My first year coaching thread

[Reality_Al]

I should be more specific! I have Coached Youth Soccer for 8 years, Ran and started a couple of Youth Leagues(Our 2002 spring league had 1450 Kids).
This is my first year as the Head Coach for the Varsity Girls. There are no cuts, and seniors can't play JV. This year's squad has mostly 10grade & Freshmen starters, with 6 Seniors who have virtually no starting experience, and little Varsity experience.
Started in July w/ footskills and conditioning as well as small sided games. We've played 4 scrimmages and have lost them all BIG TIME! We're never first to ball, and our first touch is usually 5 to 10 yards away from us, usually to an opponent.
NEED MORE?

[pething101]

High school pointy ball result for Bungadiri.





























E.E. Smith 6
Jack Britt 19

[Elroy]

Originally posted by pething101
Ok. Time to start compiling a list of what I would like to dao daily in my soccer practice since I start on Monday.

First, I would like to keep my training sessions to 2 hours. I believe starting week after next we will have two games a week so that means 2 maybe 3 training sessions a week.

This is my timetable for my 2 hours.

10 -15 minutes stretching and loosening up.

Two 15 minute sessions of conditioning with a 4 minute water break in between. Concentrating mosty on wind sprints with the ball, some lateral movement drills, some beckpedaling drills, etc.

This could end up to be 45 minutes w/o touching the ball. try to use the ball in warm up. For example, you could do Coerver for 10 to 12 minutes, then stretch; or you could have players in pairs practice checking to the ball, accelerating with the ball, slowing down, eye contact for the next check in; or dribbling in a medium sized space, doing a forward roll on the whistle, finding their ball and accelerating away, dirbble to next whistle; or any taxing ball activity you can imagine. Some wind sprints, especially backwards, must be done by themselves; but 15 minutes is over the top. Use the ball for sprints, as most players can't dribble at speed anyway. One thing I like to do is line the players up in two lines facing each other across my sprint space. Each player has their own ball. On my signal, they all change places with the other line at top speed. This puts the two lines in a cavalry charge situation with the other line. The object is to pass through each other without any ball or player collisions. By changing the distance that the lines are apart, you change the sprint distance. Or, you can have them sprint through each other, turn at the end line and sprint back. With a thirty yard space, that gives 2 sprints, 1 turn, and 2 collision opportunities. There are lots of ways that you can disguise fitness training with the ball. What is important, and I hope that Ritchie will agree, is to keep the training focused upon realistic match situations. You always need to think of how to teach the game.

Originally posted by pething101
Perhaps 20 minutes of working at stations. Juggling, passing and trapping, heading, chesting the ball, etc. I think I will be working with a lot of kids that really have never touched a ball so the basic fundementals are going to be key.

Try to fit some of this into conditioning. Also, if you do not have help, avoid stations - unless your teenagers are very different from mine. The worst thing you can do is practice improper technique b/c the kids don't have feedback. Perhaps you can work them in pairs and move rapidly from skill to skill under your general supervision. Your team sounds as if they need the work, but you could incorporate these skills in your small sided games. Start, for example, with a service in the air, maybe even a contested service in the air. Play "World CUp" with varied service. Also play WC with a rule change - the team who scores gets to pick a team to send off. That team may re-enter after 20 push-ups or 30 crunches. With this change, everyone keeps playing. If you want a winner, give points for goals.

Originally posted by pething101
Twenty minutes of 4v2 and 3v1 drills to focus on passing, moving and spacing.

Last bit of practice we will scrimage, problably short side, maybe 6 v 6.

Then about 5 minutes of cool down.

Feel free to add or to be critical.

See if you can give this area more time. Remember to integrate your keepers. Oh my! There's another thread!

Keep the game in mind and use your imagination. Steal from other coaches. Good luck!

[Elroy]

Originally posted by Elroy
Keep the game in mind and use your imagination. Steal from other coaches. Good luck!

