Compromising on Standards is a Losing Play.
Conceive Believe Achieve Soccer
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Wednesday
Friday
Sports teach life. Life teaches sports
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and the social unrest this summer I am getting back into coaching after my health problems of nearly a year ago. I found myself wondering this afternoon just what can we learn from recent events and how can they be applied to athletics?
There has been so much raw emotion on display as people takes sides on these issues that this seems the logical place to start.
There is nothing wrong with an adult of 21 years or older enjoying an alcoholic beverage. Problems can arise when the partaker consumes too much alcohol and becomes drunk. Their thinking becomes clouded and mistakes, sometimes life altering mistakes, can be made.
Emotions are somewhat like alcohol. Emotion can certainly be good. "He played with such emotion!" can be high praise in depicting a quality performance. Being emotionally drunk can be self-destructive and detrimental to the team effort.
Using emotion to drive a calm concerted effort can produce the desired results, tremendous results even.
Allowing emotion to boil over into blind rage distracts from solving the problem at hand and can lead to disastrous results.
I believe we have seen this play out explosively in the riotous protests of the last few days. I fear we may yet see this play out in a second wave of Covid-19 infections as some champ at the bit for a return to normalcy.
So, learning to control emotions, to channel emotions in a positive direction, is certainly a lesson we can learn from life and apply to sports. A positive use of emotion can lead to progression while emotions that boil over out of control result in regression.
As coaches we love coaching phrases. Short, concise sayings that deliver the message. Two such come to mind as I type this message to you; Facts over Feelings and Power Never Flinched to Emotion Alone.
Both infer the need to remain calm and combine emotion with rationale thought.
We have all seen an athlete become angered and turn in an amazing performance. The athlete used his anger, his emotion, to drive his performance to a higher level.
We have also all seen an athlete become angry, lose his composure and be thrown completely off his game or even thrown out of a game.
So, there is a choice, a decision to be made and training provided on how to make the correct decision in emotional situations. I think that is something we can take away from this Spring of discontent and social unrest.
As coaches a part of this equation would seem to be keeping in mind that facts are not hard and absolute in many cases. Another coaching phrase, if you will; Same Facts / Different Interpretations. Of course, this is based on personal experiences and perceptions.
Think of the well known example of 10 different people all witnessing the same traffic accident. There are 10 varying accounts of what occurred. Agreement exists on some basics, but not necessarily on the details. There was an accident can probably be agreed upon although someone might state "it seemed he intentionally rammed the other car." Who had right of way? Was one or both of the drivers distracted? All these details, these facts, could be open to interpretation.
I think that is most definitely happening in our society as it concerns both Covid-19 and protests / riots.
And I believe differing interpretations of the same set of facts is perfectly okay ... IF everyone can work towards common ground and understanding that there is more than one interpretation to the same set of facts. If we take the "win at all costs" mentality, the adversarial nature that turns events into a personal Me vs Him or We vs They attitude focused on details rather than desired outcome, and turn it into an attitude of shared responsibility for the good of the game or the good for society, then good things can happen.
Never allow what you feel to lead you to forget what is real. The balance between Heart and Mind can be a delicate one. When thrown out of balance by alcohol or emotion things can get sideways in a hurry. Maintaining a proper balance between Mind and Heart seems both prudent and a key to maximizing effort. We cannot allow our emotions to overpower our intelligence. That seems to be a king consideration or key educational objective we can take from the chaos surrounding the pandemic and rioting.
There has been so much raw emotion on display as people takes sides on these issues that this seems the logical place to start.
There is nothing wrong with an adult of 21 years or older enjoying an alcoholic beverage. Problems can arise when the partaker consumes too much alcohol and becomes drunk. Their thinking becomes clouded and mistakes, sometimes life altering mistakes, can be made.
Emotions are somewhat like alcohol. Emotion can certainly be good. "He played with such emotion!" can be high praise in depicting a quality performance. Being emotionally drunk can be self-destructive and detrimental to the team effort.
Using emotion to drive a calm concerted effort can produce the desired results, tremendous results even.
Allowing emotion to boil over into blind rage distracts from solving the problem at hand and can lead to disastrous results.
I believe we have seen this play out explosively in the riotous protests of the last few days. I fear we may yet see this play out in a second wave of Covid-19 infections as some champ at the bit for a return to normalcy.
So, learning to control emotions, to channel emotions in a positive direction, is certainly a lesson we can learn from life and apply to sports. A positive use of emotion can lead to progression while emotions that boil over out of control result in regression.
As coaches we love coaching phrases. Short, concise sayings that deliver the message. Two such come to mind as I type this message to you; Facts over Feelings and Power Never Flinched to Emotion Alone.
Both infer the need to remain calm and combine emotion with rationale thought.
We have all seen an athlete become angered and turn in an amazing performance. The athlete used his anger, his emotion, to drive his performance to a higher level.
We have also all seen an athlete become angry, lose his composure and be thrown completely off his game or even thrown out of a game.
