Coaching Soccer Weekly

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/26088/21446https://viewer.joomag.com/spring-2026/0340558001774298022/p26https://viewer.joomag.com/winter-2025/0496102001736177307/p38https://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.