See what Daniel Frankl, Ph.D.,Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Nutritional Science says about Koach Karl's book: click here See what "real life" coachs say about the 9 Steps...Read the Testimonials Below!
Hi Koach Karl, I am a coach of a U9 boy’s team in Colorado. I have been coaching a soccer team for about 6 years now. It has only been during this season that I have come across your website and started to read all of the wonderful material you have. Our fall season begins in a couple of weeks and I am sitting here with your books and DVD and can't wait for the season to start.
Coach Dave Says-"It has been clear to me over the course of the season that we have been trying to teach the girls too much, too fast and have not been taking the approach if teaching a single concept at a time – consequently the learning curve has been very, very slow and shallow. Further, I have observed that during the games the girls are relatively timid in attacking the ball – they seem to be waiting for something rather than challenging the opposing player, etc. Having used the 9-step routine over the past couple of years I have been frustrated with this and have felt all along that applying the 9-step routine would really, really help these girls. Trying to teach them only one concept each practice just seems to make more sense than working on several tactical things each practice. I also felt that the 1 1 and 1v1 games could really help these girls learn how to attack that ball and be a little more aggressive. If I sound like a salesman, I am – I really, really believe in the 9-step approach – I’ve seen it work!
Here's Another Testimonial:
Due to a series of unlikely events, I recently found myself (as in the day before practice and near the end of the season) as the sole coach of this demoralized team (both parents and players). For my first practice, as per your suggestion, I let them just get out there and have fun playing soccer – and did that by applying a modified 9- step approach. Starting practice and warm-ups were pretty straightforward; for the 1 1 and 1v1 games, I helped them set up the fields, showed what to do and let ‘em rip. They got it really quick – I only had them move the ball around the pattern, not focusing on how to go around each cone, use sole of the foot or anything like that. I was happy to get them going around the cones, serving and playing a 1v1 game. I let them do this for quite a while (about 25 minutes) because they seemed to be having fun. I was pleased to hear several of the girls say, “I know how to do this” as we were setting things up. We kept score and I promised the two high scorers they would be captains at the next game. After halftime, I went straight to the scrimmage because a couple of the girls needed to leave early and I wanted to make sure they were included in the team event. They had a great time – it was one of the very few “true “ scrimmages the team has had all year. They had a blast, scored a bunch of goals – and they got quite a workout!"Coach Dave Rice-Petaluma, California
Coach Lynn had this to say:
Prior to the beginning of this season I decided to adjust our course. We spent the first 4 to 6 weeks working only on dribbling, using all parts of the foot, adding in some feints, and working on control of the ball. It sounds as though your "9 Step Practice Routine" incorporates all of this and extends on the ideas. I can't wait to see what it has to add.
Just focusing on dribbling and ball control via the use of 1 v 1 games has taken this team to a whole new level. We have gone from a good team for our league to a team that has completely dominated every game.
Thanks for making so much information available just on your website. There is so much there I have gone back and read several articles at different times during the season. After all, repetition is the key even for us coaches. I am going to finish reading your book(s), watching the DVD (over and over again) and learning even more this year. Sincerely,Lynn
Another Testimonial
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"Coach Karl's 9-step Practice Routine DVD is a very valuable teaching and training tool. It compliments Section 4 in the Practice of Champions book by adding the extra detail of "seeing it live". The DVD covers all aspects of a practice session from beginning to the end. I started using 9-steps last year after meeting Coach Karl in Tacoma Washington. He has influenced me and how I practice more than any other coach in any sport."
--Coach Rory F. Diessner