The new US Soccer Academy program is the first youth league ever organized by US Soccer and not US Youth Soccer. That, in essence, is why it is so different. All other youth soccer leagues and events (including ODP) is under the umbrella of US Youth Soccer. Decisions on the rules and regulations for those are made by the Regional Director’s and State Presidents. Rules and regs for the Academy league are made by US Soccer (significant input coming from our national youth team coaches). The Academy program is actually just another league with specific rules that the organizers feel will be better for the development of the players.
The Academy program will have identification events to select players for opportunities with the National teams. Some national camps have already occurred with players from a Thanksgiving event. (We are very happy that 6 guys who played for MD ODP were selected out of those events to be on US teams in the NIKE Friendlies. At the same time that event was going on there was an “inter regional” with the ODP programs in Disney. Likewise players were selected from that event to join various national team events.
So what I believe we have are 2 programs that both have the ability to present players for the next level. The Academy program does it through club events while the ODP does it through state and regional events. Both have merit. I certainly hope that the Academy Program reaches it goal of providing a top developmental environment for the players involved. Important to keep in mind is that each club will be different based on coaching staff, facilities, finances, etc. That is not different than it has ever been. In many ways the Academy teams that really have the most on the line are the MLS youth teams. They probably have the most vested interest as they hope to directly benefit from the development of the players in their program.
Having said all that I do believe that the most important indicator of whether the Academy program is successful is if it does attract the college coaches. That is the main by-product for 99.9% of the players that are on top club teams. One thing I know for sure – college coaches will go to all tournaments and events that have good players regardless of whether they are “Academy”, US Youth Soccer/ODP or anything else. As there are not enough Academy teams to cover all the top players in the country (or even in any one area), all programs will continue to play an important role in the game’s development.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
ODP INTERNATIONAL TRIPS
) How does participating in or not participating in the overseas trip hurt / help a player? What if we are financially constrained?
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I have been on many, many international soccer tours with club, college, national teams, ODP teams. I have yet to have a poor soccer experience. It is the world's game and these trips expose the players to a passion for the sport that unfortunately cannot be replicated in this country - although we can only hope we are moving that way.
We play teams that are made up of same age players from the professional clubs of Argentina
(91 and 93 teams) and Scotland (95 trip). These are players who are trying to work their way up to the professional level. They were born with the soccer ball at their feet and the game in their hearts. Exposure to this environment never ceases to motivate me. The players will go against talent and sophistication that they are not use to. This will push them to be there best and find ways to be better. They simply do not get pushed this way at home - even when playing against older players. It is hard to describe the effect this has on the players.
In Argentina we take the U-15s and 17s. They play back to back games and that night they "critique" each other. We see the soccer brains developing at these team meetings. We see older payers helping younger players the same way a true club system would be... unfortunately not found here either.
For some players the opportunity to return to train with a professional club has happened. We had 2 players last year get invited to train with Celtic for 2 weeks in the summer. The year before we had a U-15 player invited to train with a Brazilian club.
Regarding finances for these trips - all I can say is that we price them at the absolute east we can. MSYSA makes no money off the trips - actually they lose money sue to costs of the staff. Is it worth it? I can't answer that. We can find ways to help with a payment plan and things like that, but unfortunately this is the one area where we do not have any financial assistance.
Does it hurt or help to go or not go?? Well naturally your son will have a unique opportunity for improvement and for a significant cultural education. It certainly won't be held against anyone for not going, but those who do go have an experience that they can bring back to help their game, their club team and teammates.
Hope that helps. It is an amazing culture we expose the boys to - on and off the field.
---------------------------------
I have been on many, many international soccer tours with club, college, national teams, ODP teams. I have yet to have a poor soccer experience. It is the world's game and these trips expose the players to a passion for the sport that unfortunately cannot be replicated in this country - although we can only hope we are moving that way.
We play teams that are made up of same age players from the professional clubs of Argentina
(91 and 93 teams) and Scotland (95 trip). These are players who are trying to work their way up to the professional level. They were born with the soccer ball at their feet and the game in their hearts. Exposure to this environment never ceases to motivate me. The players will go against talent and sophistication that they are not use to. This will push them to be there best and find ways to be better. They simply do not get pushed this way at home - even when playing against older players. It is hard to describe the effect this has on the players.
In Argentina we take the U-15s and 17s. They play back to back games and that night they "critique" each other. We see the soccer brains developing at these team meetings. We see older payers helping younger players the same way a true club system would be... unfortunately not found here either.
For some players the opportunity to return to train with a professional club has happened. We had 2 players last year get invited to train with Celtic for 2 weeks in the summer. The year before we had a U-15 player invited to train with a Brazilian club.
