Episode Four - The Importance of Free Play
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Episode Four - The Importance of Free Play
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About this listen
This week on Inside the Game, we break down the key principles of defending, from delaying and denying to organizing as a unit—and how these skills come to life when players are allowed to figure it out for themselves. We also explore how Free Play helps shape smarter, more adaptable defenders. While defending is often taught through structure, it’s the unstructured moments—pick-up games, street soccer, small-sided battles—where players develop decision-making, communication, and a deeper sense of the game.
Our guest, Jaylin Finney, Asst. Teams Director in Texas, joins us to share her personal experience with free play as a player and how she uses it now to build confident, committed defenders. Jaylin also talks about balancing structure with creativity, and why Commitment—this week’s core value—is essential to becoming a great defender.
Packed with practical insights and real-world examples, this episode is a must for coaches looking to develop defenders who lead, talk, and take pride in their role.
Hit play, take notes, and let’s step Inside the Game.