What Is Vision Training (and its origin)?

By TJ Kostecky, Men's Coach, LIU

When a team is in possession of the ball, one of the most frustrating parts of playing involves relying on teammates to inform us that we are about to be challenged by one or more defenders when the ball is passed to us. This reliance often gets us in trouble because the information may be at best, inaccurate (no one is close enough to challenge us) or at worse, too late (the ball has already been intercepted or the defender has sent us and the ball to the hospital). So, if we ball watch and focus on the ball as a team mate makes the pass, it becomes easy for a defender to step in and intercept the ball. Invariably, we may complain to our teammates, "Why didn't you tell me the defender was there?" Even when teammates shout "MAN ON", we may experience a poor result. For example, when we hear "MAN ON", we may tense up and lose control of the ball or push the panic button and simply kick the ball away.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY

Some time ago, Len Bilous, co-director of the Vision Training Programs, was watching a pro game at Giant Stadium (NJ). At that time, Franz Beckenbauer, along with Pele and other world class players, was playing for the Cosmos, the glamour team of the North American Soccer League. Franz was known as the "Kaiser", a general on the field. What Len observed most was the consistency with which Beckenbauer received the ball without losing possession and his appearance of calmness under pressure. What seemed to work for Franz was that he would always peek over his shoulder at the instant the pass was initiated by a team mate (at the time the ball was released). In this way, he was able to determine, well in advance of the ball arriving, if and how strongly he would be challenged for the ball.

SEEING THE FIELD behind him, Beckenbauer seemed to add time to his game. Thus he was able to plan ahead (SCHEME) and take action based on what he had seen. At times he dribbled and at times he passed, yet he always remained calm. Coaches and fans proclaimed that he had "great VISION". Players in other sports also seem to possess the quality of "great VISION". Wayne Gretsky, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, were among the best at keeping possession and consistently making spectacular passes to the amazement of fans and teammates alike. The method of SEEING THE FIELD used by Beckenbauer became the foundation of Vision Training.

Once the Vision Training skills are learned, players:

Become empowered to make the best decisions
Recognize opportunities when they present themselves
Solve problems quickly and keep possession of the ball
Become better at POSITIONING themselves
Become better passers of the ball, no longer rushing their passes
Gain confidence and become more CREATIVE

Other benefits of VISION TRAINING include playing more relaxed, allowing players to better control the ball. (When someone or several people are shouting "MAN ON" it is nearly impossible to remain calm, relaxed, and level-headed).

Finally, by SEEING THE FIELD (looking around before receiving the ball) we are gaining VALUABLE TIME (we see things at the speed of light...186,000 miles per second...much faster than the speed at which we communicate verbally...the speed of sound travels only .2 miles per second).

OUR GAIN: IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

When we SEE THE FIELD, we can make informed decisions and quickly execute the appropriate actions.

SUCCESS STORIES!

Len and I have helped many players, teams and coaches improve their ability to SEE THE FIELD. Perhaps the one player who has benefited the most is Claudio Reyna, a member of the Red Bulls and former captain of the U.S. National Team. Many years ago, as a state select coach in New Jersey, I coached Claudio on the U14 and U15 ODP teams. The two areas that we concentrated on improving in his game were his field vision and the first touch on the ball. Years later he confirmed to me that at the international level the one part of his game that allowed him to perform quickly, effectively and creatively was his ability to SEE THE FIELD.

YOUR SUCCESS STORY!

You too can achieve success no matter at what level you are playing! No one achieves success overnight, so get ready to put in your MAXIMUM EFFORT on a daily basis. Once you gain confidence and DETERMINATION and begin to SEE THE FIELD, you will be hooked on Vision Training!...you will be hooked on the new, SUCCESSFUL YOU! So, TODAY, begin your program to become the best player you can be...the player with great VISION, skill, flair and creativity! Start SEEING THE FIELD today!

We can help you achieve your goals two ways:

1. Our VISION TRAINING FOR SOCCER DVD is recognized as the leading training tool for learning to SEE THE FIELD

2. By ATTENDING the VISION TRAINING SOCCER CAMPS this Summer you too will learn to SEE THE FIELD.

You will also learn and hone all your basic skills and tactics including Dribbling, Passing, Receiving, Heading, Scoring, One on One Play, Group play, Attacking and Defending, Goalkeeping (included as an integrated program)!

ENROLL NOW to the Vision Training Soccer Camp nearest you!

Gaining The Edge On The Competition

SEEING THE FIELD enables you to reach higher levels of play, guarantees personal success, and gives you a COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

When you learn the VISION TRAINING system:

You become empowered to make your own decisions
You recognize opportunities when they present themselves
You solve problems quickly and gain strength on the ball
You become better at POSITIONING yourself
You become a better passer of the ball because you no longer rush
You become more CREATIVE

Vision Training benefits ALL PLAYERS, from the beginning player to the advanced, encouraging and supporting you to make the best decisions. All campers learn TO SEE THE FIELD and are instructed according to the Vision Training Camps Manual. All campers are evaluated by their coaches and are grouped according to age and ability, assuring that everyone is CHALLANGED to achieve their best!

At the Vision Training Soccer Camps, campers learn attacking, defending and tactical skills under pressure, learn to play one-on-one and in combination with teammates. Each camper and team receives a personal written evaluation by his/her coach at the end of the camp. The written evaluation includes the player's strengths and areas where improvement is recommended.

Specialized Training

Individual Training - This program is designed to improve technical, tactical and functional skills under match conditions, specializing in individual problem solving through VISION TRAINING. Team Training - incorporates individual training with team strategy. Special emphasis is placed on combination play in the defense, midfield and attacking areas of the field. Instruction includes designing set plays, for indirect, direct and corner kicks.

The Club Team Program is available for players ages 10-12
The High School Team Camp is available for players ages 13-18

The biggest ADVANTAGE of the TEAM TRAINING program is that ALL the players on your team LEARN TO SEE THE FIELD, giving your team a COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE, preparing them for a successfull season.

International Goalkeeper School

The goalkeeper program is headed by Marijn Mokveld. Marijn currently serves as the staff goalkeeper coach for ADO Den Haag of the Dutch Professional league. In addition, he has served as the Staff goalkeeper coach for the Ajax Youth Development Program. These are two of the top Professional clubs in Europe. Marijn's expertise will provide you with the highest level of training as well as thorough instruction in the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspect of international goal keeping.