Guide to Competitive Coaching

Guide to Competitive Coaching

The purpose of this document is to provide a consistent approach to the way ALL our FC Boulder competitive teams are organized and coached.

Mission and Goals

FC Boulder empowers all athletes to become superior soccer players. FC Boulder competitive teams service all age groups and all levels of play, enabling players to compete at their highest potential – from their first soccer experience through the rest of their lives.

Beyond specific soccer skills, FC Boulder instills virtues in our players that are useful long after the last whistle blows. Character. Sportsmanship. Discipline. Fitness. Achievement. Winning and losing the right way.

FC Boulder hopes that all players ages 3 through adults, will count their experiences with FC Boulder as an indelible part of their lives by acquiring a love of the game – for all the right reasons – that will last for a lifetime.

The official FC Boulder Mission and Values Statement is available at:

Fcboulder.com/our-club/our-mission-values

Universal Philosophies

Player development is the top priority for all FC Boulder coaches.
Coaches should always consider what is best for the individual player as part of a bigger picture.
Coaches should encourage players to be creative and express themselves on the field.
Coaches must teach players how to win games. They must also teach players how to deal with losing games.
Coaches should encourage competition at all levels, and as often as possible in the context of training, as a way to challenge all players to improve.

Expected Coaching Behaviors

Games will be won, lost and tied – find teaching moments from each type of result.
Look for improvement from game to game – emphasis should be on continual improvement in the quality of play.
With input from your players as appropriate, set realistic individual and team goals prior to the start of the season and revisit them throughout the season.
Encourage players to play at their highest level at all times.
Encourage the best players to play in demanding positions.
Encourage players to participate in additional training sessions when appropriate.
Have organized practices, which are fun, up-tempo, challenging and competitive.
Provide a variety of exercises to allow for repetitions of soccer fundamentals that also emphasize the key principles of the game.
Be excited about the game. The players will follow suit.
Look for ways to inspire your players.
When communicating with the players, be positive, keep it simple and be specific.
When communicating with the players, make eye contact with each player.
Speak in a calm voice. Be positive and encouraging.
Use the Socratic method – a form of inquiry and debate between individuals with opposing viewpoints based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas.

Responsibilities of Head Coaches on FC Boulder Competitive Teams

The ‘Common Thread’ for our Teams

-When we step on the field, we intend to improve – every practice and every game.

-We look for ways to give the team the best opportunity to be successful.

-We win as a team, we lose as a team.

-Encourage players to play with flair, creativity and confidence.

-Respect, but never fear your opponent.

-Accept the referee’s decisions.

-Play within the team concept.

-Communicate with your teammates.

-Coach each other on the field.

-We try to control the pace of the game.

-When we have the ball, we want to create space on the field.

-When the opponent has the ball, we want to take away the space on the field.

-When we have the ball, look to play forward; however, if you don’t like what you see, keep the ball moving and keep it in the team.

-Keep the team together, don’t get too stretched out.

-Constructive criticism is necessary for any player or team to develop.

-We want to promote attacking soccer.

-We want to play in the opponent’s half.

-‘Touch and play’

-On free kicks, unless the ball is close to goal – touch and play quick.

-It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient.

-We want to play in the opponent’s half.

-On free kicks, unless the ball is close to goal – touch and play quick.

-It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient.

Communication

-Be positive.

-Be upbeat and energetic.

-Each player should hear their name in a positive manner.

-Be aware of your body language.

-Ask questions.

-Coach the positives.

-Encourage your players.

Coach-Parent Communication

Organize a pre-season meeting (within two weeks after Player Placements) in which you should discuss the following:

-Coaching philosophy

-Team goals (in conjunction with players)

-Player expectations

-Parent expectations

-Sideline behavior

Encourage your parents to bring a chair to the games. You set the example by providing a bench for your players. You set the tone and the parents will follow your lead. Let the parents know that they are welcome to support the players, however, they are not allowed to yell instructions.
Please leave the officials alone! Mistakes and ‘lousy’ calls will happen, however, over the course of a season the calls will even out.

-Car pool

-Training schedule

-Game Schedule

-Tournament schedule

-Seasonal calendar

-Yearly calendar

-Weekly emails (sample)

Sunday evening or Monday morning email to the parents (sample)

All,

Here is just a quick reminder of this week’s practice schedule.

We will train Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4-5:30 PM at Foothills Park. Remember your practice jerseys! Monday is red, Wednesday is white and Friday is black.

If you are going to be late or if you need to miss a practice, please let me know in advance so that I can plan accordingly.

I will send out specifics in regards to this weekend’s games later on in the week.

Have a great week and thanks for supporting the team!

Thursday evening or Friday morning email to the parents (sample)

All,

Here is information in regards to this weekend’s game.

Saturday March 14

11:00 AM

Pleasant View #5

FC Boulder vs Storm

Players should arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to game time. Since it is our home game we will be wearing our dark uniform, however, please bring your white uniform just in case.

Thanks and go FC Boulder!

