1. Alex Moreau
Mrs. Corbett
11/17/11
What makes a Good Soccer Coach?
For one month, every four years, the world comes to a stand still. During this
month work is cancelled, coffee shops are turned into movie centers, and an individual’s
true colors are worn every day. Only one thing can possibly account for so much rupture
in society and the world as a whole, the World Cup. The most anticipated and watched
event ever, the World Cup has captured and captivated the world for years. While the
typical idea of a powerful soccer team is of disciplined players with skills that are paid
for in the millions, the critical reason for victory is almost always overlooked. The coach
of the team is the foundation and largest factor of a team. If the coach is such an
instrumental part of success in a soccer team then the question obviously erupts. What
makes a good soccer coach? An effective soccer coach requires preparation, respect,
understanding of the game, quick tactics, and the capability to inspire his players in every
scenario.
With every beginning, there is an idea, and then paper work. Preparation is
needed to coach any team within a league and there are requirements that must be meet.
Typically a coaching license is required and this is what was obtained through classes and
a final exam over coach conduct, coaching tactics, rules of the game. Sadly enough
during the time of the season the age of the participant was under eighteen so only an
assistant coaching license could be gained, but control over drills and the team was held
by the participant. After the license is acquired the coach receives his player list and waits
2. for the first practice. Falling into preparation during the first practice most importantly all
of the parents must be meet and their information as well as player cards are required to
be filled out before any player can play in a game. As far as the players go a simple drill
entailing the boys spread out in a circle with about five to ten feet between the ones on
the edge of the circle. The ball is then passed around with each calling out the name of
the recipient of the ball, later on more balls are added to add chaos and excitement to this
basic drill. This drill forces the players to in the least become acquainted with one another
but also demonstrates the players basic control over the ball with a short accurate pass.
Following this drill after about half an hour of dealing with parents and finishing papers
the next few drills entail dribbling skills. The drills include a rollback, a scissor, a step
over, and a quarter turn with the ball. The roll back was performed by most without a
problem, but the rest of the drills were for the most part failed attempts. The point of
asking the boys to perform a high level move and cut was to distinguish the best players
from the rest. This was successful in determining the three to four best players, whom
proved to correctly fit the presumption. Following ball drills was lastly a scrimmage
amongst the boys. Coaches would ask players where they had played before and where
they preferred to play, most players were given their desired positions and the scrimmage
commenced. In general the scrimmage proved to be chaotic, but solidified a few select
players to where they would play the rest of the season. Some were naturally defensive
and strategic while others quick and agile with the ball, but most developed their
positions later in the season. Two boys asked to play goalie and both played particularly
well for the first practice. This concluded the practice with much promise for the season.
After the practice the mothers were confronted in hopes of acquiring a team mom, two
3. volunteered and both agreed to share the responsibility. Preparation requirements
fulfilled; player cards filled out, general consensus on where to play each individual,
parent information, goalie’s found, and positive attitude for the upcoming season. Yes
there is much preparation for the season and much to do on the first practice, but all is
necessary and success was attained.
Whether on the playing field or at practice respect is expected to be given
amongst the players and to the coaches. In general a strict set of rules is set during
practice. Do as you are told, have fun, but when the coaches are speaking you are quiet.
Ironically the rules and flexibility of the rules seem to follow one of a typical teacher.
The players had little trouble with the rules, occasionally a few of the rowdy boys were
sent on a lap, but overall the rules were abided by and respect given to each of the
coaches. Maintaining not only the respect, but also the interest of the players required one
to communicate and laugh with them in an almost friend like manner. The respect shown
amongst the players was held throughout the season with only one case of frustration
during a devastating defeat. This outburst was expected because the frustration of defeat
was being more and more evident. This proved the idea that communication and friendly
interaction between the players and coaches yield a prosperous and interactive
atmosphere.
One of the key concepts of sports and perhaps any other topic is understanding the
game. A good coach carefully and meticulously ensures that every player knows all of
the rules of the game and are aware of the proper thing to do any situation. An example
being a generally confusing rule, offsides. Offsides requires the offensive team while on
the defending teams side of the field to never pass the ball to a player whom is closer to
4. the defenders goal than at least two of the defenders themselves. The rule is quite wordy
and difficult for new players to understand. To ensure that all players understand this rule
and will follow it a game of offense vs. defense is played. Offense sets up in diamond
pattern and with four players while there are only two defenders. The ball is played from
the back and the offense must make the goal. The task is not a difficult one but teaches
the players to make quick passes around the defenders and to cross the ball. When one of
the players breaks the rule they are told and then must retry, if they continue breaking the
rule the players are required to run one lap for every time the penalty is committed.
Another important rule is that the goalie is confined to the goalie box. Within the box he
may use his hands, but outside of the box they become a normal player with normal rules.
This rule was broken once in a game by our goalie, but was never again committed.
There are many more rules to the game and scenarios in what to do in certain positions
and numbers of players, but covering all of them requires the coach to run through the
plays and give each player his specific rules. One cannot hit all scenarios, but prepare for
the most likely and most dangerous ones. Understanding the game is a key element to
succeeding on the field and must be thoroughly examined.
The player knows the game, the team works together well, but a foul is made in
the box and a penalty kick is to be taken, which one of your players takes it? Tactics inn
soccer are huge. Who to sub where, the balance that must be made on each side of the
field, and who takes key kicks. Predetermining this usually best. At practice the team
would take penalty kicks and the coach will note his most accurate and cool headed
players, these players will then take the shot in the games. Others have power and range
and will thus be long ball kickers and goal kickers, but quick tactics require telling
5. players when to step up out of position in order to make a goal. Typically a defensive
mind is the best suited, but on rare moment sin the game the opportunity must be realized
and the players must move up to strike. This is achieved through practice and perhaps
quite a bit of excited screaming. Another quick decision to be made is when the end of
the game is drawing near and the score is still tied, does the coach convey a more
aggressive game or stay defensive and be satisfied with a tie? In my coaching experience
pushing one player farther forward is best. This boosts the offenses endurance, because
they are tired, and adds a new threat for the other teams’ defense to handle. In turn,
pushing one person forward does not necessarily cripple the defense. If anything a good
defense is a good offense. Quick decisions are made by the coach and players to quickly
execute opportunities when they arise.
Does skill matter without effort? It is indeed a perspective, but he thought is that
both are equally important, but nothing can replace effort. This effort is sometimes
instilled upon players and they will do whatever it takes to succeed and win, but sadly
others simply don’t believe it necessary to put 100% into the game. This effort sometimes
needs a push, and this push comes from the coaches. The inspiration that a coach
provides a player launches them from simple acceptance to awe gaping skill and speed.
To inspire a player the coach must first have the players respect, this is attained through
fairness, dedication to the team, and an enjoyable attitude. A coach inspires his players
before a game with a usual pep talk. This includes how well they have done, how they
have improved, and the coaches confidence in the boys to succeed. Tone is everything is
this pep talk and general personality. The coach needs to for the majority of the time be
peppy and fun, encouraging the boys and being excited for everything good attempt. This
6. fun attitude mixed with confidence and reassurances bolsters the players to play to their
fullest in games. Inspiration to play no matter what has happened throughout the week
proves to be a critical role in the teams’ success.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and is defined by the powerful
players whom play it, but intern these players are sculpted by coaches. Preparation,
respect, understanding of the game, quick tactics, and the capability to inspire are all
qualities a coach should have in order to lead his team to victory. His will to succeed and
his attitude towards the game depicts the teams’ glorious triumph or their miserable
disappointment.
