This is part 2 in a two-part series.  Part one appeared in the July 20th edition of The Technical Area.

Organization - Developing practice sessions
Soccer players learn to play better soccer by practicing soccer-like exercises. Contrived drills, excessive standing in lines, scrimmages with no focus, running laps have very little benefit to players. We explore many different methods of coaching in the Academy but the purpose of all the methods is to help the coach organize training sessions that improve players by having them play soccer.

• Facilitating Learning “The Game is the Teacher,” is a phrase that we constantly hear. This maxim in practical terms means that the soccer coach organizes conditioned soccer games to improve players. The kind of conditions the coach puts on the games will help teach the players. This process is called facilitating learning . Part of the skill of an advanced coach is to design exercises that specifically address problem areas. The conditions the coach puts on games are examined in detail in the NSCAA Academies but basically fall into the following categories: 

        - Numbers of players (e.g. 4v2, 8v8, 6v6 + 1, etc.) 
        - Size and shape of field (narrow and long for vertical passes, short and wide for shooting or crossing.) 
        - Goals or methods of scoring (shooting into a full goal, dribbling across a line, 6 passes equals a goal, etc.)
        - Numbers of touches (1 touch to encourage passing and support play, 2 touches to encourage receiving) 
        - Zonal Games (Field marked off by cones with restrictions as to who can go into certain zones)

The methods a coach uses to improve the players depend on such factors as age, ability, and ultimate purpose of a practice. The methods of a coach of 7 year olds uses are completely different than those of a college coach. A coach preparing to play an opponent m ay be more concerned about the future game than the one which is past.

All coaches, however, are encouraged to follow basic guidelines of teaching: 
- Focus: Improvements will more likely occur when concentration is on 2 or 3 concepts. 
 - Progressive: Sequencing of exercises follow logical progression. The coach may work with the back four versus two center forwards before putting them into 11v11 game. Having a 9 year old practice dribbling in 1v1 may precede playing in a 5v5 game. 
- Duration: Practices should be about the same length as a game. Very little quality learning happens in the final ½ hour of a 2 ½ practice. 
- Practice Plan: All coaches are encouraged to write down a practice plan regardless of age group of the players. Practice plan should delineate practice sequencing and duration of exercises.

• Practice Sequencing
           - Practices consist of 4 main components:    

1. Warm-Up —20% of time. Should be related to theme and focus of practice (e.g. passing in pairs, circle routines)

2. Teaching Exercises —50% of time. 2 or 3 exercises that focus in on observations coach makes in a game. Coach may split team up (e.g. goalkeepers and defenders in one end, midfielders and forwards in other) 
3. Final Game —20% of time. 11v11 or even numbered game. Coach accentuates those issues the teaching exercises focused on. 

4. Warm Down —10% of time. Players jog, stretch together; led by captain, assistant coach. Some coaches will do fitness between final game and warm down. The coach may meet with players prior to session to explain what they will be doing in practice.

Some coaches will show video clippings of the previous games to highlight their observations. This is also helpful in changing the players frame of mind and preparing them, psychologically, for practice.

Instruction -“The Teachable Moment.”
Possibly the biggest difference between skilled coaches and novice coaches is in the quality and quantity of their instruction. There are certain “teachable moments” which occur in a practice session when the skilled coach speaks and addresses a player or group of players. The number of instructional stoppages and the timing will be very much a matter of choice for the coach. It will also depend on the age group..14 year olds will need more instruction than pros.

The “teachable moments happen at fairly predictable times:

• When something is done incorrectly
• When something is done correctly
• Between exercises, during water-breaks
• When the players are clearly fatigued and will welcome a rest and instructional moment
• Ball out of play

Instructional points can be made to an individual, group or a team. They can be made while play continues or play can be stopped. Most importantly THEY MUST FOCUS ON THE ACTUAL TEACHING THEME!

