March - April, 2012
Table of Contents 1. Anyone Can Fly, but It Takes a Pilot to Land 2. The Ten Biggest Mistakes Youth Soccer Coaches Can Make 3. Do we get another Mia? 4. Keeping faith in the volunteer coach (Q&A: George Kuntz) 5. TOPSoccer Coaching Course 6. Parents Should Hush on the Ride Home 7. Planning a Community Soccer Day 8. Photo of the Month
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Anyone Can Fly, but It Takes a Pilot to Land By Vince Ganzberg US Youth Soccer Region II Grassroots One day my son came to me and asked me if he can take flying lessons. Before I invested money into buying him flying lessons, I called a pilot friend to seek some guidance. He told me that “anyone can fly but it takes a pilot to land”. His comment really struck me as one that is so true not only with flying but coaching as well. Every pilot goes through checklists off the runway, on the runway, while in the air, landing, and finally post landing. This is done for every aircraft as each one is different. Coaches need to do this as well with their players but they have to realize that every child is different just like every aircraft. Before Takeoff A pilot has numerous items to check before even stepping on the plane. Some of those include:
These are just a few of them. A good coach, like a pilot, understands the need of being properly educated. A coach, like a pilot, has checkpoints to make sure that you are ready to coach before taking the field:
o Are they wearing shin guards? o Are they using an appropriate size ball? o Are they wearing jewelry? They shouldn’t unless for medical purposes. o Are they wearing clothes appropriate to physically participate in? o U6’s-They don’t play soccer, they play AT soccer. They don’t play with each other; they play NEXT to each other. o U8-s -They are starting to learn play with each other (a friend), but still play NEXT to each other. o U10’s-They are just learning how to play WITH each other. o U12’s-They are just learning how to think abstractly. o Fitness training (improving aerobic capacity) doesn’t really make sense until 12/13 years of age. Fitness training for the U6 to U12 should be done with the ball. o Kick-ins are recommended instead of throw-ins up to U8. Visual acuity isn’t developed in a child until 9/10 years of age. Their visual tracking system isn’t developed. o Heading is not recommended until U10. The same applies for receiving balls out of the air. Again, visual acuity, or lack thereof, is one of the reasons. o Goalkeepers are not needed up to U8. It is recommended to start with goalkeepers at U9/10.
o Are the fields safe? o Are ALL goals are anchored/weighted down? o Is it too hot? o Is it too cold? o Is a storm brewing nearby? o Understand that they are not miniature pros. (Be Flexible) ll they can do. It is not natural for a U6 player to turn their foot sideways to pass a ball. Don’t rush them, just point the direction they need to go and let them get there. normal thought process. -soccer is still an individual sport. Even though they play on teams, the concept of positioning overrides the one of playing positions. -need to be placed in situations where they have to make decisions instead of manufacturing them. o Be patient! o Teach, don’t talk! o Be positive! o Your whole self-worth is not determined if your players win or lose. o Insure your players are enjoying themselves and having FUN! In the cockpit Even before turning the key, a pilot must check all of the instruments, check the fuel shut off valve, complete the passenger briefing, make sure the parking break is set, set the compass and check flight plans. These are just a few items that pilots do before turning the key. Like a coach, a pilot has to prepare a flight plan or begin with the end in mind. A pilot must have an alternate airport just in case a weather or unforeseen issue eliminates their first choice. As coaches we need to have an alternate plan if our practice or game plan is not working. For a pilot, panic or loss of control is not an option. As coaches we need to approach all issues “calmly” and need not overreact. It can get bumpy sometimes on a flight, just like a training session or a match, so be prepared just in case. A coach needs to check the “engine” of each player. Make sure that he/she has the necessary tools to have a fulfilling and learning experience. Each aircraft’s engine is slightly different just like each player. Obviously a coach is not going to worry about checking the “engine” for a U6 because they almost always have a smile on their face. It really takes an effort to turn that smile upside down. All checkpoints are important but the pre-flight part of the training session is extra important. As a coach, have a lesson/flight plan that allows each player to get as many repetitions as possible, be creative, and express themselves out on the field! In Flight Once in flight, a pilot will be in “scan” mode. Scanning all of his/her instruments to make sure that everything is in order. While in autopilot, they have to make sure that they are not “lulled” into sleep. Even though the course has been set, a pilot must always be aware of everything. Like a pilot, a coach must also be aware of his/her environment. A good coach will scan the field and make sure that all of their players are “measuring” right. That means everything to making sure they are getting properly hydrated, performing an activity correctly, and making sure they have fun.