Regarding finances for these trips - all I can say is that we price them at the absolute east we can. MSYSA makes no money off the trips - actually they lose money sue to costs of the staff. Is it worth it? I can't answer that. We can find ways to help with a payment plan and things like that, but unfortunately this is the one area where we do not have any financial assistance.
Does it hurt or help to go or not go?? Well naturally your son will have a unique opportunity for improvement and for a significant cultural education. It certainly won't be held against anyone for not going, but those who do go have an experience that they can bring back to help their game, their club team and teammates.
Hope that helps. It is an amazing culture we expose the boys to - on and off the field.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
ODP TRYOUT EVALUATIONS
ODP TRYOUTS – WHAT SEPARATES PLAYERS
Trying out for ODP teams can be a very stressful time - before, during and after. When tryouts are over I often get e-mails and calls asking for evaluations of the players so they can work on what they need to do to improve. With hundreds of quality soccer players trying out it is impossible to give individual evaluations. However, there are some areas of the game that are the MOST COMMON in separating players from one level to another. These may be helpful in evaluating one’s own child, oneself or the player you coach.
1) First touch on the ball. Do you control the ball or does the ball control you? This is easy to see and those who have the ball controlling them can never make the step to a high level. First touch may well be the first thing to look at.
2) Speed of play. This is more in relation to what I cal “soccer speed”. How fast can one execute a technical requirement of the game. Can a payer (under pressure) take a pass and as quickly and efficiently as possible execute the next play.
3) Tactical decisions. Even if the player does things with effective speed, then the question becomes: is the player making the best decision possible and how fast does that player see the options.
4) Does the player make the game better? This can be due to overall ability, athleticism and a good “soccer brain”. It can also be because that player does something extremely well that a coach may feel overrides the deficiencies. For example – the player is a great 1v1 player, but lacks defensive instincts or great passing. Maybe the player is a fantastic defender but lacks elsewhere. The essential question is does the player have a chance to make the team better as opposed to just holding his own (not a good standard to use in making an ODP team).
Needless to say, there are other things that can factor in – especially at the younger age groups where sizes of players are so varied. Coaches are always asking the question: “While this player may not be able to compete athletically now, can he be one of the best when he does catch up with the athletically advanced players?” We certainly try and select those players even if they do not seem to be as effective as some who do not make it.
At the end of the day our staff can safely say that anyone who is selected has deserved to be, but we also know there are some not selected who are very good players. For those the greatest challenge is to now look at their game and really try and improve the above areas in particular. The higher the level the less time and space players have to be effective. Work on speed of play, speed of execution and speed of thought.
Feel free to give your thoughts…
www.ktsoccerworld.com
Trying out for ODP teams can be a very stressful time - before, during and after. When tryouts are over I often get e-mails and calls asking for evaluations of the players so they can work on what they need to do to improve. With hundreds of quality soccer players trying out it is impossible to give individual evaluations. However, there are some areas of the game that are the MOST COMMON in separating players from one level to another. These may be helpful in evaluating one’s own child, oneself or the player you coach.
1) First touch on the ball. Do you control the ball or does the ball control you? This is easy to see and those who have the ball controlling them can never make the step to a high level. First touch may well be the first thing to look at.
2) Speed of play. This is more in relation to what I cal “soccer speed”. How fast can one execute a technical requirement of the game. Can a payer (under pressure) take a pass and as quickly and efficiently as possible execute the next play.
3) Tactical decisions. Even if the player does things with effective speed, then the question becomes: is the player making the best decision possible and how fast does that player see the options.
4) Does the player make the game better? This can be due to overall ability, athleticism and a good “soccer brain”. It can also be because that player does something extremely well that a coach may feel overrides the deficiencies. For example – the player is a great 1v1 player, but lacks defensive instincts or great passing. Maybe the player is a fantastic defender but lacks elsewhere. The essential question is does the player have a chance to make the team better as opposed to just holding his own (not a good standard to use in making an ODP team).
Needless to say, there are other things that can factor in – especially at the younger age groups where sizes of players are so varied. Coaches are always asking the question: “While this player may not be able to compete athletically now, can he be one of the best when he does catch up with the athletically advanced players?” We certainly try and select those players even if they do not seem to be as effective as some who do not make it.
At the end of the day our staff can safely say that anyone who is selected has deserved to be, but we also know there are some not selected who are very good players. For those the greatest challenge is to now look at their game and really try and improve the above areas in particular. The higher the level the less time and space players have to be effective. Work on speed of play, speed of execution and speed of thought.