Let me offer a few different instructional examples to improve players:

1. Tony DiCicco-US Women's National Team 1998 Conducting a practice session for the Women's National Team, Tony's stoppages almost universally came at the moment a player did something right. He brought the players attention to what it looked like when done correctly, praised them and moved on. He never made any corrections to address mistakes the players made. 
2. Bob Gansler-Kansas City Wizards 2002 Conducted a practice session that contained 3 dynamic exercises each lasting 20 minutes. Never stopped any of the sessions once. Made all of his coaching points during water breaks and between changeovers in exercises. A true proponent of “the game is the best teacher.” 
3. Helmut Schoen-German National Team Manager, World Cup 1974 Paul Breitner relates how Schoen walked over to the 2v2 exercise Breitner and Beckenbauer were engaged in. Schoen never said a word but Breitner related how Schoen's presence burned a hole in the back of Breitner's neck. He redoubled his efforts in the exercise. Sometimes silence can be the coach's greatest ally.

Clearly there are no absolutes as to how the coach gets improvement out of players. Coaches must understand what is best for their environment and fits their personality.
The two extremes to be avoided are:

1. Too many stoppages which prevent any flow from developing and
2. No instruction at all. The coach merely supervises exercises which have no meaningful focus and in which the players receive no guidance.

Motivation
One of the great rewards of coaching is helping to energize a player and stimulate a player so that they want to improve. Players will improve only if they want to improve but the coach can offer extrinsic motivation that lights a spark in a player. The coach does this in a number of ways.

1. Quality Practices: Practices that are organized, focused and facilitate clear improvement. 
2. Specific Instruction: Coaching points that specifically relate to the focus of the session. 
3. Mixture of Positive and Negative Reinforcement: Coaches must be demanding at times. The best coaches understand how to mix praise with honest observation in such a way as to challenge the player to improve. 
4. Appearance and Participation: The coach should have a modicum of physical fitness and dress like a coach. Players like it when a coach occasionally joins in a practice…(make yourself the +1 who cannot be tackled!). 
5. Realistic Expectations: The prudent coach sets realistic goals and targets for the players. They keep the game within the context of how good the team is compared to who they are playing. The coach is wise to forewarn players, parents and supporters that, in soccer, nothing is ever guaranteed.
6. Humanity: Personal honesty and integrity is respected by players. Players will clearly respond to a coach who displays an interest in them aside from their soccer ability. Enjoy your coaching.

For more information including responsibilities, requirements, status and hours, download the complete .pdf job advertisement.

Download the Petition Here

Dear Soccer Enthusiasts:

We are starting an indoor/outdoor soccer facility by McInnis Park in San Rafael and are asking for your support to make sure it will be built. The facility will consist of two full size indoor soccer fields with an all-weather outdoor field and bleachers. It
will include a concession stand that overlooks the indoor fields and an outdoor deck overlooking the outdoor field. The facility will have an arcade room for kids, a business with training programs for individuals and teams, and a soccer shop. There will
be lockers, showers, offices, banquet/party rooms and meeting rooms. This first class soccer facility will host indoor and outdoor leagues, soccer camps, coaching clinics, referee clinics and tournaments. This facility will provide much needed fields for the continued growth of soccer in Marin. With this new soccer complex and the proximity of existing McInnis
outdoor fields, Marin may finally be able to host State Olympic Development Program tryouts and State Cups. The facility will be for all ages and will be the first of its kind in Northern California. There will also be a baseball training center and possibly
basketball and tennis courts on site.

The soccer complex is being developed and will be managed by Andrew Rowley and myself. Andrew, a former “Marinite,” started “Sports City,” a successful indoor soccer business in Santa Rosa in 1996 and expanded it to Cotati in 2002. Sports City is currently one of two successful indoor soccer complexes in Northern California, this bodes well for the success of the Marin complex. As many of you already know, I grew up in Marin and have coached, played soccer and managed teams for years here. I have also run my own successful business building/remodeling homes and investing in real estate for over 10 years.

Drawings for the new complex have been submitted to The City of San Rafael and are in the design review process. As with any project of this magnitude there will be opposition and this is why we need your help. Our first meeting with The City of San Rafael Design Review Board went well but people opposing the project came in full force. Aside from our presenters, there
was only one person there to support the project and about 40 neighbors who were against it. The next meeting is mid-August so this will be your opportunity to make your voice in support of soccer heard. If we do not get approval at this next meeting the project will not pass and the dreams of having this soccer (sports) facility will end. We need to show The City of San Rafael that an indoor/outdoor soccer facility is truly needed and wanted in Marin. Your voice must be heard! We need our soccer fans, kids, moms, dads, coaches, referees, and players to come to the next meeting, sign and pass around petitions (see attached) and send emails or write letters in support of this project. Please act now to make sure this dream will come true!