Do you also notice that while in flight, a pilot doesn’t give a play by play broadcast of how the flight is going? They speak at the beginning of the flight, maybe a little bit during the flight (prepare for turbulence), and thank you after the flight. Do you notice during turbulence that they rarely come over the intercom and say anything? Do you think that they want the passengers to be calm? Yes. Coaches need to be more “pilot-like” in both training and in matches. I see far too many coaches that want to spotlight themselves as opposed to highlighting their players. A good coach will almost be in “stealth” mode during a match. In training, they definitely need to be visible but make your coaching points very brief (no more than 30 seconds) and to the point. Some coaches though for some reason when the training session or a match gets “turbulent” they go to screaming mode. That is when the players need you to be the most calm and collected. You need to show a face that your team and parents need to see. If you get upset outwardly, then so do your parents and players. If you are calm and collected, then most likely your players will do the same. Be like a pilot through times of turbulence. Landing The landing when you separate a pilot from a person who is simply flying. Once coming into the final approach, a pilot has to make sure that they are able to communicate with the tower, that the landing gear is right, brakes are checked firm, landing light is on; the altimeter is set, to name a few steps. When the plane finally lands safely; that is what separates someone who flies from a pilot. A good pilot goes on instinct and “feel”. I know for me personally, I am always evaluating how the pilot lands. Was it a smooth landing? Was it a little bumpy? Was it very bumpy or rough? Often times the airline that gives me a smooth landing will get my business again. A coach needs to also have a pre-landing checklist then often go on “feel” and instinct. This is when experience and education prevails. A good coach will read his/her players body language in order to get the best out of them. For example: when your team is down at halftime that is when you need to be the most positive, calm, and collected. Your team already has a low self-esteem. Assure them that everything is fine we just need to make some adjustments in order to get back in the match. Another example: If your players are bored at training ask yourself why? A good coach will then not look out the window and blame others but look in the mirror and fix it. That is a feel though that coaches need to have. Younger players of 5-10 years of age will often tell you what they think. If they don’t tell you, they will show you by sometimes being disruptive, fidget, and show frustration verbally and non-verbally. There are many other examples of when a coach needs to go by the manual or by “feel” like a pilot. The bottom line is that a coach needs to remain positive, calm, and collected during the flight and landing in order for all to have a good experience. After the Landing Once a pilot has landed the plane they are not finished! There are other checkpoints that they must perform. Some of those include: Making sure the landing light is off, getting ready for crosscheck, shutting down the engine, setting the parking brake, making sure the throttle is set at 1000 RPM to name a few. Then after that get up, greet and thank the passengers as they are walking or rushing to get off.
A coach, like a pilot, needs to also do an after landing checklist. Those should include:
are some things that we can take from this training session/match to improve on?
flight attendants, co-pilots, ground crew. The same should be true for coaches. Coaches should thank the other coach, assistant coaches, players, parents, volunteers, and referees. My comparison between a pilot and a coach was to stress the importance of being prepared and educated to work with players of all ages. It was also to stress the importance of how coaches need to be more “pilot-like” when times are turbulent and ride out the storm. Stay calm! Thank your players each and every time they come to play for you and keep them wanting to come back to you or your program or play on their own because they enjoyed the flight! Safe Travels.