Feel free to give your thoughts…
www.ktsoccerworld.com
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
More on the Non-Academic/soccer factors in the college decision
Non-academic-athletic factors – These include the location of the school (urban or rural), size of school (and of classes), off-campus activities, housing, social life, etc.
Consider where you are when you step off campus. What does the city or town offer and is it what you are looking for. This is not saying that one scenario is better than another, but your entire college life will not just be within the confines of the campus. If you are in a major city, then you have the option of taking advantage of the many cultural and social outlets that will be there. At the same time you will have the challenges that a big city brings – transportation, safety, noise, etc.
If you come from a small private school with small class sizes you may wish to continue that. Ask the average class size at the school. There is usually a direct correlation of class size to total student body size. What are you comfortable with?
Clearly you need to see what other the school offers within its campus that will enhance your experience. That may be concerts, clubs to join, speakers and many other events.
Spend a night in a dorm if you can. Certainly if you are a potential student-athlete then you should take an overnight visit to get to know the team. Remember that the dorm room is critical to your enjoyment as you will end up back in that room everyday you are in college.
Truly, just walking around and looking at the current students gives you an idea of what you would be joining. The best thing that can happen is that at some point during your visit to a school you are able to say – “I know this is for me”.
Consider where you are when you step off campus. What does the city or town offer and is it what you are looking for. This is not saying that one scenario is better than another, but your entire college life will not just be within the confines of the campus. If you are in a major city, then you have the option of taking advantage of the many cultural and social outlets that will be there. At the same time you will have the challenges that a big city brings – transportation, safety, noise, etc.
If you come from a small private school with small class sizes you may wish to continue that. Ask the average class size at the school. There is usually a direct correlation of class size to total student body size. What are you comfortable with?
Clearly you need to see what other the school offers within its campus that will enhance your experience. That may be concerts, clubs to join, speakers and many other events.
Spend a night in a dorm if you can. Certainly if you are a potential student-athlete then you should take an overnight visit to get to know the team. Remember that the dorm room is critical to your enjoyment as you will end up back in that room everyday you are in college.
Truly, just walking around and looking at the current students gives you an idea of what you would be joining. The best thing that can happen is that at some point during your visit to a school you are able to say – “I know this is for me”.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
more on the college decision process
Parts 3 and 4 of a decision...
3. Non-academic-athletic factors – These include the location of the school (urban or rural), size of school (and of classes), off-campus activities, housing, social life, etc
4. Financial Factors – Obviously this is critical, but I put it last for a reason. I strongly urge people to try and decide on the college they want to go to and then see if they can make it work financially. You will be amazed at the many ways of working out a plan to pay for school. Your best resource for help is the financial Aid Department at that school. Many of the high cost schools have some creative ways of funding the education. Naturally, you may have the opportunity for athletic scholarships (if you are the best of the best), but there are other ways to get to the school you want).
I will expand on these 2 areas in the next blog.
3. Non-academic-athletic factors – These include the location of the school (urban or rural), size of school (and of classes), off-campus activities, housing, social life, etc
4. Financial Factors – Obviously this is critical, but I put it last for a reason. I strongly urge people to try and decide on the college they want to go to and then see if they can make it work financially. You will be amazed at the many ways of working out a plan to pay for school. Your best resource for help is the financial Aid Department at that school. Many of the high cost schools have some creative ways of funding the education. Naturally, you may have the opportunity for athletic scholarships (if you are the best of the best), but there are other ways to get to the school you want).
I will expand on these 2 areas in the next blog.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Advice for Recruiting - #2
“The Main Ingredients”
Part 1
I often give talks on the college recruiting process to HS, club and camp groups. I break down the process into 4 categories of consideration:
1. Academics – Find the schools that are the best challenge for you. Be sure they have the areas of study you are interested As many will not know yet what they want to study and some of you will change your mind, make sure you find out how one goes about deciding on a major at each school. Is it easy to change direction after a year or 2? NCAA rules give you 2 years before you need to declare a major – plenty of time to figure things out (and change your mind!)
Category 2 next... Athletics/Soccer
Part 1
I often give talks on the college recruiting process to HS, club and camp groups. I break down the process into 4 categories of consideration:
1. Academics – Find the schools that are the best challenge for you. Be sure they have the areas of study you are interested As many will not know yet what they want to study and some of you will change your mind, make sure you find out how one goes about deciding on a major at each school. Is it easy to change direction after a year or 2? NCAA rules give you 2 years before you need to declare a major – plenty of time to figure things out (and change your mind!)
Category 2 next... Athletics/Soccer
Monday, July 9, 2007
RECRUITING ADVICE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Georgetown – 22 years – Advice for contacting coaches for recruiting..
