Here's Your Weekly Speed Guy Blog Top

Tip-Don't wear those pants with those shoes (ha ha- just a little Speed Guy humor. I know very little humor- I'll move on...)

How To Get Greater Success With Varsity and Higher Level Athletes In Sport

I am a huge fan of fundamentals. They make great athletes even better. The key is to focus deeply on fundamentals when athletes are young, during the developmental stages of pre-puberty and post-puberty early stages. Having worked hard on developing the fundamentals of sports skills, as well as athleticism, there will be a huge foundation. This foundation allows the athlete to use all the skills needed during play or game settings.

Here is the secret to real success...

The goal at the varsity level and higher is to win. The coach now needs to coach the fundamentals of winning. What is this?

Fundamentals of winning is when you teach athletes how to compete and make plays that allow them to be successful in sport. Let me give you an example:

The offensive system you run needs to be set up so each player on the field or court can use their talents to the fullest. I might have a soccer player with great quickness and toughness but lacks an offensive mindset. You need to play this player on defensive and let his or her talents shine. This give him or her and the team a chance to win.

Yet, this same athlete would have been taught the same offensive skills as the best offensive player during their developmental period. One developed more of an offensive mindset and the other defensive mindset. Plus, their physical skills brought them to their current positions.

The goal of a higher level coach is to create successful situation. This is the fundamentals of winning.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: You have heard me speak and write about how important the Speed Insiders program is http://www.speedinsiders.com/ however, don't just take my word for it, read what one Speed Insider had to say:

"I would like to thank Lee for all the information given in his speed insiders program. Since I attended Lee's athletic speed formula last October I have been hooked on his knowledge and enthusiasm for speed training. Watching, listening and reading the way he conducts his training and teaching has become infectious. I use his techniques in my sessions, I use his cues in my coaching and I try to use his experience to guide me through my own progression as a coach. Not just the training but the business information he has given has also been a great motivator for my own career and given me the kick up the rear needed to pursue my goals. Since becoming a speed insider I have launched my own website (www.saqsoccer.com), with many of the ideas coming from Lee Taft's work and guidance. With all the expertise and information I continually receive from Lee and his numerous guest speakers and colleagues I am hoping that SAQSoccer can become a great resource to help young athletes get better educated while training for soccer and speed, and help other people like he has helped me."

Thanks,Garry Lee Powell
http://www.saqsoccer.com/
soccer and speed coach, Augusta, Georgia