TOCA vs Coerver vs Private Coaching

[Guest]

Hi All, for those knowledgeable, how would you rate the following options to help augment a young players skills outside of club practice and games (for reference my DD is 2013)?

Some ground rules, I’m not looking to make this a discussion about financial resources, individual drive (ball and wall), or anything else that isn’t directly related to the 3 alternatives I am listing (much appreciated).

I am currently looking at TOCA sessions, Coerver (36-week program), or private coaching (qualified and licensed). In particular I am curious about Coerver vs Private coaching, as Coerver would be less expensive in the long run (assume 1 session/week), but wouldn’t include the same personal attention (TOCA on the other hand just seems completely different with the focus on maximizing touches).

Thoughts on the 3?

[Guest]

Coerver has a waitlist and it can take years to get into the program. Just something to consider.

[Guest]

Coerver has a waitlist and it can take years to get into the program. Just something to consider.

We are already on the waitlist, but it is definitely a consideration.

[Guest]

Pick the one your kid will enjoy the most. Enjoyment helps prevent burnout. My kids liked Toca

[Guest]

Coerver- exceptional for younger kids, recommend getting kids from the team to also join. Can be frustrating if you are in a lower group, but its based on the fact your kid needs more work. Bottom line best bang for the buck. I moss the Coerver days. Its a lot of work for the kids- so its not all fun and games. But the touches are important at the early ages and after 2-4 years your kid will be significantly ahead in their ability to control the ball. Wont help their athleticism though, and soccer is for athletes.

toca- a ton of fun if you have the right coach. Good touches, high cost, difficult to get in. Honestly, wall balls are a very good substitute. We did Toca for two years, improvement for sure but at a substantial cost of time and money.

individual training - more important as they get older. Expensive, trainer can be difficult to schedule. Having a good individual trainer at age 13 - 15, sure. At age 6, no. Group trainings - yes. Some individual trainers will host group sessions and i think this works for most.

If you have the time and money, hire an individual traininer that can help with technical work specific to your kids position. Club coaches dont have time in practice to work on CB defensive technique in practice, or how forward should make runs, or how CM's should turn.

Also individual trainers should focus on individual skills-

TEACHING proper striking technique- not just shooting.

TEACHING how to receive.

TEACHING how to properly head/chest a ball.

make sure your individual trainer has the approrpriate skills.

etc

hope that helps!

[Guest]

Coerver- exceptional for younger kids, recommend getting kids from the team to also join. Can be frustrating if you are in a lower group, but its based on the fact your kid needs more work. Bottom line best bang for the buck. I moss the Coerver days. Its a lot of work for the kids- so its not all fun and games. But the touches are important at the early ages and after 2-4 years your kid will be significantly ahead in their ability to control the ball. Wont help their athleticism though, and soccer is for athletes.

toca- a ton of fun if you have the right coach. Good touches, high cost, difficult to get in. Honestly, wall balls are a very good substitute. We did Toca for two years, improvement for sure but at a substantial cost of time and money.

individual training - more important as they get older. Expensive, trainer can be difficult to schedule. Having a good individual trainer at age 13 - 15, sure. At age 6, no. Group trainings - yes. Some individual trainers will host group sessions and i think this works for most.

If you have the time and money, hire an individual traininer that can help with technical work specific to your kids position. Club coaches dont have time in practice to work on CB defensive technique in practice, or how forward should make runs, or how CM's should turn.

Also individual trainers should focus on individual skills-

TEACHING proper striking technique- not just shooting.

TEACHING how to receive.

TEACHING how to properly head/chest a ball.

make sure your individual trainer has the approrpriate skills.

etc

hope that helps!

Awesome info, thank you so much!

[Guest]

Get all three.

[Guest]

Awesome info, thank you so much!

Agree with this post in all regards. Will only add that Toca provides great repetition for certain skills that are hard to duplicate elsewhere, for instance, volleying.

[Guest]

That 5th post is probably the best answer you’ll ever get on this site.

Toca is a great tool but I’ve found a ton of coach turnover there and the level of instruction/benefit you get from it varies a ton between coaches. The good coaches are about impossible to schedule with

[Guest]

That 5th post is probably the best answer you’ll ever get on this site.

Toca is a great tool but I’ve found a ton of coach turnover there and the level of instruction/benefit you get from it varies a ton between coaches. The good coaches are about impossible to schedule with

Agree

[Guest]

Both are a waste of money. Neither will make a significant impact on your kids’ playing ability. Coerver has more value but it isn’t anything amazing.