Author: Charles Richard Cotton


charles Cotton Charles Richard Cotton is an internationally licensed expert specializing in teaching kids 7-17 how to unleash their own Soccer Genius - for on and off field success. He has over 30 years experience playing, coaching, and leading soccer communities. His accelerated training methods and unique soccer "Mind, Body, Heart and Spirit" approach help players and coaches achieve their highest levels of play and personal development. Charles lives in Calgary, Canada with his 3 beautiful daughters.

The Soccer Genius Blog

A Source for Long Term Player Development


 

Showing Tag: "soccer" (Show all posts)

The History of the Game...1004 BC in Japan

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Sunday, February 6, 2011, In : Did You Know? 
Did you know one of the earliest forms of soccer in which players kicked a ball around on a small field has been traced as far back to 1004 B.C. in Japan.
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Did You Know? Pelé was a goalie, too!

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Sunday, February 6, 2011, In : Did You Know? 
Many people say that the Brazilian soccer player Pelé (born Edson Arantes do Nascimento) was the greatest player of all time, having scored 1200 goals during his career. The amazing Soccer Genius Fact is that he was also the back-up goalkeeper on a number of teams. Now that's two-way play the Soccer Genius way!
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Soccer Genius Street Juggling

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Sunday, February 6, 2011, In : Soccer Genius Videos 
This is one of my all-time favourite videos of a young girl juggling in the street...set to some great soccer rhythm music.

Imagine yourself being able to do these same skills as you watch the girl learning to master the ball.

 
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The History of the Game - Did You Know?

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Thursday, December 9, 2010, In : Did You Know? 

Did you know one of the arliest forms of soccer in which players kicked a ball around on a small field has been traced as far back to 1004 B.C. in Japan.


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Genius Tech Tips: Outstep Flick Kick

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, In : Genius Technical Tips 

Each week in this section I include a detailed description of a specific technical skill or ability. This information is offered to help you achieve technical mastery through perfect practice. After all, if you're going to practice you might as well do it perfectly!

 Outstep Flick Kick 


 The Outstep is the surface of the foot along the two outside toes toward and including the middle outside of the foot toward the ankle. Kicking here can create great out-turning spin on the ball. We c...

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Recommended Media: Street Skills

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Wednesday, November 3, 2010, In : Recommended Media 
Here's one of my all-time favourite YouTube videos. I send it out to all my Soccer Genius students and include it in the second level of my HomeSkills Magic series. It's of a young teenage girl sharing her amazing juggling talents. I know you'll love it!

(the music is good - turn it up ;)
 

 
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Recommended Media: Vision of a Champion

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Sunday, August 29, 2010, In : Recommended Media 
Anson Dorrance is arguably the most successful soccer coach in history. Period! His book, Vision of a Champion, is a must read for coaches, parents and later-stage developing players. Anson is one of the early Soccer Genius pioneers and I highly recommend his book. 




   
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Recommended Media: Ronaldhino's Top 10 Goals

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Sunday, August 29, 2010, In : Recommended Media 
This week's recommendation is an amazing video compilation of goals from one of the world's all-time great Soccer Geniuses - Ronaldhino. Simply enjoy the brilliance and then spend time visualizing  (imagining on purpose in your mind's eye) yourself doing these very same skills. It's a success habit of all developing Soccer Geniuses. 

Enjoy the magic!



 Ronaldhino's Top 10 Goals 
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Recommended Media: Winners Never Cheat

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Sunday, August 29, 2010, In : Recommended Media 
Today's recommendation is written more for a business audience, however, the lessons and values are immediately and universally applicable to sports. Jon Huntsman is definitely a Soccer Genius in the making! 



 Winners Never Cheat - Even in Difficult Times 

by Jon M. Huntsman 

   
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The Five Words That Are Changing The Way Kids Learn and Play the Game

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Sunday, August 29, 2010, In : Featured Articles 
I realized just how important it was (and is) to begin training the mind and heart of the young player when I was first creating the Soccer Genius long-term development model. Far too often I saw very talented athletes fall by the wayside because they either lacked strong self-belief or they were not getting enough positive encouragement on and off the field. I became increasingly determined to start turning this trend around. 

It was quite a moment of synchronicity when the 'solution' came to...
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What exactly is a Soccer Genius anyway?

Posted by Charles Richard Cotton on Sunday, August 29, 2010, In : Featured Articles 
Great question - and a fun one to explore, too! 

A Soccer Genius is any person that consistently achieves surpassing excellence in one or many parts of the game. This can be a player, a coach, a fan, an official, a parent or an administrator. Age is not a factor - nor is race, gender or ethnicity - in defining a Soccer Genius. 

The Soccer Genius goes beyond originality, creativity or intelligence and enters the realm of insight and brilliance that has a transformational power on the game - both...
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