So, there is a choice, a decision to be made and training provided on how to make the correct decision in emotional situations. I think that is something we can take away from this Spring of discontent and social unrest.
As coaches a part of this equation would seem to be keeping in mind that facts are not hard and absolute in many cases. Another coaching phrase, if you will; Same Facts / Different Interpretations. Of course, this is based on personal experiences and perceptions.
Think of the well known example of 10 different people all witnessing the same traffic accident. There are 10 varying accounts of what occurred. Agreement exists on some basics, but not necessarily on the details. There was an accident can probably be agreed upon although someone might state "it seemed he intentionally rammed the other car." Who had right of way? Was one or both of the drivers distracted? All these details, these facts, could be open to interpretation.
I think that is most definitely happening in our society as it concerns both Covid-19 and protests / riots.
And I believe differing interpretations of the same set of facts is perfectly okay ... IF everyone can work towards common ground and understanding that there is more than one interpretation to the same set of facts. If we take the "win at all costs" mentality, the adversarial nature that turns events into a personal Me vs Him or We vs They attitude focused on details rather than desired outcome, and turn it into an attitude of shared responsibility for the good of the game or the good for society, then good things can happen.
Never allow what you feel to lead you to forget what is real. The balance between Heart and Mind can be a delicate one. When thrown out of balance by alcohol or emotion things can get sideways in a hurry. Maintaining a proper balance between Mind and Heart seems both prudent and a key to maximizing effort. We cannot allow our emotions to overpower our intelligence. That seems to be a king consideration or key educational objective we can take from the chaos surrounding the pandemic and rioting.
Thursday
Work Smart. Play Fast.
A coached recently lamented he didn't have enough athletes on his roster to compete with the teams in their league. Opponents were bigger, stronger and faster than his players.
Pele is 5'8"
Messi is 5'7"
Neymar is 5'9"
Romario is 5'6"
The point being made is simply this, pace of play is about how fast we can think this game we call soccer. One thing each of the greats listed above have in common with the other greats of the game is an economy and efficiency of touches on the ball.
In order to play faster we need to be dedicated to and disciplined in doing the following:
* Prioritize Playing Fast
* Think ahead in the game by becoming GAME watchers instead of ball watchers
* Know your next play before your first touch
* Hone and refine your technical ability
Prepare to Play the Ball
* If you wish to receive the ball from a teammate be in his vision early, before his first touch on the ball
* Ask yourself, if my teammate about to receive the ball wants to play one touch, where and how do I need to be positioned to receive that one touch play? Then get into that position.
* If I am expecting my teammate to play with two touches, which sequence is he likely to use and where and how do I need to be positioned to receive his pass? Then get into that position.
* If at all possible, position yourself to receive the ball across your body keeping your hips open to as much of the field as possible
* Know your next play before your first touch. Which of your teammates is moving to be in position to receive your pass?
** If your teammate about to receive will be under pressure you will need to move closer to him as his vision will be restricted.
** If your teammate about to receive will not be under pressure stay out of his space and open the pitch up to as many possibilities as you can for him.
Shared Responsibility
Pass the Ball to the Proper Foot.
* The proper foot is the foot furthest from defensive pressure
* A ball to which foot will help your teammate avoid defensive pressure?
* The foot the pass is played to is a cue for how the receiver should prepare to play the ball.
* If the ball is passed to the front foot (the foot nearest the passer) this is a cue that the receiver will be under pressure when receiving. A self-pass or one-two combination pass is indicated.
* If the pass is to the back foot (across the body) this is an indication the receiver has time to play the ball away or turn and advance the ball himself.
* Pass the ball with proper weight or pace. A good rule of thumb for teh push pass is the pass should travel at a pace that would carry it 10 yards beyond the intended target.
The idea is to set teammates up so they too can play fast soccer.
Attacks lose pace or completely break down when passes are made to the wrong foot,
* Give a pass you yourself would like to receive.
* If a proper angle is not available to make a good pass, don't make that pass. Find another option.
* If you must make that pass, pass the ball to where your teammate should be.
* When you pass the ball, pass information.
* Non-verbal information is passing the ball to the foot of your teammate furthest from defensive pressure.
* Verbal communication might be a call to "Turn! or "Man on!" if your pass has missed its targeted foot or making a call for a combination pass.
Receive the Ball with the Proper Foot
* Position yourself as you wish to play the ball
* Read the pass and adjust your positioning according to the information the pass is sharing with you.
* If the ball is passed to your front foot (the foot nearest the passer) this is a cue you will be under pressure when receiving. A self-pass or one-two combination pass is indicated.
* If the ball is passed is to your back foot (across the body) this is an indication you have time to turn and advance the ball yourself or play the ball away
* Play the way you face
* Play the ball with the proper foot if attempting one touch play.
* The back foot if you are going to advance the ball
* The front foot if you are going to utilize a drop pass or one-two combination
* Play the ball with the proper foot for the appropriate two touch sequence of touches. This sequence should be predetermined before your first touch on the ball.
* Right / Right
* Right / Left
* Left / Left
* Left / Right
* Listen for information being shared with you by the passer and other teammates.
