Coaching Soccer Weekly

Did your team make the list?

Lazar introduces the concept of principles as a foundation for effective learning. He argues that players learn best when they grasp the underlying principles rather than memorizing specific plays or drills. This adaptability allows players to apply their skills in varying situations, ultimately leading to better on-field performance. In conclusion, effective coaching is about simplifying methods, focusing on observation, and emphasizing principles over rigid structures. As Lazar beautifully puts it, the goal is to foster an environment where players can learn and grow autonomously, guided by the wisdom and insights of their coaches. Reflect on your coaching practices: Are you facilitating player growth, or are you inadvertently stifling it? For more insights and to hear the full discussion, tune into the latest episode of Coaching Soccer Weekly . Some of Lazar's Writings: https://journals.uni-lj.si/sport/article/view/26088/21446 https://viewer.joomag.com/spring-2026/0340558001774298022/p26 https://viewer.joomag.com/winter-2025/0496102001736177307/p38 https://viewer.joomag.com/spring-2025/0119151001742938577/p38

Matt Carroll is joined by Lauren Knego, high school sports reporter for NJ.com and The Star-Ledger, for a deep dive into New Jersey high school soccer and the county tournament season.They discuss the teams and storylines to watch across tournaments including the CVC, GMC, Somerset County, the Shore Conference, and the South Jersey Coaches Cup. Lauren also shares what it takes to cover high school sports across the state—and why the stories behind the players matter as much as the results.Then, tournament talk turns into a live reaction to a dramatic penalty shootout between Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Westfield. It’s a conversation about the competition, communities, and unforgettable moments that make high school soccer special.

Julian Valerio is the founder and head trainer of Fundamental Football Academy in Wayne, New Jersey, known for developing players through technical precision, small-sided chaos, and a holistic development model that prioritizes mindset as much as skill.

This week on Coaching Soccer Weekly , we sit down with Point Pleasant Beach Head Boys' Soccer Coach John Palumbo for a wide-ranging conversation on the heart and soul of New Jersey soccer. John reflects on how the culture of the high school game in NJ has shifted since his own playing days and shares his non-traditional path into teaching and coaching—from entering education later in life to stepping up from an assistant role alongside his brother to take the helm of the Garnet Gulls. We break down his core coaching philosophy of cutting through modern tactical fluff to focus on high-intensity execution and grit, and we dive into the story behind his famous news-featured soccer jersey collection!

In this episode Coach Carroll has an extra special guest on, his wife Jordan Carroll, to talk about how to balance coaching with life, work, family, and kids and to work as a team with your wife to best wear all hats. Coach Carroll then discusses how periodization has impacted his team so far after last year's episode with Coach Shap! That episode is also included in this episode since it was accidentally taken down.

In this episode Coach Carroll sits down with his former high school coach Sam Palumbo who discusses raising a high level athlete through soccer, track, and life in general. He goes over the alphabet soup of youth soccer, what he looks for when choosing a team, and how to create a balance in your childs life to keep them healthy and motivated!

In this episode we are rejoined by Coach Shamus Matthews to talk about how the schemes and dreams of pre-season have given away to the immediate urgency of the early season. Has your planned formation fizzled out, has an injury changed the dynamic of your team, has your periodization ahead or behind. Coach Carroll and Coach Matthews break down the choices they have made so far regarding probably one of the most important parts of the season, the post-pre-season.

Jake returns to break down another season of NJ Boys Soccer Madness! Did your team make the list of Jake's favorites to make some noise this fall?

In this week's episode Northern Burlington's Volunteer Soccer Coach/Strength and Conditioning Coach meets with Coach Carroll to discuss his experience just starting out in the soccer coaching profession, as well as how he is working to integrate his strength and conditioning background into the Greyhound's daily training regimen.

In this episode former guest Ryan Morris joins us again to discuss the scrimmage between Marlboro and Burlington Township, as well as his philosophies on preseason and and its role in setting the tone for the year.

Paul Carrezola of Norfolk Academy S&C discusses ways you can keep your players fit and healthy post-preseason!

As the preseason approaches, every coach knows the importance of preparation. In this issue, we explore insights from Coach Shap, who shares his approach to maximizing the first weeks of training, ensuring that players are ready both physically and tactically.

In the realm of youth sports, coaching can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. This is especially true in girls' soccer, where dynamics can differ significantly from boys' teams. In this blog post, we'll explore insights from Sean Alfred, the head coach of Our Lady of Mercy Academy's girls soccer team, as he shares his journey, challenges, and strategies for building a successful program.

Coach Nixon shares insights on sustaining a legacy program, his defensive tactical principles, and the importance of connecting a high school program to its local youth club to create a winning culture for generations.

Coach Matthews and Coach Carroll sit down to discuss the tactics that led to Spain's victory over France, what happened in the 3rd place game, and how it is too eraly to tell if the US development system is working yet.

I'm not crying... you're crying. The World Cup is over, but that does not mean that we are done talking about it! @coach_mattcarroll and @coach_shamus break down what we as coaches can learn from watching all 104 games! In part 2 we willl discuss the final match itself!

Coaching at different levels—high school, collegiate, and pre-professional—requires a nuanced understanding of player development and game strategy. For Mendoza, each season demands a distinct focus. During the fall, he dedicates his attention to Absigami High School and Stockton University, immersing himself in the unique challenges and dynamics of each program. This seasonal approach helps him compartmentalize his responsibilities and mentally transition between the different contexts of coaching.

Group 4 State Champion and 400-win milestone coach Doug Nevins joins Coaching Soccer Weekly ! The longtime West Orange Head Coach breaks down his blueprint for sustained success in the high-stakes New Jersey high school landscape. In this episode, we talk about the immense value of the summer grind, navigating a highly compressed preseason against elite competition, and how to teach young players to watch the World Cup like a coach to improve their own tactical intelligence.

Albright Women's Head Soccer Coach Shamus Matthews and Coach Matt Carroll breakdown the USMNT's World Cup, their exit, and what we can all learn from their efforts.