How To Improve Your Soccer Bets

How To Improve Your Soccer Bets is a series of articles that describe some well known and well used statistical techniques that will help the soccer punter make more informed bets. Each of the techniques has its own advantages and disadvantages and using them in isolation will improve your chances of winning. However, together they will prove invaluable in your battle with the bookies. In each article we will describe in detail how a particular method works giving you enough information for you to go ahead and create your own forecasts. We will also give you information as to where you can already find websites that use this technique in comprising their weekly forecasts.

The statistical methods described in this set of articles should help you to arrive at a better decision about the match, or matches, that you are betting on.

In this article we will be describing the Footyforecast method. The Footyforecast method was originally developed for the English Football Pools and attempts to eliminate those matches that will not be draws, leaving you with a shorter list of matches from which to choose your 8 from 11. This method was introduced to the world in 1999 on the original Footyforecast website (now 1X2Monster.com). This method is similar to the Simple Sequence method which is described in another of our articles in this series.

Here are the basic rules?

For each team work out the following,
1. Work out the total number of points obtained for the last N games.
2. Work out the maximum number of possible points for the last N games.
3. Divide the total number of points obtained by the maximum available and multiply by 100.
4. Calculate the forecast value.

In (1) and (2) above N games could be all the home games for the home side and all the away games for the away side. Alternatively N could be the last N games including all home and away games for a team.

The forecast value is calculated like this...

HOMEPOINTS = number of points for home team from last N games

AWAYPOINTS = number of points for away team from last N games

HOMEVAL = (HOMEPOINTS / (POINTSFORWIN * N)) *100

AWAYVAL = (AWAYPOINTS / (POINTSFORWIN * N)) *100

FORECAST = (HOMEVAL + (100 - AWAYVAL)) / 2

To calculate the possible outcome of a match based on the Footyforecast method the value is compared with the following...

1. A forecast value of 50 = a draw.
2. A value between 50 and 100 gives an increasing chance of a home win the closer to 100.
3. A value between 50 and 0 gives an increasing chance of an away win the closer to 0.

There are a few variables to consider, for example the number of matches to use and whether to use all matches or just home for home side and just away for away side to name but two. You may wish to experiment with these values.

By plotting actual resulting draws against the forecast it is possible to generate two threshold values, one for away wins and one for home wins, any values in-between these thresholds are likely draws. All matches outside these thresholds will be less likely to be draws. For example a value of 40 or less for away wins and a value of 60 or more for home wins. This would mean any matches falling between 41 and 59 may be draws. What this method does, with careful tuning by the user is to eliminate many matches which will not be draws giving you a short list to choose from. This method is best used where an English Pools Plan is to be used.

Here is a worked example?

The values shown are the points gained by the team for each game in a sequence of four recent matches, you of course could choose more games to base your calculations on. West Ham
H4 = 3 (oldest match)
H3 = 1
H2 = 1
H1 = 0 (most recent match)v Leeds Utd
A4 = 1 (oldest match)
A3 = 3
A2 = 0
A1 = 3 (most recent match)

Using only home games for home side and only away games for away side...

FFPHome = ((3 + 1 + 1 + 0) / 12) * 100 = 42
FFPAway = ((1 + 3 + 0 + 3) / 12) * 100 = 59
FFPForcast = (42 + (100 - 59)) / 2 = 42

If our threshold values are 40 and 60 then for this match the prediction lies in the expected draw region and at the lower end meaning that if it is not a draw the most likely other outcome would be an away win. This may be interpreted as an X2 prediction, i.e. draw or away win, which some bookies will accept as a bet.

Now it?s your turn?

Here is a list of all the articles in this series?

How To Improve Your Soccer Bets Using The Rateform Method
How To Improve Your Soccer Bets Using The Footyforecast Method
How To Improve Your Soccer Bets Using The Win Draw Loss Method
How To Improve Your Soccer Bets Using The Simple Sequence Method
How To Improve Your Soccer Bets Using The Score Prediction Method
How To Improve Your Soccer Bets Using The Superiority Method

Malcolm Nossiter is the owner of http://www.1x2monster.com and http://www.footyforecast.com. He has been providing hundreds of 1X2 tips every week since 1999. Please visit 1x2monster.com for a fountain of information on soccer betting.

Soccer Fitness Training Tips

Soccer fitness training will help your players optimize their overall strength, speed and stamina. Such training plays a very major role in soccer and is in fact an essential component when it comes to coaching soccer. Let me give you a brief insight into different types of fitness training for soccer players.

Maximal Strength Fitness Training

In one momentary contraction, there is a specific level of force that a muscle group can generate. This optimum force of a muscle group is termed as maximal strength. Maximal strength plays a very important role in the game of soccer.

