|| COACHING – YOUTH
ADDRESSING EXCUSERS
KARL DEWAZIEN // FUNDAMENTAL SOCCER
Soccer Scene USA – The monthly meeting is held in the soccer office if one is available , or in someone ’ s home with plenty of room to accommodate the semi-large group . Each person attending has a title such as “ League President .” The meeting is called to order by the Chairperson , and the minutes of the previous meeting are approved . Several items are covered with minimal discussion and followed by a unanimous vote of approval .
Then the traditional agenda item : “ What are we doing to help our youth coaches ?” Total silence , and most individuals take their attention away from the Chairman and start playing with their cell phones . The Chairman is wise enough to ask for cell phones to be put away and asks everyone for their input .
It is unavoidable that most , if not all the responders , give their sad tale of being overwhelmed with responsibilities from being President , Registrar , Treasurer , etc ., to even having to coach at least one to as many as three teams .
When asked , “ Why not find someone to at least help with the coaching ?” the room erupts , and the following excuses are voiced …
Excuse # 1 – “ I just don ’ t have the time !”
Reality – Most excusers attend every practice and every game , and some even have / give coaching advice at both .
Excuse # 2 – “ I don ’ t know anything about soccer !”
The Simple Game – Soccer is a contest between two individuals , two small groups or two teams who play with a spherical ball in an open area with designated goals — One goal to Attack and One goal to Defend .
The unique feature is that any part of the body may be used to control , move and propel the ball toward the opponent ’ s goal in an attempt to score — except for the intentional use of the arms and hands .
The individual , small group or team with the most goals at the end of a given time is declared the contest winner . It ’ s not that complicated !
Excuse # 3 – “ I have no idea how to run a practice session !”
The FUNdamental Approach – Does it or could it happen in the game ?
If the answer is YES – Then do it in practice . If the answer is NO – Then don ’ t do it in practice .
Children / Players come to practice to play soccer ; Let Them Play Soccer ( LTPS )
Consistent , sequential exposure to a practice session routine , like the following , will produce actual results .
When players and the ball are moving , learning takes place . ( LTPS )
When players and the ball stop moving , learning stops ! ( Lines – Laps – Lectures )
Duplicate the excitement of the game in your practice session . ( LTPS )
The genius of good coaching is to make hard work seem like FUN . ( LTPS ) continued on page 60
58 | Soccer Journal