Part 1
Above all else – the student-athlete must be the one to contact the coach first. There is always a “yellow flag” that goes up when the parent calls or e-mails first. I am sure you can think of some of things a coach may conclude:
The player is not really interested – just the parent.
The parent does everything for the player.
The player does not have good interpersonal habits, so the parent is covering.
A player making the first contact is much more impressive. We will be coaching and mentoring the player, not the parents (or not supposed to mentoring the parents). You only have one chance to make a good first impression. Almost no matter what, that is best done by the player. Common excuses are that “I am calling for my son because he is in school and can’t call you from there. By the time he is home, you probably wouldn’t be in the office.”
Obviously, if the player tries to call after school, then he may find the coach is in the office. We don’t work 9-5s – much more than that. We all have voice mail – even if you just leave a message that I am trying to contact you and will call back is better than the call from someone other than you. If you leave your number and ask the coach to call you back, then you are also finding out how interested they may be in you and/or how professional they are.
Remember NCAA rules prohibit a coach from calling you until after July 1st prior to your senior year of HS. So if you are calling before that and leave a message, then you will not (or should not) receive a call back.
After the initial call it would not be improper for a parent to touch base. However, if it now becomes just the parent, then the same conclusions as above may apply. Parents are an important part of the process and can affect things. Obviously a parent should do all he/she can to allow the process to work for the student-athlete. Too much or none at all could spell out certain cautions in the mind of the coach.
Remember that we recruit players whom we feel will help our programs on and off the field and, obviously, fit into the academic profile of the school.
To find out more information on NCAA rules for the College Bound student-athlete you can go the following site:
http://www.ncaa.org/library/general/cbsa/2006-07/2006-07_cbsa.pdf
Part 1
Above all else – the student-athlete must be the one to contact the coach first. There is always a “yellow flag” that goes up when the parent calls or e-mails first. I am sure you can think of some of things a coach may conclude:
The player is not really interested – just the parent.
The parent does everything for the player.
The player does not have good interpersonal habits, so the parent is covering.
A player making the first contact is much more impressive. We will be coaching and mentoring the player, not the parents (or not supposed to mentoring the parents). You only have one chance to make a good first impression. Almost no matter what, that is best done by the player. Common excuses are that “I am calling for my son because he is in school and can’t call you from there. By the time he is home, you probably wouldn’t be in the office.”
Obviously, if the player tries to call after school, then he may find the coach is in the office. We don’t work 9-5s – much more than that. We all have voice mail – even if you just leave a message that I am trying to contact you and will call back is better than the call from someone other than you. If you leave your number and ask the coach to call you back, then you are also finding out how interested they may be in you and/or how professional they are.
Remember NCAA rules prohibit a coach from calling you until after July 1st prior to your senior year of HS. So if you are calling before that and leave a message, then you will not (or should not) receive a call back.
After the initial call it would not be improper for a parent to touch base. However, if it now becomes just the parent, then the same conclusions as above may apply. Parents are an important part of the process and can affect things. Obviously a parent should do all he/she can to allow the process to work for the student-athlete. Too much or none at all could spell out certain cautions in the mind of the coach.
Remember that we recruit players whom we feel will help our programs on and off the field and, obviously, fit into the academic profile of the school.
To find out more information on NCAA rules for the College Bound student-athlete you can go the following site:
http://www.ncaa.org/library/general/cbsa/2006-07/2006-07_cbsa.pdf
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Learn From the Pros
“Learn From the Pros” is Launching!
Don’t Miss It…
Almost a year’s work is about to go online and I think you are going to love it! If you click on the following link, then you will be directed to a sample of one of the days of training by the famous Brazilian club – Corinthians. http://www.ktsoccerworld.com/train_preview.asp
Check it out and if you like it ( and only a true soccer basher won’t), then please consider joining ktsoccerworld to be able to see the entire project.
4 MLS teams and 4 of the top Brazilian teams…
Anywhere from 2 to 4 training sessions per team that will have a complete printable outline of each session. These outlines have diagrams as well as comments form me about the keys points to each exercise. Additionally, you will be able to view video clips from these sessions that will help give you a clear idea of what the team is working on. Needless to say, it will be great just seeing some of the best players in soccer training.
So it doesn’t matter if you are a coach, player or fan, this is something unique and real interesting. The best part is that it only has a one time fee of $40 – that allows you complete access for as long as you want and as many times as you want. Help me spread the good word about this project. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to hearing from you about what you see and also with any questions regarding the training.
The sample session is up and the first team will be completely up soon.
