Welcome to the Longwood Soccer Coaches Corner
One of the many responsibilities of a youth soccer coach is to organize effective practice sessions. A well planned and well conducted practice allows maximum opportunity for young players to develop a solid technique base. Repetition of technique is very important for young players and coaches need to develop activities in practice that gradually increase pressure on the technique. A variety of motivational activities must also be presented at practice in order to motivate players with varying attention spans and levels of concentration. The first coaching priority is to be able to impart specific coaching points to players so that they may learn techniques in the correct way. The second priority is to have access to a multitude of activities that will motivate players to want to learn technique. Repetition does not have to mean that practice is boring, it is the coach's challenge to be inventive, innovative and to energize his/her charges. That may not always be easy but it is achievable.
Summary of "Success" versus "Excellence" Philosophy
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SUCCESS |
EXCELLENCE |
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Emphasis is on winning |
Emphasis on creating a learning environment |
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Youth players are "coached" to win games |
Players are taught the tools required to excel as soccer players |
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Youngsters play exclusively on one team |
Create opportunities where the best players are given the chance to practice and play together |
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Awards trophies and medals |
Instills internal motivation to excel |
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Constant full game (11 v 11) situation |
Emphasis on Micro Soccer and importance of small-sided games |
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Young players have "fixed" positions |
Young players rotate positions |
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Over emphasis on tactics in team practices |
Opportunities allowed for individual Development and "free thinking" in practice |
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Parent centered philosophy of Winning=Success=Player Development |
Player centered philosophy, focusing on skill challenges and freedom to learn by making mistakes |
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Coaches Pack
Coaches download this, there are drills for all ages, practice plans and alot of other material to help get you started |
