[pething101]

Well,

I am done with my first season of coaching. Now I need some ideas on what to do during the offseason.

First, I plan on getting my Class "E" and "D" license for coaching. I think both will help a lot.

Second, I have several kids that only begun to play soccer this year. Two or three have asked me about things to do during the offseason. Honestly, I had no idea what to tell them.

That is where you come into play. What sort of things are good for the off season. Training tips, weight lifting tips, mental tips, etc.

Feel free to post whatever you think may help.

[IASocFan]

The NC weather should allow for almost year round outdoor soccer. Suggest they play 2v2, 4v4, however many they can get together. Tape the UEFA CL or EPL games and try to learn some moves. Juggle. Run. Cross train playing Basketball, racketball, or tennis.

[schmuckatelli]

During our off-season, I have a weekly kick-around for those players who want to come and play. It's not sanctioned, mandatory, or formal, just a place and time to come back to playing the ball. I also try and give the guys a hand-out on something to work on during the winter. Last year, it was Gambetta's five week programs on improving foot speed. I know some guys in colder climates like futsal during the winter, but in my area it's difficult to get a gym during basketball season.

[JohnW]

Pn<E?i]Originally posted by pething101 [/i]
Well,

I am done with my first season of coaching. Now I need some ideas on what to do during the offseason...

[/QUOTE]

What you can expect from the coaching licenses: ideas for formatting a practice where you work a progression of drills moving to game scenario; emphasis on planning; opportunity to meet other coaches.

I think the license is worthwhile--nothing revolutionary, but some really good basic information on how to better organize your practices and be a better coach.

Additionally, I suggest identifying a successful coach who coaches at your level (either JV or varsity)--assuming he does a club or indoor team. If not, you can file that away for next season.

Anyway, when I started coaching, I would go to watch the games of a successful team in the area. I watched what the players did, how the coach reacted to different situations, made tactical adjustments, etc. It was like taking a coaching course without paying anything.

Then I designed drills to replicate that style of play.

Someone already mentioned watching professional games. Whenever I watch an Arsenal match, I have a pencil and pad of paper. Anytime I see something I like or would like my players to do, I jot it down.

I have incorporated set plays, runs off the ball, etc. In the off-season I have time to make those adjustments, write up the drills, set plays, etc. that I want to incorporate the next year.

Back to the earlier point (sorry if this is scatter-brained, we are preparing for play-offs), the other thing that identifying a good program can do, is it can help you identify what a "good" player should be able to do.

Again, from my own experience, it is sometimes hard to know what skills your player should have. This will give you a benchmark. Of course, you do mention players who have never played before. They need experience and touches on the ball. The informal kick-around is a good idea.

The other thing is to get them in a league. That was one of the first things I did with my team. The first year we had an indoor team and only seven players. But as time has gone on, they organize it themselves and it is limited to 12 players.

Gotta go. Best wishes.

jgw

[pething101]

Sadly, the coaches clinic was cancelled. Not really sure why.

Did give a kid a copy that Joe McGinnis book. Hope he enjoys it.

[Xscape]

1. Get your team into the indoor league in Fayetteville.

2. You are JV? Make contact with your feeder middle school coach and make sure that the 8th graders know you and are also involved in indoor and any offseason program you might have.

3. You are coaching girls in the spring? Get them together and involved in some kind of preseason program. Get them involved in indoor.

[Richie]

"That is where you come into play. What sort of things are good for the off season. Training tips, weight lifting tips, mental tips, etc. "

For the player work on their fitness, and do plyometrics for their first step quickness.

Invest in low hurdles or small dutch gates and sprint and jump and sprint and jump etc. Later move to regular hurdles ot the bigger Dutch gates and do the same.

Skip rope boys think it is for girls so get them to jump like prize fighters.

Also always play and touch the ball with friends, or on another team or just touch against a hand ball wall and juggle.
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As for you the coach besides getting your licenses, watch youth and adult amature teams that have good coaches. Watch them practice and watch them in games.

Then discard what they do that you don't like and steal what you do like. Ask them questions after practice not during.