Communication
Pass the Ball, Pass Information OR Give the Ball, Give a Call
Both non-verbal and verbal communication must be with the best interests of the ball in mind.
Protect the Ball
* Body positioning of the potential receiver communicates to the passer which foot to pass to.
* The foot the ball is passed to communicates to the receiver where defensive pressure is coming from.
* Verbal communication from the passer communicates where defensive pressure is arriving from and or what play is available to the passer
* Verbal communication might also be used to communicate a particular type of combination pass and the timing involved in executing said passing combination,
All information passed must be useful, concise and convey information that will help teammates solve problems presented by opponents.
Pretend as if both the ball and your teammate about to play it are blind. You must be their eyes. Do not lead either into an opponent, Guide them.
Pele is 5'8"
Messi is 5'7"
Neymar is 5'9"
Romario is 5'6"
The point being made is simply this, pace of play is about how fast we can think this game we call soccer. One thing each of the greats listed above have in common with the other greats of the game is an economy and efficiency of touches on the ball.
In order to play faster we need to be dedicated to and disciplined in doing the following:
* Prioritize Playing Fast
* Think ahead in the game by becoming GAME watchers instead of ball watchers
* Know your next play before your first touch
* Hone and refine your technical ability
Prepare to Play the Ball
* If you wish to receive the ball from a teammate be in his vision early, before his first touch on the ball
* Ask yourself, if my teammate about to receive the ball wants to play one touch, where and how do I need to be positioned to receive that one touch play? Then get into that position.
* If I am expecting my teammate to play with two touches, which sequence is he likely to use and where and how do I need to be positioned to receive his pass? Then get into that position.
* If at all possible, position yourself to receive the ball across your body keeping your hips open to as much of the field as possible
* Know your next play before your first touch. Which of your teammates is moving to be in position to receive your pass?
** If your teammate about to receive will be under pressure you will need to move closer to him as his vision will be restricted.
** If your teammate about to receive will not be under pressure stay out of his space and open the pitch up to as many possibilities as you can for him.
Shared Responsibility
Pass the Ball to the Proper Foot.
* The proper foot is the foot furthest from defensive pressure
* A ball to which foot will help your teammate avoid defensive pressure?
* The foot the pass is played to is a cue for how the receiver should prepare to play the ball.
* If the ball is passed to the front foot (the foot nearest the passer) this is a cue that the receiver will be under pressure when receiving. A self-pass or one-two combination pass is indicated.
* If the pass is to the back foot (across the body) this is an indication the receiver has time to play the ball away or turn and advance the ball himself.
* Pass the ball with proper weight or pace. A good rule of thumb for teh push pass is the pass should travel at a pace that would carry it 10 yards beyond the intended target.
The idea is to set teammates up so they too can play fast soccer.
Attacks lose pace or completely break down when passes are made to the wrong foot,
* Give a pass you yourself would like to receive.
* If a proper angle is not available to make a good pass, don't make that pass. Find another option.
* If you must make that pass, pass the ball to where your teammate should be.
* When you pass the ball, pass information.
* Non-verbal information is passing the ball to the foot of your teammate furthest from defensive pressure.
* Verbal communication might be a call to "Turn! or "Man on!" if your pass has missed its targeted foot or making a call for a combination pass.
Receive the Ball with the Proper Foot
* Position yourself as you wish to play the ball
* Read the pass and adjust your positioning according to the information the pass is sharing with you.
* If the ball is passed to your front foot (the foot nearest the passer) this is a cue you will be under pressure when receiving. A self-pass or one-two combination pass is indicated.
* If the ball is passed is to your back foot (across the body) this is an indication you have time to turn and advance the ball yourself or play the ball away
* Play the way you face
* Play the ball with the proper foot if attempting one touch play.
* The back foot if you are going to advance the ball
* The front foot if you are going to utilize a drop pass or one-two combination
* Play the ball with the proper foot for the appropriate two touch sequence of touches. This sequence should be predetermined before your first touch on the ball.
* Right / Right
* Right / Left
* Left / Left
* Left / Right
* Listen for information being shared with you by the passer and other teammates.
Communication
Pass the Ball, Pass Information OR Give the Ball, Give a Call
Both non-verbal and verbal communication must be with the best interests of the ball in mind.
Protect the Ball
* Body positioning of the potential receiver communicates to the passer which foot to pass to.
* The foot the ball is passed to communicates to the receiver where defensive pressure is coming from.
* Verbal communication from the passer communicates where defensive pressure is arriving from and or what play is available to the passer
* Verbal communication might also be used to communicate a particular type of combination pass and the timing involved in executing said passing combination,
All information passed must be useful, concise and convey information that will help teammates solve problems presented by opponents.
Pretend as if both the ball and your teammate about to play it are blind. You must be their eyes. Do not lead either into an opponent, Guide them.
Gimme Three Steps ...
Believe it or not the name of this Lynyrd Skynyrd song is applicable to soccer.
