The Techne Blog

We designed the Back to School Soccer Training Challenge to support building strong habits. The will to train and finding the time and space is just as important as the actual training, so we have a 10-day curriculum that focuses on building this skill. The challenge runs Sept 1 - 10 in the Techne App

The college recruiting process for student athletes is just that – a process. It does not happen overnight, and it is not an easy path. There are bumps, roadblocks, forks in the road, and other obstacles you will encounter. But just like after making a mistake in the game, how you react is important.

At Techne, we often get asked about the topic of keeping your head up while training. Have you been told by a coach that you need to “pick your head up” more? While training, do you wonder which drills you should look up when doing, versus when it’s okay to look down at the ball? We’ve worked to clarify some of the frequently asked questions about picking your head up while training and how that can translate into the game.

Techne’s 10th training challenge lasts 16 days, alongside the Olympic Games in Tokyo! Train with players around the world as you develop core strength, explosive dribbling, volleying, mental skills, and more! Winners of the challenge get a pair of exclusive Techne sunglasses.

Trust the process. Regardless of whether your scores improve quickly or slowly, or if you’re able to take video to analyze your progress, the bottom line is that if you train with focus and intention consistently over time, you WILL get better! Know the ways to measure your progress, and that there are multiple ways to tell how you are improving.

Over the past few years, more than 120 college programs have been offering access to the Techne app for their players to stay sharp in the offseason. From highly-competitive Division I schools to small Division III programs, we work with coaches and players who value meaningful improvement and ongoing development.While many college programs have always offered detailed strength training programs and specific fitness standards during the offseason, many now also provide guidance in terms of what technical skills players should work on, both general and/or position-specific.

If you have aspirations to play competitive or elite soccer, at some point or another you’ll need to prove yourself in a tryout scenario. Sometimes players are evaluated through their performance in a series of training sessions; sometimes it’s a one-time identification event; and other times it’s a training camp or preseason that can last several weeks. Regardless of the environment or level, there are some important elements of performing well and giving yourself the best shot at success.

Training your mind means building up your ability to focus; it means strengthening your confidence so that you can get back into the game quickly after mistakes or big wins; and it means training yourself to perform under pressure. Have you ever noticed that you can do a skill perfectly until you ask someone to watch? That’s because that little bit of added pressure impacts your ability to perform! Training your mind will help you learn how to perform in all circumstances--whether it’s showing off for a parent or friend or taking the winning penalty against your rival team.

There are many ways to be a great soccer player, but there’s only one way to win games: scoring goals! Not only attacking players need to be well-versed in scoring goals. The best teams see their goals come from all positions on the field at some point in the season. Being informed about goal-scoring, and prepared to do it, will help make you a more confident soccer player.

You may have been told by a soccer coach that you need to “work on your first touch,” or maybe that you “have a good first touch.” But what exactly does this mean? And how can you improve your first touch, or keep it sharp? Your first touch is your ability to bring the ball under control, no matter how it comes to you.

We offer a lot of content, which is amazing for players who are very familiar with how to manage an individual training plan. But for those players who are new to training on their own or not quite as sure what to work on, it’s helpful to pick a specific focus and to spend a full month working to improve just one area.

Dribbling is one of the first and most important skills to master in soccer. It’s crucial to be able to move with the ball and change direction at any time. There are a number of different qualities that can make a soccer player a great dribbler. Recognizing when and where to dribble is key. Improve your game by mastering these dribbling skills.

There are 7 different types of quickness you want as a soccer player, and many ways to become faster in each. Being a fast soccer player doesn't just mean running fast. It means being one step ahead of your opponent in a variety of ways. Fast players think fast, act fast, and move fast with and without the ball.

Whether you play(ed) soccer yourself, are completely new to it, or fall somewhere in between, there are many ways you can help your player have a great experience through the sport. Here’s a basic guide to help get you going along the path of support.

As a soccer player, if your training and performance matters to you, so should your recovery. That means and maintaining a balance between physical effort and recovery--for both training and competition. Recovery can be active or passive and it should be regularly planned.

If you’re an elite soccer player, you might be wondering: What are the best soccer recovery methods? How much recovery is enough? When do I need to recover? Playing and training a lot is great, but recovery is when you allow the work you’ve done to “sink in” and for your body to absorb it in order to get to the next level. A good recovery strategy is crucial for improvement and performance. Here are 3 tips for your soccer recovery:

How much does it cost to hire a private soccer trainer? What are some alternatives to hiring a private soccer coach? We explore the pros and cons of various at-home training solutions and offer recommendations on some FREE soccer training resources for you or your player.

Whether you already watch a lot of soccer or are planning to start watching more, here are the benefits that come along with cheering on your favorite teams and players.