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COACHING REMINDERS FOR CLUB COACHES
Here is a list of reminders that I used to hand out to the coaches in the clb that I worked with back in NH. I think that these reminders helped the coaches keep things focused and in the proper perspective. Let us know what you think about them! REMINDERS: 1. The game is the best teacher. The majority [...] -
Principles of attacking in small groups
1 vs. 1 inside of the grid. Object of the game is to have the attacking team to get the ball from one target player at the corner to the other. The ball must be played in to the field player to start the game. Whenever the ball is played to a target player, that target comes on [...] -
Can you coach too much?? Q&A with Jeff
OVER COACHING: ‑What is overcoaching? EXCESSIVE INPUT FROM THE COACH WHILE THE PLAYERS ARE PLAYING IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE COACH’S INPUT BECOMES DEBILITATING TO THE PLAYER’S ABILITY TO PERFORM TO THE BEST OF HER ABILITY AND STIFLES HER DEVELOPMENT. IN SHORT, THE COACH IS PLAYING INSTEAD OF THE PLAYER, MAKING ALL OF HER DECISIONS [...] -
Soccer Tournaments: Friend or Foe?
A few years ago, when I was working for US Soccer, I was able to assist in the formation of “position papers” concerning various aspects of our “soccer culture” here in the United States. One issue that seems to keep popping up is the issue of tournaments. Often these are great tools to motivate the player [...] -
4-3-3 Soccer coaching tips!
Here is what I just handed out to the college team that I am working with this fall about roles and responsibilities in the 4-3-3. I enjoy working with the 4-3-3 as it fits this team perfectly, and we find it to be highly flexible. Hope it helps! POSITIONAL ROLES IN A 4-3-3 Forwards Defensively - High pressure-win ball [...] -
SUCCESS vs EXCELLENCE?
Coaches- Here is a qote from Joe Paterno from 1990. Whatever we think about this coach now, his thoughts then make me stop and think about the coaching process. Much of what he says has a direct impact on what goes on in youth sports today. Parents, players, coaches, administrators alike… look for the “quick fix” [...] -
Guiding Principles for Youth Soccer
I have included an article written by my good friend Dean Conway, who is the former Director of Coaching for Mass Youth Soccer. I always appreciate his work as he makes me think! Let me know what you think… OK? 11 Guiding Principles In general, the basis of our endeavor should be regard for the physical, emotional and [...] -
Small Group Tactics
I wanted to start a short series of posts about “Small Group Tactics”. This is a very popular theme right now in youth soccer, and I want to shed a little light on the issue. So here is a brief summary of the topic, and following will be technical breakdowns. Overview Small group objectives are the same [...] -
Basics of Youth Soccer Team Management
Introduction Be organized. The more you can eliminate headaches at the time of games through good prior organization, the freer you will be to concentrate on the game itself and enjoy it. Make your own checklist. Get parents and/or players to help. Spread out the load so no one feels to overburdened and gets burnt out. Pre-Game Organization Let’s [...]