Group Control

-Set high standards from the start:

If somebody speaks, we all listen.
We come to practice to work hard, learn become better and have fun!

-Be fair and consistent with your discipline.

-Give players the opportunity to have responsibilities.

-Monitor and adjust control when necessary. Tight vs more loose.

Player Development

Develop the players’ technical abilities.

- Please refer to Training Expectations in the Various Age Groups for more specifics.

Develop the players’ appreciation of the game.
Keep winning and losing in proper perspective.
Be sensitive to the player’s developmental needs.
Educate the players to the technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game.
Allow players to experience different roles on the field.
Allow the players to have fun.
Provide the players with constructive feedback.
Conduct practices that foster a spirit of enjoyment and learning.
Strive to help each player reach his/her full potential.
Facilitate promotion up to a higher team.
Look for, and emphasize improvement!

Organizing a Practice

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to set up your practice area.
Be organized.
Provide a safe practice area.
Have appropriate training gear communicated.
Before practice, write a lesson plan that you will bring to the field.
Lessons learned in games should be addressed in subsequent practices. That is, practices should address issues that surface during matches.
Have the proper equipment.
Communicate the proper training gear sequence: Red (1st), white (2ND), black (3RD).
Provide a fun, challenging and competitive practice environment (Keep score).
Be inventive and imaginative in your planning. Try new training sessions.
Don’t interrupt too much - Let the game of soccer be the teacher.
Your coaching points must be brief, to the point and at the appropriate times.
Players should be active as much as possible. Avoid lines of multiple players and at all times avoid situations in which players are static.
Develop a ‘flow’ to the practice session.

-A quick transition from one activity to the next.

-An intelligent progression to your practice.

At the end of your practice, the players should already look forward to the next practice.
Evaluate and reflect on the training session.
Be open minded to listen to new ideas.

Pre-Game Organization

Players should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the game.
Pre-game preparation should start 35 minutes prior to the start of the game. Actual physical warm-up and exertion should begin about 25 minutes before game time.
The pre-game warm-up is designed for players to be physically, mentally and emotionally ready to play the game from the start.
Here is an example of what a pre-game warm-up could look like:

-At 40 minutes: Briefly discuss the upcoming game and get the players focused.

-At 35 minutes: Dynamic warm-up of running exercises with a focus on muscle preparation.

-At 25 minutes: Ball exercises including dribbling, passing, receiving, volleys and headers.

-At 17 minutes: A possession game.

-At 10 minutes: Some finishing if space allows.

-At 5 minutes: Bring the players in for hydration, starting line-up and/or last minute instructions.

-Start game.

-Make sure you have your roster and player cards on top of your bench.

-Players on the bench must wear bibs.

-Players should line up their bags to make the sideline look orderly.

During the Game

Analyze the game. Taking notes can be helpful in preparing halftime comments and upcoming training sessions. For example, consider: What are we doing well? What is the opponent doing well? What are our weaknesses? What are the weaknesses of the opponent?
Make appropriate substitutions.

- Please see segment on Playing Time.

Make the appropriate adjustments.
Limit ‘joystick’ coaching - guide your players in making their own decisions on the field.
Limit coaching the player with the ball.

-Coach players off the ball.

-Focus on all areas of the field.

-Think about what is next.

Encourage and provide positive feedback.

-Be aware of your sideline behavior.

-Be respectful of the officials.

-Save your comments to the official until halftime.

Half-time

Check on injuries.
Make sure all players are seated, drinking and paying attention.
Demand eye contact and engagement of your players.
Ask players for their feedback. (No more than 2 or 3 players) Guided discovery.
Communicate first-half observations.
Offer the players suggestions for improvement and solutions for some of the problems that might have occurred in the first half. (No more than 3 suggestions)
Provide no more than three suggestions.

-Use visual aids if appropriate.

-Find the balance between motivational and tactical points.

Post-Game

Check on injuries.
Cool down.
Review the game briefly and bring closure to the game experience. (5-10 min max)
Have a more detailed analysis at the first practice after the game. (5-10 min max)
Discuss schedule for next game or announce next practice.
Team announcements.
Don’t keep the players too long – be respectful to parents.
FCB “High 5”
Reflect on the game as you Plan your next practice.
Provide a short email summary statement about the game to players and team parents, and distribute within 48 hours of the end of the match.
Send post-game stats to Technical Director.

Ethics

Strive to maintain integrity within the sport.
Know and follow all the rules and policies set forth by FC Boulder, CSA, US Soccer, FIFA, etc.
Work in a spirit of cooperation to provide the players with the maximum opportunity to develop.
Be a positive role model.

- This could be one of the FCB ‘Wheels” on website.

Set the standard for sportsmanship.
Keep the game in proper perspective.
Encourage moral and social responsibility.

- PCA Principles to be added.

Continue your own soccer education and professional development.

Miscellaneous

Attend all practices and games.
If possible, view practices of other coaches.
Watch other teams within your age group pertaining to player movement.
Follow guidelines established by the FC Boulder Coaching Staff.
Communicate FC Boulder goals and policies to players and parents.
Wear FC Boulder attire at practice and games.