When your team is in possession of the ball you will be filling one of two roles
* Passer
* Potential receiver or passing option
When the ball leaves the passers foot he immediately switches to the role of a potential receiver.
* MOVE!
* Three quick strides to gain separation from the defender who was pressuring you is the minimum distance you should move
* Before the pass you should have looked for a possible combination passing or third man running option. Take advantage of these runs if available.
* Space. Find open space near you and be in the vision of the next potential passer if possible.
Ask Questions of Yourself.
* If the ball comes to me now, what's on? Know your next play before your first touch.
* Where on the pitch do I need to be in the next 5 seconds? Be in your teammates vision early.
* Can the ball see me? Position yourself in an open passing lane not somewhere where a defender is between you and the ball.
* Where is open space and can I get there OR can I communicate to a teammate move there OR can I communicate to the passer to play a ball there for a teammate to run onto?
While this may seem overwhelming as to what must go into each successful pass and reception it is actually just the tip of the iceberg. I will post some additional thoughts on this subject in the coming days. For now, take the time to digest this. Please, print it off and distribute it to your players, Yes, even the very young ones. This is basic information. Attacking Soccer 101 that we must teach and instill in our players.
Better People make Better ...
In James Kerr’s book “Legacy” there is a phrase used repeatedly that has stuck with me: “Better people make better All Blacks”. The original context inferred this was about populating the All Blacks with the right kind of people. Be it administration, coaches or players: better people makes better All Blacks. Common sense, right? Weed out those who don’t buy-in and replace them with those who are all-in. As I finished reading the book I came to realize it’s so much more than that.
I have been working at a high school that has some truly outstanding educators on staff yet the school is not viewed favorably on state report cards. This has been on my mind for much of the last two years. Why doesn’t the school perform better on state tests than it does? I can ask the same about the schools soccer program I have led. A common theme (in my mind) is that the best and brightest students (/athletes) do not make those around them better. In a general sense, they tend to settle for and into the norm.
Why is that?
I do not profess to have all the answers, but that phrase from the book keeps rattling around my brain: Better people make better ...
A public school system pretty much takes any student and it can be very difficult to cull the student population. I’m walking a slippery slope here and so I want to be clear that there are truly quality people in this school - adults and students alike. But could they be better? And should a stronger focus be on improving the people? Not exchanging them for others, just improving on what is here. Invest in and take care of the people in your organization for better people make better ...
This, then, is what I believe James Kerr’s message is. At least in part. Invest in the people for better people make better ... students, better athletes, et al. If students lack social graces and are rude, inconsiderate towards both peers and adults, can we not make an effort to help them improve in these areas. For instance, as players report to practice there is an expectation, a standard, that they will greet each of their teammates and coaches with a handshake and small talk. Could this not be carried over to each classroom each period? It would take but a couple of minutes ... time invested in the people. For better people make better ...
I have proposed starting a Gentlemen’s Club at the school modeled off successful programs at other schools. Basically a club that focuses on social graces, how to tie a tie and other things that can impact self-esteem and confidence ... improving the people. Would this then positively impact state test scores?
Better people make better All Blacks
Better people make better students
Better people make better soccer players.
If we improve the people, raise their self-esteem and confidence they become better people and by extension better students, better soccer players and so on. This seems a simple formula and one easily implemented. Seems likely to be worth the effort, does it not? What say you?
I have been working at a high school that has some truly outstanding educators on staff yet the school is not viewed favorably on state report cards. This has been on my mind for much of the last two years. Why doesn’t the school perform better on state tests than it does? I can ask the same about the schools soccer program I have led. A common theme (in my mind) is that the best and brightest students (/athletes) do not make those around them better. In a general sense, they tend to settle for and into the norm.
Why is that?
I do not profess to have all the answers, but that phrase from the book keeps rattling around my brain: Better people make better ...
A public school system pretty much takes any student and it can be very difficult to cull the student population. I’m walking a slippery slope here and so I want to be clear that there are truly quality people in this school - adults and students alike. But could they be better? And should a stronger focus be on improving the people? Not exchanging them for others, just improving on what is here. Invest in and take care of the people in your organization for better people make better ...
This, then, is what I believe James Kerr’s message is. At least in part. Invest in the people for better people make better ... students, better athletes, et al. If students lack social graces and are rude, inconsiderate towards both peers and adults, can we not make an effort to help them improve in these areas. For instance, as players report to practice there is an expectation, a standard, that they will greet each of their teammates and coaches with a handshake and small talk. Could this not be carried over to each classroom each period? It would take but a couple of minutes ... time invested in the people. For better people make better ...
I have proposed starting a Gentlemen’s Club at the school modeled off successful programs at other schools. Basically a club that focuses on social graces, how to tie a tie and other things that can impact self-esteem and confidence ... improving the people. Would this then positively impact state test scores?
Better people make better All Blacks
Better people make better students
Better people make better soccer players.
If we improve the people, raise their self-esteem and confidence they become better people and by extension better students, better soccer players and so on. This seems a simple formula and one easily implemented. Seems likely to be worth the effort, does it not? What say you?