It helps the players hold off opponent and steal the ball from them. However, the objective of the maximal strength fitness training should not be just to enhance the maximal strength. Instead, the training should focus on enhancing both power and speed to optimum level.

Power Training - Plyometrics

This fitness-training program for soccer is highly effective in building both strength and speed in the players. What is more, unlike most people think, it is not a very difficult training process. The training becomes much easier when both the coach and the players follow the guidelines associated with the same religiously.

Plyometrics exercises are designed in a way to stretch the muscle of the players before the contraction and this simply results in more forceful and instant contraction. For example, one easy way to do this exercise is to keep jumping off the ground without bending the knees. However, one good way to maintain the speed and flexibility of the players is simply to follow a specific weight routine.

This is the best way to enhance as well as maintain the speed and strength of the players. Last, but not the least, there are certain cautions that you must take note of while you are doing the Plyometrics exercises. For example, it is not good to use weights ? no matter how light it is - while doing this exercise.

Some Examples Of Plyometrics Exercises

The simple yet best example of Plyometrics exercises is that you should run in slow motion, jumping on alternate feet. While doing this exercise, the players should aim to achieve as much height and distance as possible at each step.

Overall, there are various ways in which soccer fitness training can be organized. However, the only thing that both the coach and the players must keep in mind is that they have to follow the guidelines religiously.

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer fitness training. His web site, Youth Soccer Drills, provides a wealth of informative soccer articles, resources and tips for soccer coaches, parents and players.

How To Kick A Soccer Ball

When it comes to know how to kick a soccer ball, there are two things that an expert coach must teach his players ? accuracy and power.

Accuracy

It is a wrong assumption that good placement depends solely on striking a precise part of the ball. The truth is other way around. In fact, the more important thing for the players is to drive their kicking foot in the direction of their target.

The coach must also examine the knee of the players? kicking foot in order to ensure that their ankle is moving straight through the ball without lateral or vertical deviation. Have the players concentrate on its height relative to the floor. The ball must move directly towards the target.

Now, let me give you a specific example. Let me tell you how to produce a low, hard shot. Have the players follow through by moving their entire body forward. Their ankle should not be rising or deviating while driving it through the ball. Do not let them try hard because then the players may end up hopping forward and landing on the kicking foot.

Power

When kicking a soccer ball, power is another important element that can make a huge difference. Do not have the players try to swing harder in order to generate more power. If they do so, they are very much likely to lose control or risk injury.

An expert coach understands that the Power comes from quickness of the execution. Have the players use the elastic quality of the leg muscles. If the players think that way, they will be able to jump much higher. They need to squat and leap rather than leaping up starting from a squatting position.

When they are kicking the ball, they should take the elastic quality of their leg muscles. They should minimize the period of time when their kicking leg is changing direction from retrieval to propulsion.

However, accuracy and power do not come easily. You need to practice that through repetition or without a ball through polymeric exercises. After all, practice makes a man perfect, and if you want to learn How to kick a soccer ball, you must practice the right way.

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of how to kick a soccer ball. His web site, Youth Soccer Drills, provides a wealth of informative soccer articles, resources and tips for soccer coaches, parents and players.

World Cup Soccer: Football that unites the world.

In every sporting event one can invariably find a player, a team, a nation, poised to become the next memorable story - a story that will survive the test of time and go down in history. The FIFA World Cup is unique, in that, every country can qualify. It is the only tournament that can unite the world with its common passion for the sport. It is a tournament where everyone celebrates, dances, and rejoices in the streets of their capitals, exulting in the spectacular feats of their players, their teams and their nation. But what makes the World Cup particularly extraordinary is the national pride that it inspires, especially for the first time qualifiers. Since the first tentative World Cup in Uruguay in 1930, World Cup history was not only about the winner or winning the title, but about the stories. World Cup history resonates with the back-stories that echo through time - of players, teams and nations that surprised the world by achieving the unexpected. From the poignant moments of the underdogs and the worlds Cinderella teams, to the birth of legends and the brilliance of the football giants - the World Cup brings joy to every nation. It is about the stories of players, teams and nations taking it to the highest levels; the stories about emotions and pride that unites the world.

At 2006 FIFA World Cup, we welcome the heavy favorites - from the European continent and all the way to the South American continent. For these giants, winning is everything. In their spirit is held the promise of thrilling showdowns, individual feats of brilliance and the majestic harmony in motion of a team united in its quest for the world's most coveted prize in football. Will the European contenders - Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Netherlands, France, and England have the firepower to overcome the South American power forces from Brazil and Argentina, or will the world be dancing to the samba beat again this year?

What about the other European contenders, the lesser known South American teams, or the North American and Central American zone teams? Or better yet, the Australians? Let's not overlook the African continent! Will the trophy finally make its first trip south of the Mediterranean Sea? For that matter, even the Asian continent and their desire to bring Asian football to new international acclaim should be considered.