Don’t Miss It…
Almost a year’s work is about to go online and I think you are going to love it! If you click on the following link, then you will be directed to a sample of one of the days of training by the famous Brazilian club – Corinthians. http://www.ktsoccerworld.com/train_preview.asp
Check it out and if you like it ( and only a true soccer basher won’t), then please consider joining ktsoccerworld to be able to see the entire project.
4 MLS teams and 4 of the top Brazilian teams…
Anywhere from 2 to 4 training sessions per team that will have a complete printable outline of each session. These outlines have diagrams as well as comments form me about the keys points to each exercise. Additionally, you will be able to view video clips from these sessions that will help give you a clear idea of what the team is working on. Needless to say, it will be great just seeing some of the best players in soccer training.
So it doesn’t matter if you are a coach, player or fan, this is something unique and real interesting. The best part is that it only has a one time fee of $40 – that allows you complete access for as long as you want and as many times as you want. Help me spread the good word about this project. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to hearing from you about what you see and also with any questions regarding the training.
The sample session is up and the first team will be completely up soon.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Scott Alexander
Scott Alexander - In Memoriam
January 18, 1971 – March 26, 2007
Coach Scott Alexander was only 36 years when a brain tumor suddenly took his life. He was the Head Coach for Magruder HS in Montgomery County, Maryland - as well as a successful youth coach in the area. I got to know Scott a couple years ago when I was his instructor at the National “C” License. Scott proved very clearly that he was a talented and enthusiastic coach as he earned his license as one of the top coaches in the course. As I sat yesterday through a moving hour and a half memorial service (held in the auditorium of Magruder HS), it was clear that I had not been lucky enough to have known him well.
In a life cut tragically short, Scott was able to touch so many people in such a lasting way. I listened to coaching colleagues, co-workers and former players and friends talk about a man who put more into 36 years than almost everyone does in twice that time. He was in education and there can be no better compliment in that field than that you were able to make a difference in the lives of young people. Scott did.
One of Scott’s former players spoke eloquently about the way his Coach affected the lives of those on his teams. All the players former and present went onto the stage and one by one lit a candle of the player next to him. This had significant meaning to the guys as it was some sort of tradition that Scott had created with his teams. To me I saw one candle’s flame brighten up as it lit up another and then another and then another. This passing of the energy of the flame is symbolic to me of the way that Scott’s life obviously strengthened those of so many people – he shared his light and brightened up the lives of so many young people.
His memory and legacy will continue to affect the lives of many. I am sorry that I did not get to know Scott better. As a coach there is nothing more gratifying than to see your players improve as a whole person. I am quite sure that the Magruder HS soccer team past, present and in the future will continue to reflect Scott’s positive energy, his integrity and his obvious care for the betterment of those around him. I noticed they wear adidas… maybe next year every time they put on their uniform they can think:
All Day I Dream About Scott … I have no doubt that his legacy will live on in them for many years to come.
Rest In Peace
January 18, 1971 – March 26, 2007
Coach Scott Alexander was only 36 years when a brain tumor suddenly took his life. He was the Head Coach for Magruder HS in Montgomery County, Maryland - as well as a successful youth coach in the area. I got to know Scott a couple years ago when I was his instructor at the National “C” License. Scott proved very clearly that he was a talented and enthusiastic coach as he earned his license as one of the top coaches in the course. As I sat yesterday through a moving hour and a half memorial service (held in the auditorium of Magruder HS), it was clear that I had not been lucky enough to have known him well.
In a life cut tragically short, Scott was able to touch so many people in such a lasting way. I listened to coaching colleagues, co-workers and former players and friends talk about a man who put more into 36 years than almost everyone does in twice that time. He was in education and there can be no better compliment in that field than that you were able to make a difference in the lives of young people. Scott did.
One of Scott’s former players spoke eloquently about the way his Coach affected the lives of those on his teams. All the players former and present went onto the stage and one by one lit a candle of the player next to him. This had significant meaning to the guys as it was some sort of tradition that Scott had created with his teams. To me I saw one candle’s flame brighten up as it lit up another and then another and then another. This passing of the energy of the flame is symbolic to me of the way that Scott’s life obviously strengthened those of so many people – he shared his light and brightened up the lives of so many young people.
His memory and legacy will continue to affect the lives of many. I am sorry that I did not get to know Scott better. As a coach there is nothing more gratifying than to see your players improve as a whole person. I am quite sure that the Magruder HS soccer team past, present and in the future will continue to reflect Scott’s positive energy, his integrity and his obvious care for the betterment of those around him. I noticed they wear adidas… maybe next year every time they put on their uniform they can think:
All Day I Dream About Scott … I have no doubt that his legacy will live on in them for many years to come.