The Ten Biggest Mistakes Youth Soccer Coaches Can Make By Edwin Torres | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Tue, Mar 20, 2012
We all know that players can make mistakes in soccer. But so can coaches. Here are 10 of the biggest mistakes youth soccer coaches can make while teaching the game: 10. Lack of Communication To be a good youth soccer coach, you must be a good communicator. In order to teach your players the game, you need to effectively communicate with them. You also need to communicate your expectations to the parents so they know exactly what is expected of them. 9. Lack of Training It is easy for any child to start playing soccer. But that doesn't mean it is easy for any person to coach the game. Check your local soccer club for coaching classes and certification programs. Even if you have played the game before, these programs will teach you how to coach the game. 8. Unprepared For Practice Always be prepared to run your practice. Don't show up without an agenda. You need to run a coordinated session to keep players focused, especially the younger ones. 7. Losing Control You are not just the coach of your team. You are also responsible for keeping things running smoothly. If players or parents stray from your expectations, let them know immediately. If they continue to detract, make sure you hold them accountable for their actions. Finally, make sure you stay cool. Stay in control of your emotions at all times, and be a model for the behavior that you expect from your players and parents. 6. Uninformed About Injuries Injuries do happen in soccer. Make sure you know basic first aid and always have a first aid kit with you. Also become familiar with concussions. Concussions are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
5. Negative Attitude Toward Players Watch your attitude and tone toward your players. Being negative will not only hurt their performance but also hurt them emotionally. Remember, you are a teacher as much as a coach to them. 4. Over-coaching At some point you have to let your players play the game by themselves. You have to give them time to play, make mistakes and learn from them. Frequently yelling instructions while they are playing will only slow down the learning process. It will also confuse them as they try to deal with the actual game itself. 3. Unrealistic Expectations If you think your players are going to get athletic scholarships in college, think again. Only a very small percentage of high school athletes receive athletic scholarships. If your only reason for coaching youth soccer is to obtain college scholarships, you are wasting your time. 2. Selfish Goals Remember that this is a game. It is a game played by children. It is not about you. Let the players enjoy the game and learn from it. It is their game, let them play it. 1. Too Focused on Winning The best advice I can give to any youth soccer coach is to remember that coaches have two goals: winning and life lessons. This is the foundation of the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA). It is important to teach players how to win in soccer. After all, that is why the game is played. But the more important job of a coach is to teach players life lessons. It is these lessons that will help them beyond the soccer field.
By Mike Woitalla (from Soccer America's Youth Soccer Insider)
Do we get another Mia? One thing great soccer players have in common is that they grow up with a favorite player or two whom they idolize and emulate. In the backyard or on the field, they pretend to be that player, mimicking his moves or trying to score the way their hero does. They wear his number, perhaps get a replica jersey, or even a similar haircut. Watching masters at their craft and trying to imitate them is, no doubt, a pretty good way to improve. And having a hero in the sport they play surely increases children’s enthusiasm for it. But despite soccer’s popularity among American girls, we know they watch less soccer than the boys do and are less likely to embrace a soccer role model. Before this Women’s World Cup, if you surveyed American girls on their favorite female player, Mia Hamm would be by far the most common answer, even from girls much too young to have watched Hamm in action. Hamm peaked more than a decade ago and retired in 2004. The young girls who name Hamm know her from books, YouTube, or because they’ve heard her name a lot. They’re long overdue for a new female soccer hero.
Has this Women’s World Cup created one? Thanks to the USA’s dramatic win over Brazil in the quarterfinal, mainstream media coverage of the U.S. women finally came close to what we saw in 1999 when Hamm and Co., won the title on home soil. The replays of Abby Wambach and Hope Solo’s feats against Brazil were replayed so much that you can expect their names to be remembered. Wambach scored again in the semis and the final, when she also hit the crossbar with a thundering left-footed strike. What also endeared one to the 31-year-old Wambach was how she reacted to her misses. The 5-foot-11 striker didn’t swear or pound the ground when her shots went off target. She actually smiled before sprinting back into action, as if she was thinking to herself, “That didn’t go so well. No biggie. Maybe next time.” That Solo is a goalkeeper limits her impact. But for keepers she was terrific. I didn’t see her scream at her teammates as is so common among keepers who want to deflect blame when scored upon or for some reason don’t understand that making saves is in their job description. Lauren Cheney was for much of the tournament the main orchestrator of U.S. attacks. She scored twice and assisted on three goals in Germany. She plays smart soccer and, at only 23 years old, could get even better. Megan Rapinoe, the 26-year-old winger who set up Wambach’s last-gasp goal against Brazil, two others, and scored against Colombia, has fan-club potential – because when she gets the ball one expects that something exciting could happen. She was used as a sub until the final, when she set up the first U.S. goal. And then there’s Alex Morgan. The Californian played in five of the USA’s six games in Germany – coming off the bench each time. She scored the final goal of the USA’s 3-1 win in the semifinal against France and in the final, which she entered at halftime, she put the Americans ahead with a terrific left-footed strike and later assisted on Wambach’s goal with a well-placed cross. Since debuting last year Morgan has scored nine times, including a crucial goal in the World Cup qualifying playoffs against Italy. The 22-year-old Californian, the youngest member of the U.S. squad in Germany, has only started two of the 24 U.S. games she appeared in. The Japanese, of course, came back and won from the penalty spot. We’ll see whether the magazine covers and talk-show appearances that popularized the ’99 women will be there for runners-up. The WPS -- Morgan plays for the Western New York Flash – doesn’t get much attention. But 2012 is an Olympic year. Morgan should surely be a starter from now on and should be the frontrunner, when the spotlight does shine again on the U.S. women, to be the next Mia.
