eNewsletter for Indiana Soccer Club
January - February
2012
Directors of Coaching
Table of Contents 1.
Shocking Defending Costs Manchester United
2.
UCLA Women emphasize personal development
3.
Indiana’s License Plate now available
4.
2012 INDIANA SOCCER'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND WORSHOPS
5.
Dealing With Lopsided Games
6.
Click on the picture below to read the most recent GotSoccer Magazine
7.
Indiana Soccer Presents the “RMA”
8.
Pre-Season Conditioning: Main Session
9.
General Guidelines for Evaluating Soccer from U.S. Soccer Best Practice Guidelines
10.
Photo of the Month
Dear Club D.O.C.s and Administrators, What’s up D.O.C.? - will be my way of trying to get closer to you and share some important and fun things that are going on in Indiana Soccer. I hope to share with you informative articles, opportunities to grow with the game, and just interesting soccer tidbits. If you have anything that you feel you want to share with the rest of the soccer community please send to me.
Upcoming Coaching Education Courses: USSF "E" License Course March 24-25, 2012 - Bishop Chatard HS USSF "D" License Course March 22-25th, and 29th - April 1st, 2012 University of Evansville USSF "D" License April 13-15, and April 20-22, 2012; Zionsville Youth Soccer Association, Whitestown, IN US Soccer National Youth License - July 9th-13th, 2012; Bloomington, IN (Karts Farm Soccer Park) USSF "C" License November 3-11, 2012; Town and Country complex, Wilder, KY (South of Cincy)
Shocking Defending Costs Manchester United By Ricky Clarke Patrice Evra holds the blame for Liverpool’s late winner this weekend in the FA Cup 4th round. Evra has made some poor defensive mistakes recently, this weekend cost Manchester United a place in the 5th round of the FA Cup. Below, I’ve outlined his key movements during Liverpool’s second goal. Evra – Out of position (Part 1) Evra’s starting position is really poor. With minutes remaining in the game he needs to be more compact.
Evra – Out of position (Part 2) Carroll wins the header and sets up Kuyt. Smalling fails to recover and Evra’s recovery is too late.
Evra – Out of position (Part 3) If Evra tackles Kuyt, it could result in a penalty or a sending off. Kuyt manages to finish and win for Liverpool.
Evra – Out of Position (Another Example vs Newcastle) Here is a good example of poor positioning from Evra. Here, Ameobi wins the flick on, Evra doesn’t remain compact, and Ba scores to take Newcastle into the lead.
Patrice Evra – Improve Decision Making in Defense
Now – How to Train Your Players to Fix This Problem
Session Outline The team is split into 2v1’s, in a small 15v15 grid. Each grid has a target player; the game will always start with a pass from the target player. The Blue defender puts immediate pressure on the ball, and receives support from another player in the opposite grid. Red team in possession should always play forward into the supporting player, who looks to receive, turn, and then find the opposite target player. Coaching Points Knowing when to pressure the ball (player has head down, poor first touch). Where to pressure the ball (curved runs to cut down passing choices). Supporting defender must be compact (don’t allow space in behind the defensive lines). Look to intercept, rather than tackle (helps to attack faster, if you win possession). Read visual cues (body movement to suggest a pass). Ricky Clarke is a USSF ‘A’ License, USSF Youth License and NSCAA Master Diploma coach. Ricky is the DOC of Mission Valley United, leading several teams to state championships. Ricky also coaches for the Northern California ODP programs and is a state course instructor and NSCAA associate staff coach. Visit his Blog here
UCLA Women emphasize personal development Article Written By Robert Ziegler, ESNN
It's all about the team, so they say. It is likely UCLA women's coach B.J. Snow has said something along those lines during his coaching career, but this spring on the Westwood campus, it's all about "me." Not "me" as in "my goals take precedence over the team's," but rather "working on making myself better so that this team can be better." Make sense? Snow reiterated during an interview with TopDrawerSoccer.com that the focal point of the off season with his group is for each player to work on improving the areas where it is most needed. "Our spring is dedicated to making everyone get better individually," Snow said. "We sit down with all the girls and figure out what it is they can each do individually that will be the best thing for them looking toward next year. B.J. Snow "They need to take responsibility for that," he continued. "This is not just for their success here, but if they have aspirations to be a professional. We like to treat them like professionals when they are here." Snow added that the spring program could thus look different for each player. "They'll be working on various technical aspects of the game," he said. "We'll talk with each about which nuances to devote themselves to. Some may work on long service. Some may work on individual defending, or finishing, or crossing. For some it might be fitness, speed or strength. The next six months really will be devoted to that. We try to bring in the kind of players who have that sort of devotion, that will put in the sorts of hours to make themselves better. If players decide to take their foot off the gas in the spring, it will show up in the fall. " Snow added that this emphasis means the team will come way under the normal allotment of hours permitted for spring by the NCAA. "We don't go every day in the spring. That is their time to get better as players. We go 3 days a week, and we play futsal one of those days, which we feel is a big part of development," he said. "We do a lot of competitive things when we're with the whole group, but less is more in the spring. If we came out and trained every time, they would have no time or energy to work on the individual things we want them to do every day."
