There are countless practice activities and many videos and books available. You can obtain books at the KYSA office in Lexington; also check your local library and bookstores. A wide selection is available online at the US Youth Soccer Store.

Some popular skill games are included here for your immediate use.

You don't need 100 practice activities. Pick a few (about 10) and work at them.

• Step 1 - explain the activity (why and how it is done)

• Step 2 - demonstrate the activity (slowly, step by step)

• Step 3 - execute the activity

• Step 4 - figure out went wrong (it's often the instructions); fix it, and start over!

Remember: showing is better than talking.

Soccer players do not automatically know how to execute the various techniques (skills) associated with the game. Even after learning the basic skills, players need instruction on how and when to use the techniques they have learned in a game situation. Our job as coaches is to teach our players the basic techniques and give them the knowledge of the game and confidence in themselves that will help them reach their full potential as soccer players.