Children learn valuable tips on how to play soccer and to improve their game with this entertaining and useful soccer instruction video/DVD.
Live-action instruction featuring a real soccer coach and children is broken up by entertaining animated sequences featuring Stinky Shoe and Coach Laroo. The lessons begin with the importance of warming up before both playing a game and practicing, and wearing the right equipment. A quick overview of soccer positions is given, but the focus of the video is on soccer basics, such as running, passing, and controlling the ball. Children learn which parts of the foot they should use when controlling the ball (never the toes, because they offer players little control!), how to juggle, and so forth. The children (a good mix of girls and boys) demonstrate the techniques that the coach explains. Heading, dribbling, and other basics are illustrated.
Throughout the video, kids are reminded that working together and communicating with other players on the team are crucial. Children learn some basic soccer rules, such as the kinds of things that stop play because they are not permitted. The animated sequences provide a bit of a breather from the instruction and feature the silly antics and jokes of an animated shoe and coach.
Of course, the video encourages children to get outside and practice the skills they learn! The main benefit of this instructional video is that viewers have the opportunity to watch, listen, and learn techniques and rules in a comfortable home setting. When children are on the field, they may not feel relaxed enough to truly absorb some of the nuances of soccer instruction. The video offers an organized overview of the game and helpful tips that children can take with them onto the field. Running time is approximately 30 minutes, and both video and DVD editions are available. The Fundamentals of Baseball, featuring the same animated hosts, is also available.