Snow's attention to detail is likely fueled by the obvious high potential of this group. UCLA at times started 8 freshmen in the 2011 season, which ended with a surprise loss on PKs to San Diego in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. With another year of seasoning for players like Abby Dahlkemper, Samantha Mewis, Sarah Killion, Kylie McCarthy, Megan Oyster and Ally Courtnall, plus another strong freshman class coming to Westwood in the fall, the coach can't help but be bullish on his team's prospects. "We kind of wish the season could start now, but any coach will tell you that August will seem like it gets here next week anyway," he said. "We have a lot to do to build for the fall." Read more: UCLA Women emphasize personal development | College Soccer News
2012 INDIANA SOCCER'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND WORSHOPS Each Year, Indiana Soccer presents a series of informative workshops for the benefit of our membership in conjunction with the Indiana Soccer Annual General Meeting. The board and staff would like to invite you to participate in the 2011-2012 events on February 24-26 at the Renaissance Hotel North, located at 11925 North Meridian Street in Carmel, IN 46032. Indiana Soccer will be hosting a variety of workshops that will inform you of new programs and ideas for the good of club members, players, coaches, referees and parents. Whatever way you are involved in soccer we will have something for you, so please try to attend this great event. Topics and events to be presented during the weekend are listed below. Friday, January 24th 3rd Annual “Legends” Indoor Tournament for Club Coaches (entry applications are required) LEGENDS APPLICATION: Coming soon… STAY TUNED! Saturday, January 25th Informative sessions to be presented include: new marketing programs and sponsors, coaching activities, your club & the IRS, college recruiting, the Indiana Soccer “Club Wellness” initiative, current medical topics such as concussions and sudden cardiac arrest, adult soccer, school and community outreach programs, referee assignor certification, Gotsoccer – the Indiana Soccer, registration/tournament online program, the RMA René Meulensteen methodology; a new and exciting coaching philosophy/programs and more information on the new Indiana Soccer Specialty License Plate made its debut in 2012. The Annual Awards Dinner Saturday Evening tops the day off with a banquet to announce and honor the 2011 Indiana Soccer Award Winners. This dinner will also honor the induction of four new members to the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame. For more information please click on the following link: RECEPTION / AWARD DINNER Sunday, January 26th The 2012 President’s Breakfast begins the day (invitation only) followed by the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Membership at 10am (open to all). Other activities on Sunday include: TopSoccer Coaching Symposium, 2012 Challenge Cup Bracket Draw, CIYSL and GIRLS League Manager Meetings and Central Indiana Men’s Adult League meeting. Once again, Indiana Soccer is very excited to offer these informative sessions to the membership. The association believes that by you being part of the event, you can contribute to the promotion of the sport and development of children in the state of Indiana. For more information please click on the following link: AGM & WORKSHOPS Please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Member Services, Sarah Cantwell at Sarah@soccerindiana.org or call her at 317-829-0560 for more information.