Rest In Peace
Friday, March 30, 2007
COACHING LESSONS FROM BROADCASTING
Keep it simple. We often complicate the game by over-analysis. We often complicate practices by having too many drills and rules. It is called the simple game for a reason. Broadcasters often over do it as well - Talk for the sake of talking instead of for painting a picture with a comment or an idea. In my openings to the matches it became obvious that this was something I already knew from coaching. Keep it simple and it works a lot better.
The view from the booth is better than from the field. The coaches have the worst seat in the house. When you are evaluating a game you must do it from above. We are always at midfield when we broadcast and high up. I have often seen the game differently than from the coaches below. It was something I always knew as a coach, but could never detach myself from the field to sit up high when my teams were playing. It might be a good thing to do once in a while. A knew perspective on the same picture. That is what broadcasting brought me.
Working as a team is better than as individuals. This is not a new concept, but it is so over spoken without backing it up. There has to be a leader (the producer – the coach). There has to be other important parts (cameramen, play by play guy, analyst, assistant coach, captain…). There has to be a lot of ‘workers’ (graphics, sound, cable men, starters, subs, trainers…) If each did there own thing, then the final product doesn’t play out. When everyone works together under a common direction, then everybody makes the show and team work best. The sum of the parts… We have heard it so many times – because it is so true.
My thanks tothe entire production crew - Sean Wheelock (play by play),Dave Bolton, the NSCAA with Pat Britx and Chris Wyche and Fox Soccer for showing that lessons from teamwork on the field carry to virtually everything off the field.
PS – Instant replays help too!
The view from the booth is better than from the field. The coaches have the worst seat in the house. When you are evaluating a game you must do it from above. We are always at midfield when we broadcast and high up. I have often seen the game differently than from the coaches below. It was something I always knew as a coach, but could never detach myself from the field to sit up high when my teams were playing. It might be a good thing to do once in a while. A knew perspective on the same picture. That is what broadcasting brought me.
Working as a team is better than as individuals. This is not a new concept, but it is so over spoken without backing it up. There has to be a leader (the producer – the coach). There has to be other important parts (cameramen, play by play guy, analyst, assistant coach, captain…). There has to be a lot of ‘workers’ (graphics, sound, cable men, starters, subs, trainers…) If each did there own thing, then the final product doesn’t play out. When everyone works together under a common direction, then everybody makes the show and team work best. The sum of the parts… We have heard it so many times – because it is so true.
My thanks tothe entire production crew - Sean Wheelock (play by play),Dave Bolton, the NSCAA with Pat Britx and Chris Wyche and Fox Soccer for showing that lessons from teamwork on the field carry to virtually everything off the field.
PS – Instant replays help too!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
“My First Special Report: Penn State’s Grady Renfrow Beating Cancer”
Indiana at Penn State
For 5-6 long months in the winter/spring of 2004 Grady Renfrow – a Junior soccer player for Penn State – battled Leukemia in the Georgetown University Hospital in a room overlooking the soccer field. I became very close friends with Grady during that time period when chemo challenged everything he had inside himself. I told our producers about Grady a couple weeks before the match and they thought it would be a great piece to put on the air (with Grady’s permission, of course). I was given the task of getting the okay as well as all background information. On the day of the game all I knew was that they were planning on doing something…
…little did I know that they were going to have me do the story!
So another learning experience, but one I was honored to have. The saying in sports that games are decided in a matter of seconds and inches also holds true for live broadcasting. The story was partly taped a couple hours prior to the game, but was started and ended live at halftime – by me! In a quick rehearsal during the commercial where I had to give the history of Grady in about 45 seconds I finished 1 second late. And I was told (or reminded) that I could not be 1 second late. When the camera went live I was able to get everything in and give a smooth lead into interviews with Penn State head coach Barry Gorman and with Grady. Then back to me live to wrap up and send it back to Sean Wheelock in the booth.
I can tell you that I was more nervous about that then anything else I had done in my short broadcasting career because Grady deserved a professionally done story. I think he got it, and as I said on the air I was real proud to be able to see him play live after seeing him go through his courageous and inspirational battle.
As a side note, Penn State upset Indiana 1-0 on senior night. Had Grady not missed his sophomore year due to the cancer he would have been amongst those seniors, but he will be back for one more year and enjoy his senior night next Fall.
For 5-6 long months in the winter/spring of 2004 Grady Renfrow – a Junior soccer player for Penn State – battled Leukemia in the Georgetown University Hospital in a room overlooking the soccer field. I became very close friends with Grady during that time period when chemo challenged everything he had inside himself. I told our producers about Grady a couple weeks before the match and they thought it would be a great piece to put on the air (with Grady’s permission, of course). I was given the task of getting the okay as well as all background information. On the day of the game all I knew was that they were planning on doing something…
…little did I know that they were going to have me do the story!
