How To Make The Perfect Cup Of Coffee

by

Paul P. DuxburySome people like their coffee full-bodied, rich and hot with no mixers to interfere with the natural flavors and aromas. For others, the perfect cup is a blend that includes added flavors such as vanilla or hazelnut. Regardless of your poison, there are some things that can be done to ensure a perfect cup of coffee is brewed each time.

Coffee beans themselves are pretty delicate little creations that begin to lose their flavor as soon as they’re roasted. This means the beans purchased in stores have already begun the process of natural decline, but there are things coffee lovers can do to ensure the best cup possible.

Here are some tips for making serious gourmet coffee with a flavor that packs a punch, whether it’s rich and robust or mild and nutty:

* Grind freshly roasted, or as close to it, beans into a fine consistency, but avoid the powdering stage. The grinds should be big enough to stay within a coffee maker’s filter.

* Use at least 2 level tablespoons of coffee per six-ounce cup.* Insist on a clean coffee maker. Wash the maker regularly and flush out the entire system, as well. Before each use, rinse out the maker with hot water. Also be certain to make sure the coffee maker is free from lime or hard water deposits. These can come free during the brewing process and wreck a perfectly good pot of coffee with a bitter, unpleasant taste.* For the brew itself, use good water. Tap is fine, but bottled water that’s fresh and free of chemicals is even better.* Make sure to use hot water and not boiling water for making coffee. Boiling water further enhances the breakdown of the coffee flavor and can produce a more bitter tasting cup of coffee. The noted ideal temperature for brewing coffee is 200 degrees Fahrenheit.* Brew according to the coffee maker’s instructions, but be certain to start with a good base coffee, fresh water and ideal temperatures.

A good cup of coffee is not at all unlike a fine glass of wine. Meant to be savored and enjoyed, coffee is a drink that fuels the world. There is a big difference, however, between an average cup and a gourmet cup of a fresh blend. A few extra steps can make all the difference in the world when it comes to flavor, even with pre-ground coffee from a supermarket.

Paul Duxbury writes extensively on Coffee. You can read more of his articles at

Gourmet Coffee

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Soccer Training Games and Drill Conditions

by

Neil Stafford

Small sided games and soccer drills can be varied greatly by adding a few extra rules to condition the players. Conditions can be used to make the drills harder or easier depending what you want the outcome to be.

However, if you want to condition your players differently it’s important to have a variety of rules that you can implement.Here are five of the ten variations we prefer that you can use in your next training session.One TouchQuite simply, players only have one touch. Do not allow your players to trap the ball or control then pass. They must play the ball first time.This means they must be constantly aware of where their team mates are, move their feet quickly to get in line with the ball flight and they must decide where they are going to play the ball before they receive it.This rule forces players to think quickly and anticipate the ball. When using this condition reiterate the key coaching points of thinking ahead, sound decision making, head up & vision, quick movement and communication.Two TouchHere the condition limits the players to a maximum of two touches.A player is allowed to control the ball with their first touch but they must play the ball with their second touch.The extra time that they are allowed on the ball, even though brief, allows them to evaluate their options and focus more on anticipation. Supporting team mates also need to think ahead and use good movement to create space and be available for the ball.When using this condition, specifically watch and give feedback on the player’s first touch as this will determine to a great extent what options they have thereafter.Three (or a Specified Number of Touches)Giving players more touches doesn’t necessarily make the games or drills easier. For example, we might condition our players to five touches. That means they must be able to control the ball, get their head up, look for space, dribble, shield and bring other players into the game.Ball Height – Below Knee HeightI like the quote from Brian Clough…”If God had meant football to be played in the air he’d have put goals in the sky!” This condition focuses the players to keep the ball on the ground.That means they must look for passing channels along the floor and minimizes the “hoof” football that is so prevalent!Coach players on creating space, good movement and offering support.Ball Height – Head HeightAllowing the players a little more flexibility and some more ball manoeuvrability allows them to lift the ball but still discourages the “hoof” or “long ball all the time” soccer.Again, creating space, movement and offering support should all be key components when imposing this condition.

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