Specialty Skills

At Avila Creative Soccer, creative coaching is the key. So this Summer our Specialty Classes will feature new curriculums for old the favorites that are proven winners. Our goal is not only development but to surprise your child each and every time they attend. In fact we've got two new additions to Summer Specialty Class choices that are sure to quickly become favorites when they debut in June.

Join us for an amazing opportunity to learn specialty soccer skills that will enhance your level of play and make you more effective on the field! Our à la carte classes are designed to fill in the gaps where your current skills are lacking, making you a better, more valuable player all around.

How Do Specialty Classes Differ from Traditional Small Group Classes?

Specialty Skills Classes are laser focused on one specific skill or topic, whereas the traditional Small Group Classes that Avila Soccer has always offered use a more holistic approach to learning.

New Specialty Skills Classes Being Offered

The Art of Nutmegging

Ok....for those of you who know the self -proclaimed nutmeg artist Coach Eryck personally, the only surprise here is that this specialty did not show up on the curriculum sooner. This fun class actually takes a scientific approach to Coach Eryck's favorite skill (and laughable source of pride) Nutmegging! Tricks of the trade are revealed in this can't-miss class for the diehard!

A nutmeg (or tunnel) is a technique used in soccer, in which a player rolls the ball through an opponent's legs. This can be whilst passing to another player, shooting or occasionally to carry on and retrieve it themselves. You'll know it when it happens!

Soccer Tennis Functional Juggling (a hybrid sport)

This Summer were keeping it interesting but practical with a hybrid sport commonly called Soccer Tennis.  Soccer Tennis can be played in many different ways. As singles, doubles, in threes or fours, or larger groups -- especially if a real soccer ball is used.

Many different objects can serve as a net. If no objects are available then two grids can be laid out separated by a dead zone. The number of bounces and touches can be adjusted. The serve can be changed from a service from hand to kicking it off of the ground. The game is a great replacement to juggling .

Limitations according to age and ability can really make it interesting. One favorite rule is when we place a garbage can at the back of either side of the court/field. Any team that gets the ball over the net and also in that can automatically wins the match!!!!! Even if they were losing desperately! You can imagine the drama.

And many techniques such as receiving the ball in the air, heading, juggling, volleys etc., all get practiced during the natural course of any Soccer Tennis game.  Players gain insight as they strategize and contemplate questions: Can the team in possession move their opponents into a poor position? Do they strike at the right time and play safely when needed? Can the defenders read their opponents intentions and counter them?

What's best is how the game encourages both communication and cohesion in a fun climate: Do the players work well as a team? Do they compliment one another or do they play as individuals? Can the players relate to the ball, its flight, bounces and speed?

In other words, the soccer problems are similar to those in a match. The pressure of time is real. Both teams have goals and must think of attacking and defending. While it is not soccer, it is soccer like.

So don't miss this fun Specialty Class this summer. It'll be the one talked about at the dinner table.

Traditional Specialty Skills Classes

These are the traditional specialty skills classes Avila Creative Soccer offers. The specific details of each technique will be meticulously reviewed each consecutive day! Wow, can you say Mastery?!?!

Shooting Mechanics

Shooting Mechanics is a 45-minute class specializing in shooting anatomy. We'll deconstruct and review every aspect of shooting in detail: visualization, approach, plant foot positioning, setting the frame, angle of release, turning radius, rotary momentum, follow-through, and critical velocity.

Next, Think mechanics, mechanics, mechanics --the same mechanical principles that govern the movements of all athletes. The same mechanics that NASA used to land a spacecraft on the moon timed to within a fraction of second!

The class is conducted with shoes off so that our instructors can literally manipulate the metatarsals. In fact, much of the class doesn't even involve the use of a soccer ball but instead focuses on pinpoint form. Every kid wants to score....give 'em a shot!

Shooting Mechanics is for:

• The player who passes instead of shoots in front of the goal.
• Anyone who has never been shown proper shooting technique.
• Players in pre-season or on vacation who have a gap of time.
• Elite players who need to get 20 to 30 more yards on their shot distance. -Anyone who would like to score more on game day.

Dribbling Is An Attitude

This class is just what is needed to help athletes who are not as assertive as they could be.

It's a 45-minute specialty class for any skill level focused on showing players how to take the responsibility for attacking and penetrating versus a mentality of passing the ball off. We walk the player through the mental process of premeditating the decision to dribble before receiving the ball, and subsequently pouncing with conviction and speed!

See if your child doesn't play with more confidence after this! When they practice over and over the motion of physically dominating an opponent and pushing past them, a funny thing happens - they experience a sense of empowerment and self attainment that only comes with being good at something! 

No-Fear Defending

A 45-minute specialty class that teaches defending tactics, techniques and attitudes. Players will gain clarity on notions such as jockey and delay, stabbing at the ball, shepherding, foot and hip positioning, aggressive/assertive play, decision making, and yes, even slide tackling—using our state-of-the-art 12" thick dive mat. This class is a must for kids who don't "get it" and for players who are ready to accept the responsibility of contributing when they are not actually in possession of the ball.

Goalie Class

One of our proud new editions to the fall class schedule is our Goalie Class... Learn to play one of the most demanding positions on the field, the right way!

Our Goalie Class provides 45 minutes of specialty training that focuses specifically on technique. Learn the mechanics of diving and how to make the all-important “second save.”  Our 12” diving mat allows you to train without fear, and in turn you will develop the ferocity and skill needed to defend the goal.   This class is designed for those who wish to work hard in their pursuit of goal-keeping mastery.

Bicycle Kicks/Specialty Kicks

A 45-minute fun and inspirational class using a state of the art 12’’ thick dive mat, teaches secrets of specialty finishing including: bicycle (overhead) kicks, scissor kicks, banana kicks, in-swingers, corner kicks, and set pieces from outside the box!

Perfect Penalty Kicks

A 45-minute specialty class designed to guide players through the process and pressure associated with penalty kick taking. Everything from stepping up to volunteer for this high stakes moment to choosing the correct corner and technique and cadence is reviewed.

Amazing Juggling/Dribbling Tricks

Hey, lets not forget the fun! This class will pull no stops and features the most outrageous and clever juggles and dribbling moves that both urban street players and legendary professionals alike have dared to imagine! A great gift for the holiday!