So another learning experience, but one I was honored to have. The saying in sports that games are decided in a matter of seconds and inches also holds true for live broadcasting. The story was partly taped a couple hours prior to the game, but was started and ended live at halftime – by me! In a quick rehearsal during the commercial where I had to give the history of Grady in about 45 seconds I finished 1 second late. And I was told (or reminded) that I could not be 1 second late. When the camera went live I was able to get everything in and give a smooth lead into interviews with Penn State head coach Barry Gorman and with Grady. Then back to me live to wrap up and send it back to Sean Wheelock in the booth.
I can tell you that I was more nervous about that then anything else I had done in my short broadcasting career because Grady deserved a professionally done story. I think he got it, and as I said on the air I was real proud to be able to see him play live after seeing him go through his courageous and inspirational battle.
As a side note, Penn State upset Indiana 1-0 on senior night. Had Grady not missed his sophomore year due to the cancer he would have been amongst those seniors, but he will be back for one more year and enjoy his senior night next Fall.
“2 Games Back to Back”
William and Mary at ODU
Wake Forest at Virginia
The last time I studied this hard was back in college – no probably high school! When I say study I mean finding out about the tendencies of the teams, the history of the rivalry, each of the starters and main reserves for each team, etc. This week we had games Thursday night and Friday night. I had to be careful not to overlook Friday while preparing for Thursday. This was no different than when I was coaching and we had Friday – Sunday games as is often the case in college soccer. We would always only prepare the team for the next game, but in our minds as coaches we had to prepare for both games. Inevitably one could not be as prepared for the Sunday game as the Friday game, but you had to try your best for both.
So I talked with all 4 coaches, read and re-read and re-read all the press releases, media guides, web pages, etc about all the teams and jolted my memory banks about those players whom I knew from seeing on the recruiting trails. Many of the players I watched while working these Fox Soccer broadcasts were players I tried to get at Georgetown, so I had a lot of familiarity with them. Most made me pissed off that I didn’t get them at GU, but some made me happy I lost out!! (No names-sorry).
Old Dominion secured a spot in the NCAA tournament (at least in this reporters opinion) with a 2-1 victory over the Tribe (who’s season ended with the loss).
The Wake – Virginia match was great. #3 vs #2 in the country and it fit the billing – albeit in cold, rainy conditions that kept the crowd down to just under 3000. Good weather may have brought upwards of 8000 to Klockner Stadium. Wake “upset” U Va 2-1 on a great goal by Freshman Cody Arnealt. The game of inches cliché was back in order as U Va came that close to tying the score with 3 seconds left. The goal was disallowed as the assistant referee flagged the ball out of bounds first – but just barely. I supported the referees in this decision. They were delighted to hear that- although probably surprised after 22 years of me usually arguing their calls! Hey – why upset the referees now…I may return to the sidelines someday!!!
Wake Forest at Virginia
The last time I studied this hard was back in college – no probably high school! When I say study I mean finding out about the tendencies of the teams, the history of the rivalry, each of the starters and main reserves for each team, etc. This week we had games Thursday night and Friday night. I had to be careful not to overlook Friday while preparing for Thursday. This was no different than when I was coaching and we had Friday – Sunday games as is often the case in college soccer. We would always only prepare the team for the next game, but in our minds as coaches we had to prepare for both games. Inevitably one could not be as prepared for the Sunday game as the Friday game, but you had to try your best for both.
So I talked with all 4 coaches, read and re-read and re-read all the press releases, media guides, web pages, etc about all the teams and jolted my memory banks about those players whom I knew from seeing on the recruiting trails. Many of the players I watched while working these Fox Soccer broadcasts were players I tried to get at Georgetown, so I had a lot of familiarity with them. Most made me pissed off that I didn’t get them at GU, but some made me happy I lost out!! (No names-sorry).
Old Dominion secured a spot in the NCAA tournament (at least in this reporters opinion) with a 2-1 victory over the Tribe (who’s season ended with the loss).
The Wake – Virginia match was great. #3 vs #2 in the country and it fit the billing – albeit in cold, rainy conditions that kept the crowd down to just under 3000. Good weather may have brought upwards of 8000 to Klockner Stadium. Wake “upset” U Va 2-1 on a great goal by Freshman Cody Arnealt. The game of inches cliché was back in order as U Va came that close to tying the score with 3 seconds left. The goal was disallowed as the assistant referee flagged the ball out of bounds first – but just barely. I supported the referees in this decision. They were delighted to hear that- although probably surprised after 22 years of me usually arguing their calls! Hey – why upset the referees now…I may return to the sidelines someday!!!
