Coach Bolowich and his assistants present this excellent training session in three phases; phase one is attacking the goal and getting behind the defender for a shot, phase two is the 7 v 5 situation and the third phase is an 11 v 10 situation, including: quality of shots, crosses from the flanks, timed runs into the box and combination play. One-on-one play is key to this training session. The 7 v 5 session looks for quality crosses, passes and hitting the key target areas. Attacks from the center of the field with combination play are also a focus. Offensive keys to the 7 v 5 session are: two attackers up front, hit the target post positions, timing, and quality shots on goal. Defensively - the counter attack, playing out the ball, initiating the attack and visible offside line are important. Benefits of the 7 v 5 training are to create combination plays, serving the ball to targets, practicing quality shots on goal and gaining total field awareness. The 11 v 10 situation focuses on decision-making, being aware of the entire field before passing, and finding the open post in the box before giving up the ball and switching the ball to the opposite side of the field when zones are overloaded are important to solid play in 11 vs. 10. Throughout, Bolowich reinforces good team communication and learning to work effectively as a unit.

72 minutes. 2007.

Coach Bluem brings a wealth of knowledge to this DVD on training the flank midfield player. Bluem begins by sharing several warm-up activities that will prepare players for practice. These activities are designed to practice flank combinations, the middle attack, passing and timing and meeting the ball at full speed. Bluem introduces a phase of training called 8 v 6. This session provides realistic defensive pressure, which helps develop proper decision making by the flank midfield players. All footage shows OSU players on the field in practice situations with Bluem narrating the action. The 9 v 9 session gives each team three defenders, three midfield players and two strikers and encourages the players to penetrate on the flanks. Coach Bluem teaches his players to change the point of attack and improve the results of each possession. This DVD includes sessions designed to work on combination play, penetration and improve the overall play of midfield players.

34 minutes. 2007.

RD-02735B: with John Bluem,
Ohio State University Head Coach;
2X Big Ten Coach of the Year

For 27 years John Bluem has coached soccer in the US at a variety of levels. In that time Coach Bluem has developed a great appreciation for coaching soccer to different age groups. These 12 training games cover the areas of possession, penetration, finishing and tactical awareness. The games range from 1 v 1 to 4 v 4 settings and work on passing and receiving under pressure; safe possession before making penetrating passes; transition, dribbling and shooting; combination play to create scoring opportunities; and off ball movement. Tactical awareness is another component of this presentation. The Through the Gates game works on support, mobility, defensive marking and tracking. This DVD provides an organized three-prong approach to developing the flank midfield player.

86 minutes. 2007.

Randy Waldrum, the highly-respected soccer tactician, has an attractive, attacking brand of soccer that has put him in an elite class of soccer coaches. In this DVD, he outlines his philosophy on set pieces. Set plays and situations are a vital key to the overall success of a soccer team. Using clips from his team and international play, he uses video to support his teaching in four areas: corner kicks, free kicks, the throw-in and penalty kicks. Each area is loaded with information on strategy, as well as key coaching points. In 2004, Waldrum coached the Irish to the National championship. That year his team scored 57 goals in 18 games - nearly 25% of those goals came from set pieces These plays can be adapted to be used at all levels.

51 minutes. 2006.

RD-02603B: with Randy Waldrum,
University of Notre Dame Head Women's Soccer Coach

Randy Waldrum has coached Notre Dame to the 2004 national championship and three trips to the NCAA College Cup semifinals with the 4-3-3. In this DVD, he outlines his 4-3-3 concept of play. Coach Waldrum makes a case for playing the 4-3-3 with the help of game footage. By slowing down clips, each position is described and analyzed. He shows different situations such as 3 v 2, which illustrates advantages that can be created in this alignment. Defensive emphasis is described by looking at important characteristics of the center and outside backs. Waldrum feels that a good holding player is invaluable to the team. This player must be great at distributing the ball and be comfortable taking the ball against pressure, change the point of attack and hitting the 30-40 yard bomb. Next is an overview of forward personalities - offensively and defensively. General attacking concepts are presented again using game footage. Coach Waldrum's presentation is a comprehensive look at the 4-3-3. This style can help your team because it capitalizes on varying personalities and keeps your team unpredictable.

41 minutes. 2006.

Learning to attack in the final third will put fear into any defense! Coach Lauffer shows you how to run at the defense, attack with passes, and shoot from distances in order to increase your team's scoring ability. Laufferdemonstrates the necessary angles and movements players need to create mismatches and 2v1 situations. He also provides valuable teaching points on the field to break down the final third, progressing from basic drills to game-like situations. Learning to play in the final third will allow your team to effectively exploit defenses and score more goals!

68 minutes. 2005.