Soccer Camp
Guide		 Getting the Most From Soccer Camp
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Good Questions

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The cost, length, and type of a camp are not necessarily connected with "results." For example, an all-day, week-long camp can produce burned out players who end the week hanging by the swimming pool. Players and parents should think about the results they really want. Here are some questions to ask yourself (and logical answers):

Do you mainly want to have fun with your friends?
(Then go to a cheap camp)

Do you want to improve your ball skills?
(Then you'll need to concentrate--AVOID your friends and go to a camp with coaches who can demonstrate skills and take the time to correct problems. Remedial training can be very time consuming. So get an understanding up front that the camp and its staff-to-camper ratio is committed to it. You may be better off hiring a tutor.)

Do you want to improve your tactical sense--that is, to make better decisions about  when and where to dribble, pass, shoot, and move?
(This is tough to get out of a camp, because tactics are learned over time and from mistakes. Therefore, go to a longer, tactical-oriented camp with lots of coaches per camper.)

Do you want your team to be more competitive?
(Then your coach probably has ideas about attending a "team camp.")

Do you want to get in better physical condition?
(This should only be a concern of players over 12 years, who will benefit by cultivating their growing muscle mass and lung capacity. Check out camps that offer this emphasis--but be sure you have a medical exam to verify your basic physical condition.)

Do you need your mental batteries recharged because you're beginning to get bored with soccer?
(Then go to a camp with a soccer star you admire or in a neat locale--all of which may cost some bucks.)