We really need the support of everyone in the soccer community, so please print out the petition and get as many people as possible to sign it and write a letter or an email saying you support “The Marin Indoor Soccer Complex.” If you are writing an email or letter, please include your name, where you live and your club or team affiliation, if any. Signed petitions and letters can be mailed to 280 Cardinal Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941. If you prefer email, please send your letters of support to imanchip@yahoo.com. If you have any questions or would like more information on the project, you can reach me via the above email address or call me at (415) 383-6430.

Note: these letters can be short and to the point. The main thing is to show support for the project. Below are some suggestions on what you might refer to in your letter:

*facility will support continued growth of soccer in Marin
*will provide more fields, which are lacking in Marin, especially in Winter
*will give kids a safe place to play year round
*will enable more people to enjoy the general health benefits of soccer
*will enhance the existing soccer community by providing a central place for meetings and all soccer related activities
*will promote further cooperation between clubs and give all clubs access to state of the art facilities
*will provide sport specific speed and agility training for soccer players
*will give soccer players access to physical trainers, therapists and other related practitioners
*will provide educational opportunities for coaches & players by providing access to games on tape, coaching videos, books...

Please get your support document(s) in as soon as possible so we have them in hand for the design review meeting that is slated for mid-August. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please let me know, so I can send you the details as soon as they
are set. We appreciate your work on behalf of soccer in Marin and thank you in advance for your help and support in making the Marin Indoor Soccer Complex a reality. I look forward to hearing from all of you and will keep you updated on how things are going.

Sincerely,

Ivan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ivan Manchip
Tel/Fax:(415)383-6430
email: imanchip@yahoo.com

Download the Petition Here

Become a Youth Soccer Coach!

The JCCSF YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM is currently looking for youth soccer coaches for the upcoming fall season. Volunteer and paid opportunities are available.

Requirements:

• Experience working with children age 5 – 10
• Working knowledge of Soccer ( preferably as a youth coach)
• Excellent communication skills
• Independent transportation (preferred)
• F Licensed coach (preferred)

Time:   

•  Fall Season (August 29 – December 4)

•  Practice one to two weekday afternoons (Mon., Tues., or Wed.)

•  Games are played on Saturdays

•  F Licensed coaching clinics

The JCCSF youth sports program has a strong philosophy of engaging children in learning both sport specific and life skills in a positive atmosphere. Applicants must be able to embrace these ideas while providing strong leadership and commitment to the program participants.

For information please contact Tiffany Fong at 415.292.1253 or tfong@jccsf.org

I wonder whether you'd you help advertise a new website that myself and a couple of friends are putting together for the new English Premier League season.

It's www.followsoccer.com and provides minute-by-minute commentary of select EPL games throughout the season. Better than just watching the scores get updated on most other sites.

It's a not-for-profit site with no advertising or anything like that, just a chance for us to get some journalistic experience.

Thanks for any advertising you can give us in your newsletter/website

Cheers

John

Are you interested in coaching a 1st division women's team? Kismet is looking for you!

About us: our games will be played on Saturdays, beginning in September and going through December and then again in March through June. We have not yet determined our practice schedule -- that will depend on who the coach is and what their availability is, along with which times work best for the players.

We are a friendly, competitive 2nd division women's soccer team who is looking for a positive, experienced coach.

Practice is held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at West Sunset (39 th & Quintara) in San Francisco. Season begins early September and runs through December. Games are played on Saturdays in Golden Gate Park.

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Or call Sharon: (650) 465-9669

We are a friendly, competitive 2nd division women's soccer team who is looking for experienced players for all positions. We play in the Golden Gate Women's Soccer League and are looking for players 18 years and older.

Practice is held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at West Sunset (39 th & Quintara) in San Francisco. The season begins early September and games are played on Saturdays in Golden Gate Park.

For more information please email: sharoncarrillo@hotmail.com
Or call Sharon: (650) 465-9669

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