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, we hope to see these underdogs, long shots, and Cinderella teams. There is always something special about the underdogs for winning is not everything to them. Simply by qualifying to walk onto the world stage, they have realized their goals and sparked the hopes of their nation. Armed with this impossible hope, win or lose, they are there to defend their national pride, and valiantly defend it they will, sometimes to the very chagrin and amazement of disbelieving onlookers.

As football fans across all continents count down to the opening day of 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, BetUS Sportsbook has launched its 2006 World Cup betting portal for soccer betting enthusiasts around the world. What a day it shall be, June 9th 2006! What a month it shall be, until the truth will set us all free on July 9th 2006! The whole world will be looking to Germany from June to July, watching history in the making. There will be sorrow, there will be joy. There will be dreams crushed, there will be dreams made. There will be silence in the streets, there will be rejoicing and dancing in the streets. After all, this is the World Cup, the tournament of tournaments. So may the best national team win!

Natalie Aranda writes about sports and entertainment.

Soccer Cleats Guide- General tips on Soccer cleats

Soccer cleats are athletic shoes that are specially designed for soccer players. Soccer shoes have large studs or cleats on the bottom that assist players in gripping the surface. These studs help players to be easily moved in the desired position.

Generally the cleats are made up of molded plastic because metal cleats are illegal as they cause danger to other players. Plastic studs are round in shape that offers excellent grip on the hard mud of the basepath. Soccer shoes or football shoes can have both plastic as well as metal cleats on the sole whereas golf shoes have metal cleats.

Replaceable cleats are the best option for soccer or football players. Cleats of soccer shoes can be removed and replaced with another kind. Players can choose cleats as per their requirements. These studs or cleats are designed to provide exact traction or grip but these studs should not be so long because extra long suds can pose a risk for the player like knee injury.

Different manufacturers provide soccer cleats of great quality so the players should buy the best fit. Players should keep certain points in mind at the time of buying soccer cleats. They should find a soccer specialty store near their home. Players must know the exact shoe size so that they can play comfortably. They can also get information from the supplier about current and upcoming sales on soccer shoes.

Athletes should use soccer cleats for two or three months before finals. They can easily get all about their shoes with regular practice. They can talk, to salesperson or the coach, about which type of soccer cleats suits them. They must choose few pairs for trail basis and then select the best out of them. Whenever you're going to try the shoes on, don't forget to wear socks. You should check whether your heels are comfortable or not.

Author is the owner of website on Soccer Cleats http://www.bestsoccercleats.info/ . Website provides information about soccer cleats, where & how to buy soccer cleats, some buying tips for soccer cleats. You can visit his site http://www.123soccercleats.com/

US Women Soccer Superstars - Victims of Their Own Success

With the imminent retirement of long-time veterans Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Joy Fawcett from the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, I often find myself thinking how fortunate my family has been to witness their heroics on the field and their positive influence off of it.

But the last game we saw in person stands out as a very different experience from the first game we saw nearly nine years ago.

Last summer, I attended a soccer match between Brazil and the United States Womens National Team in New Orleans with my teenage daughter, Leah. It was a great game with plenty of action on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, and the U.S. Team won on a Tiffeny Milbrett goal in the 90th minute.

For Leah and I, it was a bittersweet experience.

It was a wonderful dad and daughter 42-hour trip from our home in St. Petersburg, Florida to New Orleans and back again. We talked, we laughed, and we listened to each others music for each of the 20 hours and 1393 miles in the car. During our short stay, we visited Bourbon Street at night and the Cafe du Monde for breakfast.

But our journey's focus was to see our soccer heroes in action again. Thats right, I said OUR heroes. Ever since that rainy night in February of 1996 when we first saw our National Team play in Tampa, these outstanding women became my heroes every bit as much as my daughters heroes.

I remember being awestruck as I watched them for the first time their skills, their strength, and their obvious passion for the game. But it was after the game, that I was won over as a dedicated fan.

Earlier that day, Nicole, my younger daughter, asked me if she should bring her Official U.S. Womens National Team Calendar for autographs. My response - This is our National Team with the best players in the world. I really doubt you will get any autographs," I said. "With the rainy weather, you dont want to ruin your calendar, but bring your autograph book, just in case.

When the game ended, I couldn't believe my eyes. Every single player came over to the bleachers where about 1,900 spectators anxiously waited. Not only were they willing to sign autographs, but EACH OF THE PLAYERS HAD THEIR OWN PENS! They talked with the fans, posed for pictures, and most importantly, they really seemed to enjoy doing it. We were immediately hooked.