Saturday
Moving on.
I made the decision to move on from Fairlawn High School with some reluctance. I had accepted the positions there because 1) my wife was changing careers and we needed the extra income and 2) because I wanted to continue coaching soccer. Fairlawn offered me both a position in the school and the head soccer coach position for which I remain extremely grateful. I have come to love the work and many of my co-workers. The coaching has been interesting: perhaps my most disappointing year of coaching followed by the most rewarding year of coaching I have had in a long time.
I'm not going to dwell on the negatives here other than to say there were some: selfish players, helicopter parents - typical obstacles found anywhere and everywhere.
I want to focus on the positives. First the work aspects: Amber, Chris, Cory, Jodi, Jason ... truly outstanding educators. These folks go above and beyond in service to the young people entrusted to them. Each is willing to build teacher / pupil relationships that put students at ease and facilitate learning. I've learned so much from each of them.
The players. I must admit that after the 2017 season I seriously considered hanging up the whistle and clipboard. That season had been so disastrous that the ability of the program to survive was in doubt. The very real threat of the program folding is ultimately what kept me in the coaching game. I prayed on it and felt God had brought me to Fairlawn to navigate a terrible season and persevere through at least the next season to lay a foundation that could be built upon. We have succeeded in doing this. The program has grown from 4 players this time last year to an estimated 22 players for the 2019 season.
The credit is only partially mine. The majority of credit goes to the following players: Lucas and Leeann were our seniors and both did a remarkable job in stabilizing a floundering program. That will be their legacy to Fairlawn soccer. And quite a legacy it is. Grace, Seth, Katie and Payton were the underclassmen who stepped forward to provide leadership to the team. They were positive in the face of almost overwhelming adversity and understood our success was measured through continuous improvement in the process. These six individuals demonstrated maturity, character, dedication and positivity well beyond their years. Their teammates followed their lead. They will each enjoy success in life because of these traits and collectively he four who return can lead the Fairlawn soccer program to the next level.
My wife is enjoying her new work as CFO of a non-profit and I have found new employment with Van Wert City Schools / the Western Buckeye Educational Services Center. I will be coaching men's soccer at Van Wert and am looking forward to the challenge. When I took over the Lima Central Catholic girls program they had never had a winning season in its 11 years of existence. That was preperation for this next adventure as I'm not sure Van Wert has enjoyed a winning season in its 24(?) years of existence. I am really looking forward to the challenge.
I am going to remember the lessons learned from my time at Fairlawn. The successes and the failures alike. So very much learned that can be applied going forward. I am especially going to remember the people. Those mentioned previously and people like Miss Betty, Betsy, Shelly, Deb, Gail, Todd, JT, Yolanda, Erin, Thersa, Darren, Karen and so many more.
I have a stated goal of wanting to learn something new each and every day and they all helped fulfill this goal over the last two years. I am sure I have missed a few, my apologies. This is one of the hazards of trying to name so many.
Most importantly, I wish to thank Caleb Puckett, the young man I was primarily charged to work with at Fairlawn. Caleb has been a daily inspiration to me and in truth was the deciding factor in my returning to Fairlawn this year. He is Developmentally Disabled or so they tell me. What Caleb actually is, is unique. He processes information differently than you or I. He is most definitely not dumb, just slow in doing things conventionally. He is quite smart and has a strong desire to learn. The progress he made these two years has been amazing. Until he ran up against calculus and trigonometry he mastered every academic challenge presented to him. And in fact, he was doing okay in those subjects before the decision was made to focus on more practical math, or math Caleb will need to be able to perform routinely in daily life. Such a rewarding experience for me. I thank God for having had this experience.
And now, I am moving on. Moving on to the next adventure.
I'm not going to dwell on the negatives here other than to say there were some: selfish players, helicopter parents - typical obstacles found anywhere and everywhere.
I want to focus on the positives. First the work aspects: Amber, Chris, Cory, Jodi, Jason ... truly outstanding educators. These folks go above and beyond in service to the young people entrusted to them. Each is willing to build teacher / pupil relationships that put students at ease and facilitate learning. I've learned so much from each of them.
The players. I must admit that after the 2017 season I seriously considered hanging up the whistle and clipboard. That season had been so disastrous that the ability of the program to survive was in doubt. The very real threat of the program folding is ultimately what kept me in the coaching game. I prayed on it and felt God had brought me to Fairlawn to navigate a terrible season and persevere through at least the next season to lay a foundation that could be built upon. We have succeeded in doing this. The program has grown from 4 players this time last year to an estimated 22 players for the 2019 season.
The credit is only partially mine. The majority of credit goes to the following players: Lucas and Leeann were our seniors and both did a remarkable job in stabilizing a floundering program. That will be their legacy to Fairlawn soccer. And quite a legacy it is. Grace, Seth, Katie and Payton were the underclassmen who stepped forward to provide leadership to the team. They were positive in the face of almost overwhelming adversity and understood our success was measured through continuous improvement in the process. These six individuals demonstrated maturity, character, dedication and positivity well beyond their years. Their teammates followed their lead. They will each enjoy success in life because of these traits and collectively he four who return can lead the Fairlawn soccer program to the next level.