I guess that I should explain this. Ask coaches that you know and admire if you could watch their practices. Really watch, observe organization and style as well as specific games or drills. Take what you like and modify it to fit your needs and style.

Invite a guest coach to visit and run a practice. The players will appreciate it b/c they will tire of you. You will learn by watching someone else work. Double duty.

I've coached over 20 years and I bring in guests every year. Don't let your ego get in your way. With the way you've run this thread, I doubt that will happen.

Roy

[Reality_Al]

Originally posted by pething101
High school pointy ball result for Bungadiri.

Does this help?
Only to Dhammapada



























E.E. Smith 6
Jack Britt 19

[pething101]

Originally posted by Reality_Al
How many of these comments apply to a Ladies team in High School. I've tried some of the conventional stuff, but these young ladies have different attitudes. HELP!

Al, I will be in your shoes come Feb, so I hope all fo these comments can be applied to the ladies.

[Reality_Al]

My biggest challenge is motivation of these girls. They can't be cut, they have to dress for Varsity,(if they're seniors) and they seem to care more for the way the uniforms look and fit, then for how to play the game. Conditioning has some merit, as long as there isn't too much sweating!

[Coryattheplex]

Originally posted by Reality_Al
My biggest challenge is motivation of these girls. They can't be cut, they have to dress for Varsity,(if they're seniors) and they seem to care more for the way the uniforms look and fit, then for how to play the game. Conditioning has some merit, as long as there isn't too much sweating!

First of Al, how many do you have....enough to be able to afford to lose some? I rostered only 13 on my varsity team last year, but they were 13 hard working, fun loving, team oriented players who were willing to put out every week. You need to remember that you are responsible for their future in a very large way, high school coaches, especialy the ones who get tough but gair with their players have a huge role in kids lives. Thats what you are now, a leader, a role model, a father figure. Take the reigns, tell them that the rules and structure you lay down are not to make them miserable, but to do what their parents put them into sports for, to get them prepared for what real life is like. If you let them walk all over you and cause you to water down this aspect, you are teaching them that they will always get their way, even with authority figures.......don't know about you but I sure as hell don't get my way with authority figures in the real world, do you?
I told my kids this year and last, that I am responsible for so much more than just weather or not they win enough games, that I will play every game with 7 players, if that's all I have that are willing to put forth the effort. Don't treat the job like a popularity contest, and you'll be surprised at how much respect and affection you'll get form them. Oh and remember girls don't respond well to yelling, direct confrontation in front of their peers, and emotinal game playing. Just take the problem kids aside nd lay the truth on the table one on one and it's amazing what will happen. iF they don't stay around, then they were dead weight anyway, no matter how talented.

[bungadiri]

Originally posted by pething101
High school pointy ball result for Bungadiri.

E.E. Smith 6
Jack Britt 19
Ah well.
Thanks Pething.
Incidentally, I might have a reason to make a quick trip to Fayetteville (my parents still live there). Maybe I'll have a chance to catch a soccer match. What days of the week do you play, typically?

[pething101]

We play mostly on Mondays and Wednesdays. Let me know when you are coming and I can post a list of games, times and places.

And no worries on the football score. We we playing in 4A team that is supposed to win their conference. In case you did not hear, the Mid South 4A got split up and Smith got moved down to 3A.

[Elizabeth]

Originally posted by Reality_Al
My biggest challenge is motivation of these girls. They can't be cut, they have to dress for Varsity,(if they're seniors) and they seem to care more for the way the uniforms look and fit, then for how to play the game. Conditioning has some merit, as long as there isn't too much sweating!

Wow..I havent' looked at the past posts since the day this thread started. But, I assume you haven't coached girls before. There is a HUGE difference between the sexes.

Conditioning is #1. there is where you earn respect. Take nothing less than each girl being on time, ready to listen, and ready to work. You have to be tough. No talking and gabbing...make them run if they do.