Player Evaluations and Progress Reports

As part of ongoing player development, each U11-U14 FC Boulder player will receive a written progress report following the fall and spring seasons. Each U15-U18 player will receive a written evaluation after his or her respective season has ended.

Do not make any promises to players or parents.
Be honest with a soft touch.
If possible, communicate face to face with your players.

Safety

FC Boulder’s first responsibility is the health and safety of all participants.
Be prepared to handle First Aid situations as well as medical emergencies at all practices and games.
FCB in cooperation with BCSM will provide an annual 1st Aid workshop.
FCB will provide an annual Concussion workshop.
Know and understand the FIFA Laws of the game.
Inspect equipment and field conditions for safety reasons, prior to practices and games.
Utilize proper teaching of players regarding safe techniques and methods of play.
Implement appropriate training programs to make sure players are fit for practice and competition.
Supervise and control your players so as to avoid injury situations.
No hanging on goals.
Require all players to wear shin guards at all practice sessions.
Emergency plan protocol. (Aaron)

Lightning Policy

Seek shelter immediately in presence of lightning. Appropriate shelters include inside cars, in enclosed buildings and under lightning shelters. Do not seek shelter under trees or building overhangs.
Lightning can strike up to 10 miles ahead of a storm.
It does not have to be raining for lightning to strike. In fact, more people are struck by lightning in dry conditions than in rainy conditions.
Every 5 seconds between the ‘flash’ and the ‘boom’ equates one mile distance.
If hair ‘stands on end’ or ‘floats up’ you are in the presence of an electric charge and should seek shelter immediately.
Shelter should be sought in enclosed building or cars.
You should wait a minimum of 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder to resume activities.

FC Boulder Players’ Responsibilities

Be on time for practices and games. Communicate with your coach before you have to miss a practice or game.
If you happen to be late to practice, run to your field.
Take care of your equipment, and the club’s equipment.
Be respectful towards your teammates, coaches, opponents, officials and parents.
Represent your team and FC Boulder with pride and class at all times.
Practice the way you want to play in the game.
Take care of your body. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get your rest.
Do not blame teammates in practices or games - everyone makes mistakes. Work harder when mistakes are made.
Give your best at all times - even when things are not working out as expected.
Give your positive energy to the team.
Learn when to dribble on your own and when to pass to a teammate. That is the beauty and joy of the game – finding your unique contribution to the success of the team.

Proper Training Habits for Players

Arrive on time – which means before practice begins.
Wear the appropriate training kit, shin guards and appropriate soccer shoes.
Come to practice with the proper mindset:

-A willingness to learn

-A willingness to focus and concentrate

-A willingness to work hard

-A willingness to improve and get better

Be coachable – be open to advice and suggestions.
Practice the way the game is played.
Practices are mandatory. Players must communicate with the coach in advance if missing a practice.
Make eye contact when communicating with your coach.

Mental Training for our players

Developing a winning mentality requires strong character and a positive attitude.

Self Talk

Players are encouraged to talk positively to themselves to overcome challenges. Fill your head with positive suggestions such as: I can do this. I will do this. I will get better. This is fun.

Focus refocus

Players are encouraged to focus on a task from beginning to end. Set goals. Use a routine. Use ‘trigger’ words. Use imagery and visualization.

Goal setting

Set individual and team goals. Set short term and long term goals.

Being serious about competing and winning, involves eating and drinking healthy. If you want plenty of energy during training and to feel strong all game long, then one of the important things you can do is to eat the right foods.

Soccer Nutrition Punch List

– Curt Thompson

For top soccer performance, make food a top priority throughout the season.
Choose whole foods over processed foods as much as possible (think food that was recently alive and growing). Follow the 18-21 Rule: make 18 out of the 21 meals each week healthy.
Minimize the intake of added sugar and avoid artificial sweeteners. (Soda, candy, etc.)
Hydrate with water daily and carry a water bottle so you can monitor how much you drink. Minimum is approximately two quarts per day with an additional quart for each hour of exercise.
Have food prepared each day by packing your own lunch and snacks. Example: sandwich, whole fruit, nut and dried fruit mix, and some form of vegetable.
Avoid sweet breakfast foods and do not skip breakfast. It is your grounding meal.
Practice the content and timing of your pregame meal so you know what works for you. Avoid sweets and spicy foods as well as dairy (can cause congestion) and slow digesting high fat foods.
Within 45 minutes of finishing a game or strenuous practice, consume some carbohydrate and a small amount of protein. Example: a whole grain bagel with peanut butter.
Continue to rehydrate with water after game/practice until urine runs clear or the color of pale lemonade.
Use sport drinks only when necessary and never as a casual beverage. Do not consume energy drinks.
Continue to rehydrate with water after game/practice until urine runs clear or the color of pale lemonade.
Use sport drinks only when necessary and never as a casual beverage. Do not consume energy drinks.

CSA Standard of Conduct for Players