My wife is enjoying her new work as CFO of a non-profit and I have found new employment with Van Wert City Schools / the Western Buckeye Educational Services Center. I will be coaching men's soccer at Van Wert and am looking forward to the challenge. When I took over the Lima Central Catholic girls program they had never had a winning season in its 11 years of existence. That was preperation for this next adventure as I'm not sure Van Wert has enjoyed a winning season in its 24(?) years of existence. I am really looking forward to the challenge.
I am going to remember the lessons learned from my time at Fairlawn. The successes and the failures alike. So very much learned that can be applied going forward. I am especially going to remember the people. Those mentioned previously and people like Miss Betty, Betsy, Shelly, Deb, Gail, Todd, JT, Yolanda, Erin, Thersa, Darren, Karen and so many more.
I have a stated goal of wanting to learn something new each and every day and they all helped fulfill this goal over the last two years. I am sure I have missed a few, my apologies. This is one of the hazards of trying to name so many.
Most importantly, I wish to thank Caleb Puckett, the young man I was primarily charged to work with at Fairlawn. Caleb has been a daily inspiration to me and in truth was the deciding factor in my returning to Fairlawn this year. He is Developmentally Disabled or so they tell me. What Caleb actually is, is unique. He processes information differently than you or I. He is most definitely not dumb, just slow in doing things conventionally. He is quite smart and has a strong desire to learn. The progress he made these two years has been amazing. Until he ran up against calculus and trigonometry he mastered every academic challenge presented to him. And in fact, he was doing okay in those subjects before the decision was made to focus on more practical math, or math Caleb will need to be able to perform routinely in daily life. Such a rewarding experience for me. I thank God for having had this experience.
And now, I am moving on. Moving on to the next adventure.
Monday
LEGACY by James Kerr
On the recommendation of a friend the book Legacy by James Kerr was among the books I bought myself for Christmas. I finally got around to reading it and discovered it was as “unputdownable” as Bloomberg reviewed it to be. I think one reason I put off reading it was because I am a soccer coach and this is a book about the All Blacks rugby team. Only, it’s not about rugby at all. It’s about culture and leadership. It’s about life.
A personal strength of mine lies in building soccer programs. Not just a team, but the program. And not a rebuild either. I truly enjoy taking a program that maybe has not had on-the-field success and helping them find that elusive success. Another way to frame this is to say I have a knack for taking a program and team to the next level. This invariably entails improving the programs / teams culture by infusing it with positivity and giving it my confidence. THIS is what Legacy is all about.
The book is not in a bullet pointed step by step format on how to do things the right way, but it is in a coherent format that touches on the basics, or the core, concepts, ideas and philosophies that lead to success. The All Blacks are the vehicle used to relate the values that drive success. And, along this journey I discovered I’ve been doing a lot of things right in accordance with the book. There are also things, many things, I have learned through reading this book. These I will be sharing with the programs and teams I work with going forward. Thank you Mr. James Kerr. Much appreciated.
A personal strength of mine lies in building soccer programs. Not just a team, but the program. And not a rebuild either. I truly enjoy taking a program that maybe has not had on-the-field success and helping them find that elusive success. Another way to frame this is to say I have a knack for taking a program and team to the next level. This invariably entails improving the programs / teams culture by infusing it with positivity and giving it my confidence. THIS is what Legacy is all about.
The book is not in a bullet pointed step by step format on how to do things the right way, but it is in a coherent format that touches on the basics, or the core, concepts, ideas and philosophies that lead to success. The All Blacks are the vehicle used to relate the values that drive success. And, along this journey I discovered I’ve been doing a lot of things right in accordance with the book. There are also things, many things, I have learned through reading this book. These I will be sharing with the programs and teams I work with going forward. Thank you Mr. James Kerr. Much appreciated.
Sunday
A brief look inside our Pace of Play Camps
Combining the Keys to Pace of Play,
Sequence of Touches and the Four Elements of the Game of Soccer are essential
to playing fast soccer. This is a THINKING man’s game.
Keys to Pace of Play
·
Be
in your teammate’s vision early
·
Know
your next play before your first touch
·
Be
a back footed player
Do not close your hips to the passer
Keep your hips
open to as much of the field as possible.
Heels to touch when playing in wide channels
·
Play
the way you face
Sequence of Touches – Two touch play with the inside of the foot. Toes up heel down
only
·
Right
/ Right
·
Right
/ Left
·
Left
/ Left
·
Left
/ Right
The Four Elements of the Game of Soccer
·
Penetration
·
Depth
·
Width
·
Mobility
There's more, of course. We build activities around these ideas.
Remember these things.
If you don't go after what you want,
you will never get what you want.
If you don't ask,
the answer is always no.
If you don't step forward,
you never advance and improve.
Champion Behavior
The culture precedes positive results.
Champions behave like champions
before they’re champions;
they have a winning standard of performance
before they are winners.