The captains need a meeting with you....they have to understand their role. It is not about how uniforms fit, but that their attitude and work ethic is what the younger girls will emulate and look up too. It is not a popularity contest.

Also, pick the captains next year if you know there are leaders, and there are nail polishers. and I am serious.

I have a lot of experience with girls...and teenage years are very social. But...soccer is not a social avenue until they have thier sleepovers and whatever....after you are odne with your biz. Be strong..and they will respond. Never let them think you aren't 110% in control.

Best to you.

[pething101]

Where to start.

Nowhere is good so I will just suffice it to note that we took team pictures today. Of course, no one knew we were taking team pictures today until 3:45 so that kind of sucked.

Took 30 minutes to get players into kits and picture taken. After that coach wanted them to run 2 miles so I put them on the track. Left at 4:40 to go home to take a shower for PTA, have no idea what they did after that.

So, we will have one practice with the JV squad tomorrow, followed by back to back games on Wed and Thurs. Lovely.

[soccernutter]

Originally posted by Elizabeth


Wow..I havent' looked at the past posts since the day this thread started. But, I assume you haven't coached girls before. There is a HUGE difference between the sexes.

Conditioning is #1. there is where you earn respect. Take nothing less than each girl being on time, ready to listen, and ready to work. You have to be tough. No talking and gabbing...make them run if they do.

The captains need a meeting with you....they have to understand their role. It is not about how uniforms fit, but that their attitude and work ethic is what the younger girls will emulate and look up too. It is not a popularity contest.

Also, pick the captains next year if you know there are leaders, and there are nail polishers. and I am serious.

I have a lot of experience with girls...and teenage years are very social. But...soccer is not a social avenue until they have thier sleepovers and whatever....after you are odne with your biz. Be strong..and they will respond. Never let them think you aren't 110% in control.

Best to you.

OMG, the soccer mom became a coach. ;)

[JohnW]

Originally posted by pething101

...So, we will have one practice with the JV squad tomorrow, followed by back to back games on Wed and Thurs. Lovely.

The picture thing always seems like it shouldn't be that hard, but always ends up either screwing up a practice or taking away from preparation for a game. The only time that it worked well for me was one year we had the picture before the alumni game, so we were dressed but not really under any pressure.

Anyway, tough break on the practicing.

A couple of suggestions..

Obviously, you will be pressed for time on Tuesday, but I suggest taking most, if not all, of the practice working on what players should do in restarts (FK, IFK, corner--for/against, throw ins).

At this point, any conditioning is a moot point, and you don't want to give up a cheap goal because no one steps up to form a wall on a free kick, no one covers post on a corner kick, no one takes runner on a throw in, etc.

Best wishes.

[pething101]

Originally posted by JohnW


The picture thing always seems like it shouldn't be that hard, but always ends up either screwing up a practice or taking away from preparation for a game. The only time that it worked well for me was one year we had the picture before the alumni game, so we were dressed but not really under any pressure.

Anyway, tough break on the practicing.

A couple of suggestions..

Obviously, you will be pressed for time on Tuesday, but I suggest taking most, if not all, of the practice working on what players should do in restarts (FK, IFK, corner--for/against, throw ins).

At this point, any conditioning is a moot point, and you don't want to give up a cheap goal because no one steps up to form a wall on a free kick, no one covers post on a corner kick, no one takes runner on a throw in, etc.

Best wishes.

Well, it would not have been a big deal had we known we were taking pictures. A miscommunication between the AD and head coach I guess. Had to scramble to get out the uni's and get the kids into them.

Thanks for the tip on practicing set pieces. If we divide up into JV and Varsity, we will work on that and positioning on the field mostly.

Of course, no way these kids can run 80 if we have to go Iron Man. But no point in worrying about that now.

[Xscape]

pething101 and bungadiri:

Regarding Smith and the conference realignment, Smith is in the Two Rivers 4A Conference. (Not 3A.)

bungadiri, Smith has been picked to finish first (in A. football).

Apologies to everyone else for the interruption.