Dealing With Lopsided Games By Ian Plenderleith
The parents of the girls U16 indoor team screamed at every shot and wildly cheered at every goal. Their players and all three (yes, three) coaches did the same. The more they scored, the more excited they seemed to be at beating a clearly inferior side. I was coaching that inferior side, and had loudly remonstrated with my counterparts when one of their players had scythed through my best forward, leaving her in a crying heap on the turf, too hurt and upset to take any further part in the game. It was the most brutal of countless overly physical challenges from a team clearly coached to play in what can kindly be called a ‘robust’ fashion. One coach shouted back at me that his player - who was yellow-carded, though she should have been dismissed - had played the ball (where have we heard that one before?). It was this regrettable verbal exchange between the coaches that prompted our opponents to ramp up the cheering, but by that point I was only concerned that we end the game with no further injuries. At the final whistle (result: 7-1), I refused for the first time in five years of coaching to shake hands with the opposition coaches and, rightly or wrongly, suggested to my players that they likewise abstain. The opposition parents booed me out of the arena. As a coach at youth level, you often come across the problem of lopsided games, and winter indoor soccer especially can throw together teams of vastly differing caliber. This is not necessarily a bad thing, and there are lessons to be learned from both severe beatings and easy wins. When my teams are losing heavily, I don’t expect or even wish for mercy from superior travel teams. Instead, after pointing out the positive aspects of our performance, I will ask my players what they noticed about the team they just played and lost to. For example, did they see how the opposition players always moved for the return ball after passing it? Did they hear how well they communicated? Did they see how closely the defenders stayed on their mark? How fit the other team was, and how they didn’t tire? Were their opponents born with good technique, or did they play well because they train at least a little bit every day? Playing quality opposition can show young players the rewards of dedication and practice, rather than destroying their confidence. My teams have also been in the position of playing far less gifted opposition, and it’s important for coaches to distract their players from the scoreboard after the fourth or fifth goal. Now is the time to try your defender as a striker, or see if the tall midfielder might shape up as a back-up goalkeeper. Instruct your players to see if they can keep possession for long periods, and perhaps only shoot once they have made five passes (if you’re coaching boys, you’ll hear some protests at this one). Tell them to continue to respect the opposition, and not to celebrate overtly if they score. Emphasize that this is a good chance to practice using their left foot. Play short by one, two or even more players in order to make the rest of the game something of a challenge. These all sound like obvious points, but it’s astonishing how rarely you see them put into practice. The team mentioned at the start of this column was full of talented players, and had no need at all to intimidate my team or kick lumps out of them to win. The failure of their coaches to recognize the skills gap and adjust their tactics accordingly lead to an acrimonious game that taught the players nothing positive about soccer and how to play it. The values of the grown adults madly cheering their daughters on to a cakewalk victory, or the coaches who spent the entire game screaming instructions at their players, are arguably topics for another column. But my concern is that a bilious sporting environment can be used to influence tomorrow’s adults into thinking that foul play, constant shouting, and beating on weaker opponents are virtues that lead to success.
As coaches, we should use one-sided games to suggest to young players that in defeat there can be both dignity and room to learn, and in victory there should be respect and restraint. Most importantly of all, that sportsmanship and fair play are of far greater importance than a 10-0 scoreline. (Ian Plenderleith is a soccer writer who also referees and coaches the game at youth level. He is also the author of a book of adultoriented soccer short stories, "For Whom The Ball Rolls.")