Since then, we've been extremely fortunate to witness some of their most important games: the 1996 Olympic Gold Medal match in Atlanta, the historic 1999 Womens World Cup Championship game in Los Angeles, and even Mia Hamms record-breaking moment for career goals in Orlando in 1999.

Weve had several encounters with the players, including clinics, autograph sessions, and we even attended a few training sessions in Orlando. Five years ago, while Leah worked as a junior reporter for the St. Petersburg Times, she wrote five features for the weekly X-Press Page for kids.

Along the way, Leah interviewed nearly every team member and even Head Coach Tony DiCicco. Afterwards, at the age of twelve, she wrote a book, Soccer Dreams, to share her adventure, promote the positive values she learned from the team, and to encourage readers to DREAM BIG! It was published last year and has earned very positive customer reviews at Amazon.com.

So our commitment to the Womens National Team runs deep. As a family, soccer has been a unifying force ever since Leah and Nicole played on the same U-8 team, which I coached. This great sport has provided us with countless memories, as participants and as spectators.

So why, you might wonder, was it bittersweet in New Orleans, to see our team again after more than four years of nothing but televised games? Most of the players were the same, and they all had the same intensity on the field weve come to expect.

But this time, the team had already broken through. Ever since the 1999 Womens World Cup, huge crowds cheer them on wherever they play. In New Orleans that day, they played in front of 15,000 spectators, with a live national television audience and a horde of media members reporting their every move.

They were enjoying all the fruits of their many years of labor. Their dreams of just a few years ago, playing in front of huge crowds, of being recognized, had been realized - repeatedly.

In the beginning, we wanted nothing more than for these players to be given their due, for them to enjoy their success. Now they are living like the superstars they have always been, with fans hanging out in their hotel lobby and screaming for autographs wherever they go. Easy access is probably gone forever. Recognizing and understanding that was an eye-opener.

Imagine being a Bruce Springsteen fan in the early Stone Pony days, before he rocketed to worldwide fame and glory. Perhaps you had a chance to talk to him, maybe even hang out with him. While you knew he was something special and you wanted him to reach the rarefied air of superstardom, once he did, your little secret was out. No more casual chats. No more hanging out. Now youre lucky to get an overpriced ticket in the nosebleed seats from a scalper.

But of course, like Bruce, try as they might, our National Team can no longer satisfy everyone. They still carry their own pens for autographs after the games, but now there are increased post-game media demands.

While goalkeeper Briana Scurry did the post-game ESPN interview that day in New Orleans, forwards Cindy Parlow and Mia Hamm were the first to be interviewed by the local media, followed by forward Tiffeny Milbrett, defender Brandi Chastain, and Head Coach April Heinrichs. The rest of the players signed autographs, but with 15,000 fans, it was simply impossible to accommodate every fan.

Leah didnt try to acquire autographs that day. She already has plenty, and on that day, we also had field photo credentials. Not only is autograph-collecting taboo for "objective" journalists, but our memories of the game will be in the photos we captured.

After the game, as the players boarded the bus, I saw one woman approach a team official. She was ranting and raving that she had driven five hours to bring her daughter to the game and that her daughter didnt get any autographs from the players. The team official explained that the players signed autographs for a half hour INSIDE the stadium, which was true.

Apparently, this woman and her daughter had been positioned in the wrong place and were headed home empty-handed. As she stormed off, she yelled, BOOO Womens National Team!! Ill never come to another game! BOOO!

I am certain other fans left empty-handed as well or disappointed with just one or two autographs. I am also certain this womans experience will be repeated during the current 10-game Fan's Celebration Tour and at future games as well.

Our National Team players are victims of their own success. After working so hard, for so long, to develop their fan support, it is simply impossible for them to continue to be so accessible and provide autographs to every fan who wants one.

So if you are lucky enough to see our National Team play this year or in any other games in the future, go to enjoy the skill, the intensity and the passion these gifted athletes put into their effort. If you are really lucky, and do get an autograph or two, even better.

But you shouldnt be disappointed if you dont get any autographs. And you should forewarn your kids that it might not be possible this time around, which will lessen their disappointment.

Finally, as youre driving home, take advantage of the opportunity to focus with your kids on the positive values (hard work, commitment, perseverance) these incredible athletes exemplify. Those are lessons we should want all our children to learn.

Chris Lauber is the photographer, editor, and publisher of Soccer Dreams, written by his daughter, Leah, to describe her true adventure following the U.S. Womens National Soccer Team, as a fan and 12-year-old Junior Reporter during the historic 1999 Womens World Cup. It is receiving excellent customer reviews at Amazon.com. Purchase Soccer Dreams at Amazon on November 8th and receive numerous bonuses. To receive an update, send us an e-mail to WWCSoccerDreams@aol.com.

http://www.SoccerDreamsBook.com