Practice Reminder & Coach's Thoughts on Player Development

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Practice Reminder & Coach's Thoughts on Player Development

Hi everyone, this is a quick reminder re practice tonight at WSC 6:00-7:30pm.

Also, I wanted to share with you some info that I have been studying re player development from the US Soccer Coaching Curriculum. Please click here to read the US National Teams Program Position Statement on “Quality versus Quantity”… a really good read… here are some “Coles Notes” with my thoughts:

Soccer has changed tremendously in the last 10-15 years. Today, youth players can play and train all year round with Club and Travel Teams, School Teams, Indoor Teams, District and Regional Teams, etc

Before the year/season begins, Coaches must set goals/targets for player development, team development and overall team performance (I’m glad to say my two year plan which I submitted to the WSC when I took the team over in 2010 is right on course!)
“Training-to-Game” ratios must be considered when making decisions on practices and tournaments – too much training or too many games can take away from player development.
At our Team’s age, the recommended ratio is 2:1, training-to-game
At this age players need repetitive touches on the ball - structured training sessions are required to ensure this happens. (All of my practices are mapped out/diagrammed and planned ahead of time., I'm flexible based on how things develop during the training but I never "wing it". The players deserve a well thought out plan).
Also, players that do not learn ‘how to train’, or do not ‘spend quality time alone with the ball,’ will not develop into their own best self. (This is why I stress the juggling exercise on their own – just them and the ball! )
Half of our training sessions should be spent on developing the ‘technical’ skills required in our sport
Coaches need to consider this 2:1 ratio when selecting how many tournaments their team attends.
Coaches (and by virtue parents), must ask themselves if attending a particular tournament will provide growth for their players and their team or will it be counterproductive. Is “less,” actually “more?”
Coaches need to balance playing and training opportunities to ensure players have a productive schedule with the proper balance – at our age group more games is not always better.

Coach Frank DeChellis and I were discussing this the other day. I have also had this conversation many times with Clayton.

There is very little development in games.

Think of it this way- Games: 30 boys, 1 ball.... Training: 14 boys, 14 balls...

This is why my soccer program includes: regular off-season team training sessions; encouraging winter training with the WSC Technical Department and Elite Soccer Development; Sherkston Shores Training Camp; Strength and Conditioning Nights with an expert such as Tuukka; WSC Fitness Nights; youtube training videos to augment what we do in practice; defensive strategy hand-outs for the players to take home and read; and utilizing Guest Coaches like Clayton, Frank D and Rob Lalama so that the boys get exposure to as many teaching styles as possible… It’s with these activities where the boys learn about the game and develop their skills. They can then apply their new knowledge and skills in games all year round (at Indoor Soccer, with School Teams, District Teams, in Exhibition Games etc - in addition to our 14 game season and three tournaments).

I also believe encouraging the boys to watch Champions League (Pizza Party), English Premier League (while having breakfast together at Sherkston) and the Euro Cup Tournament is crucial for the boys to develop a true love for the game. Playing FIFA12 on the PS3 is important as well! This is also why I have developed our team blog and facebook group page. These are all very important and often overlooked pieces of Player (and Team) Development – developing a love for the game!

I have been asked by a few parents about registering our team for the Grimsby 200 Tournament. The only teams registered so far are Roma, Fort Erie and Grimsby. My thoughts are that the boys will not get anything new out of that Tournament. We play those teams enough, I don’t see any value (learning or development) coming from playing them again. It’s the “Quality versus Quantity” - “Is less actually more? ” discussion. We are scheduled for TiAmo and AC Douglas which are two tournaments where we should be playing some non-Niagara based teams. The West Niagara Tournament was great for this as we played two Toronto based teams and a London Academy team.

So, those are some of my thoughts as we near the halfway point of our season. Please let me know if you have any questions. I will send out game instructions for tomorrow night soon.

Coach Jim

PLAYER ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1) MENTAL ATTITUDE/APTITUDE FOR THE GAME & TEAM PLAY

i. Commitment to Game – The player exhibits good Team Player attitude. He is confident in his abilities and doesn’t second guess himself. The player is coachable/respectful at all times. He shows up for practices, listens, makes progress, shows good competitive sportsmanship and applies lessons well. Shows a desire to play soccer for the love of the game. Focused at games and practices. Eager to learn because he is aware of his own strengths and weaknesses. Always makes best effort. Rarely late. Player has courage and plays with urgency, willing to sacrifice.

ii. Game Sense – The player understands the tactical side of the game. Player understands the principles of attacking and defending, and rules of the game. Aware of situational play, transitions well between attack and defend mode, can make fast decisions and makes a positive difference in most plays with his teammates. Communicates with team-mates. Knows when to be “selfish” and knows when to be “unselfish”. Can “shake-off” mistakes.

iii. Positioning/Spatial – A player’s ability to read the game as it develops and to position themselves in the most advantageous area from which to support their team effectively. The player moves to space. The player understands their position and his position on the field. Understands the format the team is playing. Adjusts his play to support those around his and usually makes the BEST choice during play. Player is always moving.

2) SKILL CATEGORIES

i. Dribbling/Ball Control - Player’s ability to move the ball quickly, while under complete control combining pace, deception, and skill. Using both feet, inside and outside, under control, under pressure. Composed manner, shielding and seldom losing possession. Attacks opponent straight-on, makes opponent commit. Player works towards achieving 100 juggles/kick-ups using both feet (including inside/outside of feet), thighs, head and chest.

ii. Passing/Serving/Crossing – To accurately pass the ball at the correct pace to a teammate. Proper passing/receiving technique, passes to feet of teammate and to space, can keep the ball on the ground and lofted as needed. Uses both feet and all parts of the feet. Anticipates opportunities/plays for team-mates. Communicates with team-mates.

iii. Receiving/First Touch – Shows for the ball and receives cleanly. Eyes on the ball, body behind the ball. Checks away. Uses either foot to trap the ball. Uses their body effectively to trap air balls. Does not wait for the ball, runs to the ball to receive it and always moves to open space to minimize a challenge.

iv. Shooting/Striking – The ability to strike on goal with a variety of techniques from differing ranges and angles, with composure, showing the touch to score goals. The ability to drive long passes from goal and corner kicks. Proper shooting technique, on goal, off passes and volleys. Head down and eyes on the ball

v. First to Ball/Winning the ball – The “smarts” and ability to get to the ball with efficient and fast movements in all areas on the field. Winning possession of the ball, shows courage. Overall speed with the ball. Overall speed without the ball. Quickness & reaction time.

vi. Fitness – Overall endurance, ability to work hard the entire practice session and in games. Athletic abilities of running, quick change of pace and direction (agility), leaping, and strength on and off the ball. Game fitness.

vi. Defensive Technique – Understands transition to defense. Demonstrates ability to contain attackers and knows when to challenge (tackle). Understands Goal Side. Communicates with team-mates. Wins the ball under control (not just clearing). Provides defensive support to team mates.