Keeping faith in the volunteer coach (Q&A: George Kuntz) By Mike Woitalla (from Soccer America's Youth Soccer Insider)
SOCCER AMERICA: The message American parents seem to be getting nowadays is that if their children aren’t getting professional coaching -- if they’re not paying a lot for coaching -they won’t become great players. … GEORGE KUNTZ: It seems to be the American way that if it costs more, it’s better. It’s not true in this case. If you can create good environments, even as a parent coach, you’ll have kids who are excited about the game. They’ll be motivated to play more soccer, to watch more soccer. And that’s the key -creating an environment in which they enjoy soccer so much they'll want to play more. SA: Obviously club coaches have a vested interest when they argue for the importance of professional coaching. But can a legitimate case be made that experienced coaching is crucial at the introductory stages? GEORGE KUNTZ: If we have all our “best” coaches coaching these players in U-5, U-6, would that be the answer? I really don’t know. In fact, it might go the opposite direction, because they could be forcing our kids to do things they really don’t want to do. It could be too regimented and the children wouldn’t want to play. A lot of coaches without much or any soccer experience do a great job. They do their homework, do research, and take our courses. They get everyone involved at practice, lots of touches. They’re engaged in making their kids better. … And my sense is there are a larger number of parent-coaches who have played. … Are [paid coaches] really giving them something better? I’ve been to their practices. It just depends on who you get. SA: Coaches with a soccer background can over coach, but volunteer coaches who are new to the sport might be especially prone to over coaching because they know traditional American sports in which coaches play a larger role. … GEORGE KUNTZ: We over coach. We know we over coach. We have for the most part welleducated parents who are coaching our kids and they want to give them as much information as possible. But they’re saying things on the sidelines that have no application or cannot be understood during that millisecond when a player has to make a decision on the ball. It makes no sense to yell out things when the kids are supposed to be making decisions on their own. Figuring out how to make the best decisions comes from reacting to where their teammates are, where the opponents are – and requires improvisation. That only comes in playing. The coaching part comes in training at practice.
SA: How do you address that in coaching education? GEORGE KUNTZ: When I do all these coaching education courses -- and I do a lot of licensing -- I stress that if they set up a 4-v-4, or 2-v-2 game, they’re doing the right thing. Just let them play. Create an environment -- you don’t even have to be the referee -- just monitor that environment and let them play. Create small-sided games. We tend to want get elaborate. We tend to want to do more. We tend to want to have the newest exercise. But it’s not that. It’s getting kids to want to play. Setting up separate play dates and those types of thing. Play dates, jamborees, whatever you want to call them. There has to be a way for a coach to set up another day or one of their practice days where the kids are just playing. No rules, no conditions, no restrictions –- just set up little games. Not 11 vs. 11. Not 10 vs. 10. Small games next to each other, 3 vs. 3 or whatever. Not in a structured environment. At the same time, we educate coaches on how to incorporate age-appropriate technical exercises. We all know how important individual technique is. SA: One of the toughest decisions parents are faced with is when to move their child from recreational soccer to club ball. When is the right time? GEORGE KUNTZ: I’ve gotten that question so many times. I’ve been on both sides because I’ve also been involved in the club thing for a long time. It is a complicated answer, because every player grows differently. I tell parents, You know your child better than I do. Are they mature enough? How do they handle criticism? How do they handle success and failure? For some kids, it’s very difficult to handle success and failure. Do they just enjoy playing? Sometimes they’re really close to their friends and don’t like to play with outside groups who aren’t their friends. Some kids are very independent. They want to play on the best team possible. The parents know those types of things. When they don’t, I say they need to spend more time with their children. There are a lot of factors. Physical development. Mentally, are they more mature? If they’re not physically or mentally prepared, they could be stepping into a storm, because the club environment can be very difficult. Maybe they need to spend another year or two developing and having fun with their friends and then they decide. SA: Can you leave us with some thoughts on how coaches can do a better job? GEORGE KUNTZ: I don’t think we encourage kids to really try things. That’s where creativity comes from. We tend to hold the kids back. As coaches, we should allow kids to do more. We should expect that they can do more. Because they’re intelligent.
