THERE IS A DISCONNECT

My observations suggest there is a disconnect in the learning process that often takes place in this country. A player must want to learn and get better. A coach must have the ability to help the player get better. Many coaches do not have the ability to help players get better. Either way, the coach cannot make the player better, only the player can do that.

 So what is the job of the coach? The coach must create an environment where players can get better and where they want to get better! That environment must be motivating, challenging and fun! The environment consists of the facility, the training sessions, the coaching, the institution, the schedule, trips to Europe etc. 

 Training sessions are important. It is imperative that the coach work hard to have positive and informative training sessions and training sessions that are fun. That doesn’t mean the players won’t work hard. But it does mean they will have fun while they are working. Competition is fun. Why not keep score in every training session and with every activity? For example, why not play the whites against the reds. The winning team gets rewarded; the losing team picks up the gear. That’s competitive and fun!

 That is the kind of environment that will help players get better! It will motivate them to get better!

 And here we may have identified a problem in our youth system. For the most part the environment in youth soccer is NOT conducive to a positive environment. In professional teams, college teams and even some high school teams the coach can control the environment…good facilities, nice locker room, good schedule, time to discuss the mental side of the game, etc. Youth coaches do not have that luxury!

 In youth soccer the practices may be at 5 or 6 different fields; there is no locker room; the players see each other only when they train - 2-3 times each week for two hours. After training they are gone again. There is no chance to create a positive environment!

 There are some exceptions. CASL in North Carolina has a club – like atmosphere. They are able to create an environment. They have a place where the kids can come, practice and hang out. I am sure there are other clubs like this.

 The European clubs and academies also create an environment that is positive. They have a place where the players come to play and to socialize. The players spend time together. The environment is more than soccer. The players get better. Our players don’t get better. Maybe our new academy model will help create a positive environment??

 One goal of a youth coach should be that the players look forward to training every day and when they leave they should have a smile on their faces!  There are some steps that coaches can take to begin to create a positive environment even if they don’t have a “clubhouse” or gathering place. Here are some ideas:

•  Prepare for every training session. Do not shortchange the players.
• Try to find one place to train…a place or field the players can call their own.
• Get to training early and prepare the field
• Greet each player as they arrive. Spend some time to get to know the players and find out what they do off the field
• Create a positive and informative training environment
• Spend some time doing “off the field” type activities such as goal setting, self-talk and other confidence building activities. Most youth coaches spend all of their time on the field. Soccer is much more than on the field.
• Find some off the field activities for the team occasionally i.e. movies, Friday night dinner etc.
• Generally create a feeling of belonging. Give the players ownership of the team. Make your team a program that encompasses all of the four pillars of soccer

 If we improve the youth soccer environment; we will improve our youth players and soccer in general!

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Dear Reader: Kris Van Der Haegen, Belgium; Nicolas Decaup, Australia/Finland; Jim Pearson USA; Gary Jezorski, USA and now Dr. Jay Martin  USA have been kind enough to share their ideas/principles to help us improve our soccer culture. 

 Why not add your name to this distinguished list by sending me your insights for future publication. Who knows your observations and experiences may end up helping others improve soccer, at least, in their community… Priceless!!!

 Thank you for your Komments & clicking ‘Like’

 Your FUNdamental, Koach Karl

Karl Dewazien, Emeritus State DoC for California Youth Soccer Association 1978 -2012

Author of the Internationally Published FUNdamental SOCCER Books Series

Producer of the highly acclaimed ‘9-Step Practice Routine’ DVD.

Internet/Clinician at www.fundamentalsoccer.com