Click on the picture below to read the most recent GotSoccer Magazine
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Indiana Soccer Presents the “RMA” After traveling to the Netherlands to witness firsthand the practical application of the teaching methodology of Manchester United First Team Coach Rene Meulensteen, Director of Coaching Education is proud to introduce the “RMA” to members of Indiana Soccer. In order to understand what the “RMA” is, you must first learn more about Rene Meulensteen:
Rene Meulensteen is one of the most successful technical trainers currently working in soccer This is certainly possible when looking back at the Manchester United Soccer Club accomplishments over the past years: two time English Premier League (EPL) Champions (‘07-‘08 & ’08‘09); winner of the Champions League (‘07-‘08) and runner up (‘08-‘09); as well as Champions of the World (‘08). Rene is the current assistant coach of Manchester United’s first team and responsible for all field training sessions. He has an incredible eye for the technical details of the game and is able to communicate his findings to the players through his unique training methods. He has worked with and taught his methods to some of the very best players in the world, including last year’s player of the year, Christiano Ronaldo. Manchester Uniteds’s youth program has been completely restructured since Rene’s hiring in 2001 by Sir Alex Ferguson and this has not gone unnoticed. The English Football Association (FA) has contacted Rene many times to get his advice on how to improve England’s youth programs. Before his arrival at Manchester United he spent many years in Qatar. He was the head coach of Al-Etehad and won the Arab Cup as well as the H.H. Apparent Cup. He also worked with the QFA (Qatar Soccer Federation) as the coach of the U16 and U17 National team. Before his departure to Qatar he trained the youth of the professional club NEC Nijmegen. His coaching career started at the age of 18 at the local club VIOS ’38 where he also played on the senior team. In 1991 he won the Dutch National Amateur Championships as a player. Rene Meulensteen holds a Dutch A-license, the English FA -badge, UEFA A-license as well as the PRO-license. He is a graduate of the CIOS-Arnhem (central institute for education in sports), with specialties in soccer, marketing, and management. The biggest influence, however, was his time with Wiel Coerver. For almost four years he worked closely with the legendary figure as his assistant. He was involved with producing Wiel Coerver’s video “The Dribbler” (1995). Rene has been able to translate the technical skill taught by Coerver onto the field like no one else has done. Throughout the years Rene has transformed the way soccer skills are taught on the pitch in a unique and clear manner. Rene has directed many clinics, presentations, and lectures by invitation (e.g., FIFA, UEFA, National Soccer Federation of Qatar, England, Sweden, Hong Kong, and USA). In Germany, where he once played and coached, he often is a guest at the “Sporthochschule.” Many of the elite managers throughout the world admire Rene’s methods as he is perceived as the person who has perfected the communication of the Wiel Coerver method. He is often viewed as a person who has a wealth of information but is also exceptionally engaging and very approachable. SportpartnersUSA is very proud to be able to work so closely with Rene Meulensteen. We have even created the Rene Academy which represents his vision and philosophy.
SportpartnersUSA is able to bring Rene’s vision and methods to your club’s and your team’s doorstep. We are able to teach your coaches and players the Meulensteen methods and leave a lasting imprint on your club by implementing Rene’s “Moves and Skills” program.
RMA Philosophy The coaching philosophy of the Rene Meulensteen Academy is described in four phases: Technical; Tactical; Physical and Mental Toughness.
Technical We are excited to use the Rene Meulensteen method “Moves & Skills” to aid every player to make a difference! Improving the technical skills of a player requires a thorough knowledge of the game of soccer, as well as some basic understanding of the principles of effective teaching and a child’s physical development. Complex technical skills must be broken into their teachable elements. Rene Meulensteen’s “Moves & Skills” represents the modern package of teaching the necessary skills to make the difference on the pitch. We can help players, coaches and clubs alike in the process of becoming a difference maker! The “Moves & Skills” method used by SportpartnersUSA is a masterpiece of Rene Meulensteen, developed over years of working with Wiel Coerver who is a world renowned trainer and specialist in the field of technical development. Stay tuned for articles, clinics, camps, and publications designed to help you become a more proficient, confident, and exciting player, ready to make the difference.
Tactical The modern game of soccer requires all players to possess multiple skills to successfully play the game. Defenders are now asked to enter the attacking third of the opponent’s side to supply much needed attacking support. It is clear that modern forwards are also asked to play a larger role in the defensive strategies of their teams. Simply said, the modern player has to be more complete than ever before in the history of soccer. Each player must understand his/her tasks when entering the field. Players will work together in groups (defenders, midfielders, forwards) since groups must be able to connect with each other when attacking/defending. Our methods will focus on each and every position. What is expected of the individual player in a certain position? How can players of a group (line) work together to get the required results (defenders winning the ball and starting the attack)? How are the groups (lines) connected to each other to dominate the game (defenders interacting with midfielders and forwards)? SportpartnersUSA will provide Tactical Training programs for coaches and players through the Rene Meulensteen Academy (RMA).
Physical Players should take responsibility for looking after their body, considering what food they consume and how they train. We want players to learn specifically how to train their bodies for the demands of the game. This comes from learning proper nutrition and then focusing on the fundamental movements of agility, balance, strength, speed and stamina. As players get older they need to learn how their game position can dictate their physical training. Players will also learn how fueling and preparing their bodies off the field will give them the optimal performance edge on the field!