– Bill Walsh
If all your teammates ...
If
all your teammates …
… Communicated as you do
… Communicated as you do
…
Sacrificed as you do
…
Encouraged as you do
…
Cared as you do
…
Worked as you do
…
Had the same attitude as you do
…
Treated others as you do,
Would
your team be better or worse?
Tuesday
Thoughts on TEAM
11 Thoughts About Team
1) Teams rise and fall on culture, leadership, relationships, attitude and effort.
Great teams have a culture driven by great leadership. Relationships are meaningful and teammates are connected. The collective attitude is very positive and everyone on the team works hard to accomplish their mission.
Sometimes you are the star. Sometimes a teammate is the star. Share the spotlight.
3) If you want to be truly great, you must work as hard at being a great teammate as you do at being a great player.
When you work hard at being a great teammate, you make everyone around you better.
4) Your teammates do not care if you are a superstar.
They care if you are a super teammate.
5) You control your ATTITUDE, your EFFORTS and your ACTIONS toward being a great teammate.
Regardless of what is happening around you, everyday you can focus on being positive, working hard and making others around you better. If you do this, great things will happen.
6) One person cannot make a team, but one person can break a team.
Stay positive, always. Do not allow Energy Vampires to sabotage YOUR teams efforts.
7) Great teammates hold one another accountable to the highest standards of excellence their culture demands and expects.
Without enforcement of standards all talk about culture is just that ... Talk.
8) Team beats talent when talent isn't a team.
Culture can win you or lose you games AND it's YOUR CHOICE which it will do.
9) Great teams care more.
Great teams care about each other, their appearance, the quality of their work, their efforts ... everything positive.
10) Firm Belief and Understanding that WE > me.
What is best for the team supersedes what is best for the individual. A willingness to sacrifice for a common goal and the greater good.
11) Quality TEAM Decision Making.
Each and every day your team faces a decision.
Settle for average and choose a path of mediocrity
OR
Take the road less traveled and chase GREATNESS.
Regardless of what is happening around you, everyday you can focus on being positive, working hard and making others around you better. If you do this, great things will happen.
6) One person cannot make a team, but one person can break a team.
Stay positive, always. Do not allow Energy Vampires to sabotage YOUR teams efforts.
7) Great teammates hold one another accountable to the highest standards of excellence their culture demands and expects.
Without enforcement of standards all talk about culture is just that ... Talk.
8) Team beats talent when talent isn't a team.
Culture can win you or lose you games AND it's YOUR CHOICE which it will do.
9) Great teams care more.
Great teams care about each other, their appearance, the quality of their work, their efforts ... everything positive.
10) Firm Belief and Understanding that WE > me.
What is best for the team supersedes what is best for the individual. A willingness to sacrifice for a common goal and the greater good.
11) Quality TEAM Decision Making.
Each and every day your team faces a decision.
Settle for average and choose a path of mediocrity
OR
Take the road less traveled and chase GREATNESS.
I spend several hours of every week involved in soccer at various ability and age levels - club soccer, high school soccer, youth soccer, camps and clinics, As would be expected, even amongst players of similar ages, the technical level of individual players varies quite a bit. I had long been of the opinion that individuals and teams with very good technical ability play attractive soccer. Over time I came to reconsider my thoughts on this.
There can be no doubt individual technical ability is an important prerequisite to playing attractive soccer. However, it became apparent to me many individuals and teams with good technical foundations tend to play at the game of soccer instead of actually playing soccer.
Playing soccer occurs when technical ability is used in the context of helping make sense of the game.There are conscious decisions made by individuals and coordinated with teammates concerning where and how the ball is to be played and also about how players are to move and where players are to move on the pitch.
Players consciously think about what to do with the ball and make plans to execute their ideas about this. Passes are played with some degree of thought, with intent and not just aimlessly struck forward. The ball is played backwards, diagonally or square with a fair degree of frequency as players and teams seek the path of least resistance to goal. Possession is maintained through a combination of technical abilities - receiving the ball, dribbling, running with the ball, passing. Movement of players on the pitch is done with forethought and done with purpose. Although many times these skills are not executed perfectly by young players the important thing is players demonstrating they possess ideas about how to intentionally influence the game through their own decision making.
Playing at soccer occurs when individuals play the ball mainly with the intention of gaining better field positions. The game is often marked by great hustle and energy, but rarely are these executed in a well coordinated manner. The flow of the game is random and rarely influenced by intentional positive actions. Possessions are truncated and what rhythm there is to the game more closely resembles that of a ping pong match than a proper soccer match.
Possession soccer is not defined by any specific number of successful passes having been completed. A team might successfully maintain possession for 20 passes while never advancing the ball into scoring position. Similarly, a forward might win possession in his attacking third and immediately score the ball without ever attempting a pass. Which of these was a successful possession?
Possession with a Purpose does not even adequately grasp the concept. For example, a player races to a 50 / 50 ball and upon arriving first to the ball whacks it mightily up the pitch towards the opponents goal. This player had a purpose behind his play. In fact, he might have had multiple purposes behind his play: Win the ball, Gain field position, "Passing" to a teammate. This, in a snapshot, is how much of the United States views "direct" soccer.
