Off the Beaten Pitch

Coach Alex and Coach Alan
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Soccer

Welcome to Off the Beaten Pitch—the podcast for grassroots soccer coaches navigating gravel roads, small-town fields, and big dreams.

Episodes

  1. Jun 5

    Welcome Back

    After a longer break than planned, Coach Alex and Alan are back behind the microphones. In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, they take a look back at the season that was, reflecting on the highs, the challenges, the lessons learned, and the moments that reminded them why they love coaching grassroots soccer. The guys also address the gap between episodes, sharing a little about life, coaching commitments, and everything that comes with balancing family, work, and the beautiful game. Join us as we discuss player development, team culture, memorable moments from the season, and what we're taking forward into the next chapter. Whether your season ended with trophies, tough losses, or somewhere in between, there's something here for every coach trying to make a positive impact on young players. Thanks for sticking with us—we're excited to be back. Let's get back to talking grassroots soccer.

    33 min

  2. Feb 27

    Steel City FC and Metrics in Youth Soccer

    In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Coach Alex and Alan sit down with Tom Ovenden and Jonathan Velotta from Steel City FC for a deep dive into what makes their program tick. We unpack the philosophy behind their player development model and explore some of the key metrics they track — including front half regains and balls under control in the box — and why those numbers matter beyond just data sheets. Tom and Jonathan share how these insights shape training sessions and ultimately impact performance on match day. Whether you’re a competitive coach looking to sharpen your game model or a grassroots volunteer wondering how data can inform development, this episode bridges the gap between analytics and the everyday youth soccer environment. Steel City FC's first team has a big match with cross town Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the US Open Cup on 3/17, tickets below.  Steel City-Riverhounds US Open Cup Tickets https://steelcityfc.com/opencup/?fbclid=IwVERDUAQO-HpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR67uE0RBZn1oijqwjUFji-cfmx2xSmzhkndAuR5y65Sofq_QEa52EyjVqW9eg_aem_Jy4RARie02ttd9zgR5zwYA Steel City Socials https://www.facebook.com/share/1FDAxe8Fac/ https://www.instagram.com/steel_city_fc?igsh=MTVyM25qYTFkNmNibw== https://www.tiktok.com/@steelcityfootballclub?_r=1&_t=ZT-94HYluxk8C5 https://steelcityfc.com/links/

    47 min

  3. Feb 1

    Session Design

    What actually makes a good soccer training session? In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, we break down session design. From setting a clear objective to choosing activities that create real learning moments, we talk through how coaches can design sessions that are engaging, purposeful, and age-appropriate. We discuss common mistakes coaches make when planning sessions, why “more drills” doesn’t always mean better development, and how constraints, guided discovery, and game-like activities can elevate player learning. Whether you’re coaching rec, grassroots, or competitive players, this episode offers practical ideas to help you plan sessions with intention—so players stay challenged, confident, and having fun. If you’ve ever left a practice wondering “Did my players actually learn today?”—this one’s for you.

    24 min

  4. Jan 13

    Building Out From the Back

    Building out of the back is one of the most debated topics in youth soccer. In this episode, Coach Alex and Coach Alan break down the pros, the challenges, and our thoughts where we stand. We discuss how building out develops technical skills, decision-making, confidence, and long-term player growth — while also addressing common frustrations like mistakes near goal. A must-listen for coaches and parents looking to better understand the when, why, and how behind building out of the back.

    24 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    The Welcome Letter

    In this episode, Alan and Alex break down our team’s welcome letter and why clear, proactive communication with parents is essential for a successful season. We share what information truly matters, how to set expectations early, and simple strategies coaches can use to build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and create a supportive environment for their players and families.

    24 min

  6. 11/14/2025

    Coaching Mixed Ability Teams

    In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, we take on the everyday challenge of coaching mixed-ability teams. From managing wide skill gaps to keeping every player engaged, we break down what makes these teams tough — and why they’re also hugely rewarding. We share simple, practical strategies you can use right away: flexible training design, tiered activities, and creating a team culture where every kid feels included and pushed to grow. A quick, honest look at the real work of grassroots coaching.