Mental Toughness Developing a winning mentality requires strong character and a positive attitude. To foster this we make sure that the training environment associated with The Rene Meulensteen Academy will always be a positive one. Players of all ages have to learn to deal with winning and losing, playing well and making mistakes. We teach our players techniques that build confidence throughout the different challenges presented in the game. Positive self-talk and goal setting are examples of how we help players remain focused. We will teach them how to be a champion on and off the field! The ABC’s we live by as an organization to stay mentally focused:
Attitude: Motivate yourself to give your best. Behavior: Lead by example, be the best person you can be on and off the field. Communication: Listen (to parents, teachers and coaches). Always keep an open mind and ask questions. Discipline: Be prepared and be punctual. Respect the people, the game and the place where you play. Enthusiasm: Give your best at all times and encourage others. Show that you love the game. Fair Play: Learn to win and lose with the same degree of dignity and class. Goals: Set goals for improving yourself and your skills and then set out to achieve them.
Indiana Soccer, in partnership with Sportpartners – USA, plans to train a select number of coaches as “RMA” Skills Trainers. Those Skills Trainers will then branch out and then instruct the DOC’s throughout the state so that they may pass along the technique skills training to their club member coaches and players. An introduction will be presented at the 2012 Indiana Soccer AGM Workshop the weekend of February 24-26th, at the Renaissance North hotel in Carmel. All Club Presidents and DOC’s are encouraged to attend to gain a firsthand look at the RMA. Erwin van Elst, owner of SportpartnersUSA and a licensed RMA-staff coach, will provide the introduction and demonstration.
General Guidelines for Evaluating Soccer from U.S. Soccer Best Practice Guidelines Technical Warm-up: 1) Is there fluid activity with short line or no lines and a lot of repetition? 2) Is there a ball involved? 3) Do the movements replicate movements found in soccer (changing direction, speeds, maneuvering around and between other players, various types of dribbling, passing and receiving with different parts of the body) 4) Does the progression steadily involve more players, more combinations of players more balls, or more variety of movement and stimuli 5) How does the coach hold the players accountable? How are mistakes by the players addressed? Small-Sided Expanded/Small-Sided Activities: 1) Do the technical and tactical challenges replicate challenges found in soccer? 2) Do the numbers of players build to 5v5, including uneven numbers, neutral players, small goals and large goals? 3) Are the players asked to solve realistic soccer problems that are age appropriate in scope and difficulty? 4) Do the players have repeated opportunities to address the recurring themes found in soccer. 5) Are the players included in the problem solving process, or does the coach make all decisions towards that end for the players? 6) Is technique addressed at this stage? 6v6 to 2 Big Goals: 1) Should have 5 field players and one goalkeeper per team and two large goals. 2) Are the players able to apply the lessons from the earlier exercises to the 6v6 game model? 3) Is the coach able to address the recurring soccer themes as they present themselves in the 6v6 game? 4) How many players can the coach keep track of in the 6v6 game model? 5) Does the coach anticipate the plays or is his reacting and seeing only the result? 6) Do the points made during this stage reflect the themes established earlier in the training? Coaching Methodology: 1) Does the coach provide a clear direction to the exercise? 2) Is the exercise appropriately challenging for the players’ age and ability? 3) Does the coach provide appropriate guidance and direction to the players, while also allowing the players enough opportunities to experience the game for themselves? 4) The information and guidance from the coach should be specific to the challenges that the players are experiencing in the exercise, but not so specific that the players cannot apply the lesson to their future soccer experiences. 5) Does the coach properly manage the activity? Is consideration given to safety, flow of the activity, equal playing opportunity, and time for uninterrupted play? 6) How does the coach hold the players accountable? How are mistakes by the players addressed? 7) Are the players included in the problem solving process, or does the coach make all decisions towards that end for the player?
Photo of the Month
Congrats go out to Lori Lindsey and Lauren Cheney, along with the rest of the US Women’s National Team on winning the CONCACAF Olympic Qualification tournament and securing a spot in this year’s London Summer Olympics. Congrats to