We keep telling kids they can’t do this or that. Allow kids to make mistakes. Tell them you don’t care if they make mistakes. Kids can pick up things really quickly. Instead of holding kids back saying they can’t -- encourage them. If they struggle, you can always scale it back to a simpler form. (George Kuntz, AYSO’s Player Development Technical Advisor, is also head coach of UC Irvine's men's team, where he's been at the helm since 1994. He previously coached the women’s team at Pepperdine after starting his college coaching career at California Lutheran University in 1988. Kuntz served as the Director of Coaching for the California Youth Soccer Association-South for eight years and also served as Hawaii Youth Soccer Association Director of Coaching.)
TOPSoccer Coaching Course On Sunday, February 26th, 2012, Indiana Soccer hosted its third TOPSoccer Coaching Course. This course was held during Indiana Soccer’s Workshops and AGM. Nearly 20 candidates from all over the state of Indiana participated.
TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement which is, in part, "to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition." There are thousands of children with disabilities who need, and can be provided with, the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program.If you would like to start a TOPSoccer program within your organization, please contact Joy Carter at joy@soccerindiana.org. You’ll be glad you did!
Parents Should Hush on the Ride Home By Mike Woitalla
"What is your worst memory from playing youth and high school sports?" That was the question posed to college athletes in a survey by Proactive Coaching. The overwhelming response was: "The ride home from games with my parents." Children, not surprisingly, don’t enjoy a critique of their performance when they settle into the backseat. Who, no matter what age, would? Imagine a rough day at the office -- an office that resembles a typical youth soccer game. Your boss screams instructions while you work and lectures you before and after. Then you ride home with your parents. They’ve witnessed your mistakes. So they offer you advice. No matter how well-intentioned, their advice will likely register as admonishment. And they’re denying your desire – your right -- to wind down and contemplate your feelings on your own terms. If a parent actually did have some advice for a young player that might help the child, after the game - when the kids are physically and emotionally spent – is certainly not the time. In that same survey, the athletes were asked what words from their parents they remembered most fondly. The by far most common response was, "I love to watch you play."
Planning a Community Soccer Day The template below is meant to serve as a guide for all recreation (community) and travel clubs to implement a “Community Soccer Day”. The template below works off of four themes that can be used as a guide to put all of the pieces together for the community to embrace. While the themes for clubs can vary below is what US Youth Soccer uses for its theme every year for Youth Soccer Month.
Those four themes are: Fun, Family, Friendship, Fitness
Fun Contests (juggling, dribbling, shooting with radar guns) Shooting “dunk” tank Create an African “Rag ball” then have the children play with them. Chip the ball into an open top washing machine (local sponsor – appliance sales store or laundry detergent company, etc.) TOPSoccer/Special Olympics game with community soccer player/local celebrities in the game. Clowns-Face Painting, Balloon Shapes (making animals out of balloons), etc. Family Mother/father-child soccer match. Mother/father and child play with each other against coaches or another team that is assembled the same way. Competitions could be both small and full sided matches. “All Comers”-all in the family are invited to participate in both soccer and non-soccer related contests. Family 5K, 10K walk or run. Families sign up together to participate. Fitness BMI measuring or information on how to do it. The purpose is to measure child’s BMI and then measure again at the end of the season. Nutrition facts (including proper hydration) Anti-smoking and drug literature Dental/Hygiene information Have a 5K or 10K walk or run for the entire community. Friendship (Connection with community) Invite local police and fire departments - DARE Truck/Police Dog exhibition - Fire truck - Fireman Hose Relay races? - Police vs. Fire Department Relays - Police and Fire Department presentations to children (stranger danger, stop, drop, and roll) Invite Library - Each child gets a library card - Reading Clubs Invite Civic Duty organizations - Demonstrations - Information for children Invite local Historical and Art Society - Demonstrations - Information for children Invite Civic/Theater groups - Getting involved - Exhibition or concert (local orchestra/band) Host a “Celebrity” soccer match in the middle of the day - Invite local town heroes, coaches, mayor, police chief, radio and television, etc. - Celebrities pay to “play”. Proceeds can go to a scholarship fund, purchasing new equipment, etc. Food drive by individual teams or families Coat drive by individual teams or families
Photo of the Month Indiana Assistant Coach Yarborough getting work done in the office in his Executive Suite with Windows.