Direct Soccer is a strategy espousing the shortest distance between two points (the ball and the goal is a straight line. Follow the straight line as closely as possible to advance the ball as quickly as possible and when close enough attempt to score the ball. Sounds good ... until the obstacles opponents present are encountered. Then, instead of a direct straight line toward goal, the course alters direction at each new obstacle encountered. Even if possession is successfully maintained the pace of play is slowed dramatically ... Unless ...
Intelligent Play is combining technical ability with tactical forethought in teamwork to possess and advance the ball at pace into scoring position resulting in an increase in the likelihood of a successful strike on goal. This seeks to eliminate or at least minimize the randomness that permeates the basic concept of direct soccer.
Many years ago while taking the National High School Diploma Course through the NSCAA now known as United Soccer Coaches I had the good fortune of learning from a gentleman by the name of Jeff Vennell who had penned a wonderful document titled The Cues for Combination Passing and shared with us various exercises to introduce these to players. When introducing the concept of Intelligent Attacking Play his thoughts on combination passing remain high on the priority list of topics to teach. The Cues for Combination Passing are but one example of a collective philosophy I loosely refer to as Intentionally Manipulating the Opponent and the Game itself through Intelligent Possession. Playing with a well defined and intelligent Purpose.
There can be no doubt individual technical ability is an important prerequisite to playing attractive soccer. However, it became apparent to me many individuals and teams with good technical foundations tend to play at the game of soccer instead of actually playing soccer.
Playing soccer occurs when technical ability is used in the context of helping make sense of the game.There are conscious decisions made by individuals and coordinated with teammates concerning where and how the ball is to be played and also about how players are to move and where players are to move on the pitch.
Players consciously think about what to do with the ball and make plans to execute their ideas about this. Passes are played with some degree of thought, with intent and not just aimlessly struck forward. The ball is played backwards, diagonally or square with a fair degree of frequency as players and teams seek the path of least resistance to goal. Possession is maintained through a combination of technical abilities - receiving the ball, dribbling, running with the ball, passing. Movement of players on the pitch is done with forethought and done with purpose. Although many times these skills are not executed perfectly by young players the important thing is players demonstrating they possess ideas about how to intentionally influence the game through their own decision making.
Playing at soccer occurs when individuals play the ball mainly with the intention of gaining better field positions. The game is often marked by great hustle and energy, but rarely are these executed in a well coordinated manner. The flow of the game is random and rarely influenced by intentional positive actions. Possessions are truncated and what rhythm there is to the game more closely resembles that of a ping pong match than a proper soccer match.
Possession soccer is not defined by any specific number of successful passes having been completed. A team might successfully maintain possession for 20 passes while never advancing the ball into scoring position. Similarly, a forward might win possession in his attacking third and immediately score the ball without ever attempting a pass. Which of these was a successful possession?
Possession with a Purpose does not even adequately grasp the concept. For example, a player races to a 50 / 50 ball and upon arriving first to the ball whacks it mightily up the pitch towards the opponents goal. This player had a purpose behind his play. In fact, he might have had multiple purposes behind his play: Win the ball, Gain field position, "Passing" to a teammate. This, in a snapshot, is how much of the United States views "direct" soccer.
Direct Soccer is a strategy espousing the shortest distance between two points (the ball and the goal is a straight line. Follow the straight line as closely as possible to advance the ball as quickly as possible and when close enough attempt to score the ball. Sounds good ... until the obstacles opponents present are encountered. Then, instead of a direct straight line toward goal, the course alters direction at each new obstacle encountered. Even if possession is successfully maintained the pace of play is slowed dramatically ... Unless ...
Intelligent Play is combining technical ability with tactical forethought in teamwork to possess and advance the ball at pace into scoring position resulting in an increase in the likelihood of a successful strike on goal. This seeks to eliminate or at least minimize the randomness that permeates the basic concept of direct soccer.
Many years ago while taking the National High School Diploma Course through the NSCAA now known as United Soccer Coaches I had the good fortune of learning from a gentleman by the name of Jeff Vennell who had penned a wonderful document titled The Cues for Combination Passing and shared with us various exercises to introduce these to players. When introducing the concept of Intelligent Attacking Play his thoughts on combination passing remain high on the priority list of topics to teach. The Cues for Combination Passing are but one example of a collective philosophy I loosely refer to as Intentionally Manipulating the Opponent and the Game itself through Intelligent Possession. Playing with a well defined and intelligent Purpose.
Coaches Play Favorites
Fact: Coaches play favorites:
They favor those who are accountable
They favor those who are responsible
They favor those who are good teammates
They favor those who work hard
They favor those who accept roles
Signs of Buy-In
Signs of Buy In
EYE CONTACT
GOOD BODY LANGUAGE
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
QUICK TO PRAISE
ENJOYING THE PROCESS
COACH-ABLE
ENGAGED
INQUISITIVE
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