PRE-GAME
Once your team arrives at the game, do you give them time to get ready to play? A simple one— do you say hello to your players as they arrive at the locker room or field? Then, do you get your team ready to play with a proper warm-up?
A few items to consider:
» Avoid long lines or standing around.
» Avoid long lines of 15 to 20 players who shoot at your starting goalkeeper. I have yet to meet a goalkeeper who likes a pre-game routine that involves long lines of players ripping the ball into the back of the net from close range.
» Consider physical and mental preparation for the game.
» Take advantage of soccer balls. Any warm-up drill using only one soccer ball with a lot of players standing around is not a good idea.
» Laughter and fun are OK. I have seen this with national and professional teams— why not youth and high school teams? Every team has its own personality and way to warm-up for a game.
An easy way to learn how to warm up is to go early and take notes at a high-level college or professional game. Many youth, high school and college coaches have great warm-up routines tailored to different ages and skill levels. I also suggest talking with coaches and players about what happens off the field as they prepare to play. What kind of last-minute instructions are helpful? What is the role of an athletic trainer at this time? What is the role of the assistant coach? What happens behind the scenes in the locker room? Are there others involved in getting a team ready to play?
If you are lucky to have a coaching staff, prepare them to fill complementary roles and responsibilities. Avoid being the coach with a bunch of assistant coaches standing together, all looking at the same thing and nodding their heads. During the game, these same coaches watch the ball and miss most of the game.( It reminds me of watching a tennis match.)
You can learn a lot about your opponent during warmups as well. Are they organized? What does their body language tell you? What is their relationship with the head coach and coaching staff? Are they distracted by parents and fans? Perhaps an assistant coach or parent can help you with this task.
Last-minute pre-game instructions are very important. Give enough information, but not so much that your players won’ t remember key points. Each team is different and requires a unique approach to maximize player potential during the game and season. Personally, I like an active team with players who are able to lead themselves with your guidance. This is a player’ s game. There is a tendency to overcoach, so be a cheerleader rather than coach your team. Preparation for the opening whistle and being able to understand, master and recognize the ebb and flow of a game is a critical skill for players— not just the coach.
1ST HALF
I like to break up each half into time segments. It makes it easier to understand the ebb and flow of the game. If you have a coaching staff, divide up responsibilities, keep everyone involved and make sure you are maximizing the skill of your staff. It also helps to include your reserves / substitutes so they are ready to enter the game at any moment. Make sure to prepare your players to enter the game( mentally and physically). I think it is important to have a member of your coaching staff interact with substitutes on the bench so they enter the game prepared and ready to play.
I like to begin preparing for halftime BEFORE HALFTIME. In too many cases, coaches are not prepared to talk with their players; they spend half the break talking among themselves to figure out what they are going to do, rather than prep and work with their players. Ask for input from the medical staff— athletic trainers are awesome and are there to help you and your players.
HALFTIME
Be ready to help the players as they come off the field. I like to ask the players of all ages for input when they come off the field. Generally, it may be a captain, but I encourage any player on the team to speak up early and give input to the head coach or assistant coach. This takes time and practice— it is not a time to complain— it is a time to identify problems and issues while offering solutions or ideas. It is a time to recognize outstanding performances, positive situations and great plays— highlight success to build for the second half.
2ND HALF
As you enter the second half, be aware of game changes and prepare your players for potential substitutions. I liked my players to have an understanding of when they may play and what role they would play. I also try to remember that if I told a player he was coming into the game in a specific situation and time— then I need to make sure that happens. So many coaches lose credibility because they promise a player a certain role and then change their mind without discussing it with the player. For example, this may include players who are being asked to provide more offense or to come in and protect a lead or address any number of situations. If players understand and respect the decision-making process, they can be very supportive. I have had players suggest changes that impacted their own playing time for the good of the team. My players understood that I rarely made substitutions after we scored a goal. After a goal, it may be a few more minutes before they get on the field.
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