By the way pething101,
I have just spent two hours reading this fascinating thread. Great stuff.
I am the coach of a middle school team in your area. Now I've become a fan of Smith's soccer team. Beat Terry Sanford!

[Reality_Al]

Thanks for the tip on practicing set pieces. If we divide up into JV and Varsity, we will work on that and positioning on the field mostly.

I have to tell you, I'm really enjoying this thread.
Practicing set pieces work, For corners, (whether ours or theirs),we remember to make a "W" w/ the ends at the posts. I know its simplistic, but the day before doesn't give much time, and the more I explain, then more the clock ticks. They should have a certain person designated(we'll work on that) but I said,"if a teammate is at your point in the W, then find a point where they're not and go there."
Our first league game is tommorow, and today's practice was great! I used that criss-cross dribbling drill, and a keeper drill I call "INSANITY"
The cross-dribble we started in four corners, ABCD.
It began as a simple back&forth line dribble.A-B-A and C-D-C. about 15 yards apart, then clockwise A-B-C-D, then ccwise,D-C-B-A, then diagonal A-C-A and B-D-B, then Clockwise, but upon their name, they had to diagonal. I moved the cones in, making the square smaller and smaller, until they were all bumping into each other, laughing& sweaTING!

[pething101]

Originally posted by Xscape
pething101 and bungadiri:

Regarding Smith and the conference realignment, Smith is in the Two Rivers 4A Conference. (Not 3A.)

bungadiri, Smith has been picked to finish first (in A. football).

Apologies to everyone else for the interruption.

By the way pething101,
I have just spent two hours reading this fascinating thread. Great stuff.
I am the coach of a middle school team in your area. Now I've become a fan of Smith's soccer team. Beat Terry Sanford!

Thanks for the correction regarding teh classification. For some reason I thought we had dropped down a level due to a lowering school population.

Feel free to pop back in and add some comments along with everyone else. And pm me your school and I will start pulling for them as well.

[Elizabeth]

Originally posted by Alberto


I understand about the pressures brought to bear from athletic directors. Never make decisions in matches based on your won loss record. Strive for player development. Wins will come if the players perform up to their maximum potential. Never make substitutions that will undermine the confidence of your players. If a player makes a mistake and it leads to a goal encourage him, don't pull him out of the match. After the match at the next practice work at correcting the errors. Never blame the players for losses.

Alberto...bravo. My kid won the state finals in what is considered a hotbed state. her coach insisted with the AD that the schedule be as tough as we could make it. Theywon their league games, no sweat, but packed in the rest of the schedule with the best teams in the stae..and they traveled. Win lose is not it. It was learning to geer up for the state tournament. Granted, he's not with a ton of talent. But the rule is still true...the better the competition, the better they learn from being tough, not letting down, and working 110% til the end. REgardless of score. It will make them better all around if the win some, and lose some. That's the only way to improve. Being tested.

Players at this age should never be blamed...they should be reprimanded for attitude problems.

[pething101]

First day with an actual jv team ... even if it was only 7 players.

Did some early conditioning, sprinting, sidestepping, backpedalling and sprinting a 15 by 15 yard square. Then pretty much the same with the ball.

Paired up and tried to have them pass to partners using three touches. Trap, touch, pass. We need some work on that. Had trouble with 2 out of those 3.

Did the 4 on 1, man in the middle chases drill. We did suprisingly well with that. Threw a 2nd man in the middle and they suprised me by playing some really good diagonal balls. Very happy to see that.

Ran some more wind sprints.

Worked on set pieces, trying to explain where to be on corners and free kicks.

Played about 30 minutes of 4 on 3 ... giving the 3 man team a two goal handicap and a no touch limit rule. Made the 4 man team play with a three touch rule. That went ok.

Finished off with sprints with the ball and a stretch. Also a small pep talk at the end of practice.

What we lack in skill, I think we can make up with by playing smart and good team chemistry. Today was enjoyable.