skills as a soccer nation are far below what is required to compete against the Italians, the Brazilians, the Ghanaians, the Argentines, and now even the Australians.

To reverse this bane, USSF must restructure the way in which the game is taught. By this, I am referring to the tactics first and technical training last approach to coaching. Let me, therefore, suggest that seventy percent of each and every practice session must deal with technical training.

During the technical sessions, players must be taught to understand the aerodynamics of a ball. Players must be taught to handle the ball in a square yard of space. Players must be taught the act of combination play. Back-line players must be encouraged to develop the same technical skills as forwards and midfielders. Players must be taught the physics of dribbling. And finally whether it be a small- or full-scale scrimmage, players must be allowed to play like the wind. Instead of the traditional robotic approach to scrimmaging, players must be encouraged to be imaginative in everything they attempt during scrimmages.

Alexander Kwamina

Spokane