    26 min

  7. 10/28/2025

    Our Coaching Journey. Why We Started and Why We Keep Going

    In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Alex and Alan rewind to where it all began — how they got into coaching in the first place, what sparked their passion for growing players, and the lessons they learned the hard way along the way. They share what they wish they knew on day one. And they don’t stop there — the guys dive into the changes they hope to see in the youth soccer landscape…  It’s honest. It’s personal. And it’s a call to make grassroots soccer better for every kid who laces up.

    46 min

  8. 09/21/2025

    Winning vs Development

    On this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Alex and Alan dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in youth soccer: chasing wins today versus building players for tomorrow. Should coaches push for trophies at U10, or focus on long-term growth even if it means losing games?

    24 min

  9. 09/07/2025

    The Three Ls

    Too many youth soccer practices still get bogged down by the “three Ls”: lines, lectures, and laps. In this episode, we break down why these outdated methods hurt player development and how coaches can create more engaging, game-like environments instead. From practical training alternatives to mindset shifts for coaches, we’ll share simple ways to keep players moving, thinking, and enjoying the game. Follow our socials and hit us up with topics you'd like to hear us covered. https://www.facebook.com/share/1G18hQfmR3/ https://www.tiktok.com/@offthebeatenpitch?_t=ZP-8zWsAoUj3p1&_r=1 https://x.com/thebeatenpitch?s=09

    16 min

  10. 08/10/2025

    The Rotation Game

    Episode 3 – The Rotation game. In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Coach Alex and Coach Alan explore why rotating players through different positions is one of the most powerful tools in youth development. From building well-rounded skills to fostering creativity and resilience, we break down how thoughtful rotation can benefit players, teams, and coaches alike. We also tackle common concerns—like pushback from parenrs and  sacrificing short-term wins—and share practical tips for implementing rotation without losing competitiveness. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, you’ll learn how to use rotation to unlock potential and keep the beautiful game beautiful. Give us a like and follow on our socials and send us anything you'd like to hear us discuss. X- https://x.com/thebeatenpitch?t=K4be8hjx0f5ym96I8FY-Xw&s=09 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/share/1CpFsT6v3M/ We'v  slapped our logo on some teeshirts! We don't make anything off these but spread the word!   https://www.customink.com/g/phm0-00cz-f7y7

    25 min

  11. 07/18/2025

    The Power of Pick-up Soccer

    In this episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, Alan and Alex dive into heart of the game: pick-up soccer. From empty lots and gravel roads to church fields and schoolyards, we explore how unstructured, player-led games shape creativity, resilience, and a love for the game in ways traditional training often can’t. We share personal stories, insights from coaching in rural communities, and discuss why letting kids "just play" might be the secret weapon in youth development. Whether you grew up in the game or are coaching the next generation, this episode is a celebration of the beautiful chaos that is pick-up soccer. If you have a topic you'd like us to talk about hit us up on our socials. https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLe4jkhxQ/ https://x.com/thebeatenpitch?t=p6HYiyMLMyyr-LEogwnFLA&s=09 https://www.tiktok.com/@offthebeatenpitch?_t=ZP-8y7SKau7qdK&_r=1

    17 min

  12. 07/11/2025

    Let Them Play, The Joystick Coaching Trap

    Welcome to the premiere episode of Off the Beaten Pitch, the podcast that dives into the heart of grassroots soccer in rural America. In this debut episode, hosts Coach Alex and Coach Alan tackle one of the biggest development killers in youth soccer: joystick coaching—when coaches (or even parents) try to control every move a young player makes from the sidelines. We break down what joystick coaching looks like, why it’s so common in rural environments, and how it holds back creativity, decision-making, and love for the game. You’ll hear personal stories from the grassroots trenches, insights from coaching experts, and practical ways to shift from control to empowerment. Plus, we dig into the role of well-meaning but overbearing parents and how to reframe sideline behavior for long-term player growth.

    19 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Off the Beaten Pitch—the podcast for grassroots soccer coaches navigating gravel roads, small-town fields, and big dreams.

Information

  • Creator
    Coach Alex and Coach Alan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Off the Beaten Pitch
  • Show Website
    Off the Beaten Pitch