Pele-Santos-Beckham
January 29, 2007
Last night I saw Santos play in the “House that Pele Built” - my original name for “Vila Belmiro”. Santos defeated Guaratingueta 1-0 on some brilliance by Brazilian international Ze Roberto. It was over 30 years ago when I last saw Santos play as toured the US and played at RFK stadium. I don’t remember much about the game – other than the magical Brazilians led by the world’s greatest player in their White jerseys with diagonal black stripe (the same as they still wear). It was not many years later that Pele came to the NY Cosmos and changed the landscape of soccer in the United States forever.
On the drive up the mountain from Santos back to the hotel in Sao Paulo I couldn’t help but think that were it not for Pele very few of us may be able to have full time careers in this great game. I also started thinking what a mistake it would be to think that the MLS’s signing of David Beckham could possibly have anywhere near the same effect. A positive effect – for sure as he is a great player in his own right. However, Beckham certainly does not have the magic that awes us as did Pele (other than an occasional free kick!)
He does bring the international spotlight on US domestic soccer, and he may even be opening the door for other world stars to join our league under the new “Beckham rule”. However, he may be a disappointment as he lacks the flair that would draw and keep new fans. Hopefully, we can take full advantage of the fact that he is an ultimate professional, and will take the league seriously- unlike some previous mega-stars who came over… remember Lothar Mathias??? Thankfully most of us forget that he played in the MLS.
Hopefully someday I will leave Old Trafford and have similar thoughts about Beckham as I did about Pele – but I doubt it. There will only ever be one King.
“Broadcasting isn’t always in a Booth”
Maryland at UNC – Fox Soccer
Whenever possible they want the cameras placed where they film across the field into the main stands. That meant at UNC that the play by play (Sean Wheelock) and I were positioned high up on scaffolding between the 2 benches. The day prior to the match that would not have been a problem as it was a beautiful 84 degrees and sunny. What a difference a day can make. At kick off on Friday at 8 PM it was already 50 degrees and falling after a rain soaked day. On top of that was a steady wind blowing – you guessed it – right at us in the scaffolding? The main problem this presented for me was that it was not easy placing my notes anywhere so I was relying on memory much more than before. (For those who know me well – relying on my memory is not always a good thing. I could always remember a soccer player or a part of any game my team has ever played, but day to day memory has something to be desired).
Fortunately, both teams put on a good game which always makes it easier to commentate on. On this specific night I was able to experience (and therefore appreciate) the play by play part of announcing. We think moisture from the rain all day must have got into some of the wiring. 15 minutes into the match Sean Wheelock’s microphone did not seem to be working… As we are talking as if everything was ok, we were also looking at each wondering what was happening. Then I get the producer in my ear: “Keith – you take over…take over, now”. I am fortunate that Maryland and UNC were 2 teams I knew very well so that my 5 minutes or so of play by play was more descriptive than “the guy in red is playing it back to his teammate who is being pressured by the guy in white…”.
Technical difficulties do happen and it gave me a great appreciation of how sharp play by play guys need to be. I definitely prefer the analyst position where I only need to talk when there is something to talk about.
PS – AS one would guess in the cold and wind – the game went through 2 overtimes and ended correctly as a 1-1 draw. It was Md captain Steve King who equalized in the second half after Ben Hunter had put UNC on top after just 10 minutes into the match. Maryland Goalkeeper Chris Seitz saved the day stopping a UNC penalty kick ate in the game.
Whenever possible they want the cameras placed where they film across the field into the main stands. That meant at UNC that the play by play (Sean Wheelock) and I were positioned high up on scaffolding between the 2 benches. The day prior to the match that would not have been a problem as it was a beautiful 84 degrees and sunny. What a difference a day can make. At kick off on Friday at 8 PM it was already 50 degrees and falling after a rain soaked day. On top of that was a steady wind blowing – you guessed it – right at us in the scaffolding? The main problem this presented for me was that it was not easy placing my notes anywhere so I was relying on memory much more than before. (For those who know me well – relying on my memory is not always a good thing. I could always remember a soccer player or a part of any game my team has ever played, but day to day memory has something to be desired).
Fortunately, both teams put on a good game which always makes it easier to commentate on. On this specific night I was able to experience (and therefore appreciate) the play by play part of announcing. We think moisture from the rain all day must have got into some of the wiring. 15 minutes into the match Sean Wheelock’s microphone did not seem to be working… As we are talking as if everything was ok, we were also looking at each wondering what was happening. Then I get the producer in my ear: “Keith – you take over…take over, now”. I am fortunate that Maryland and UNC were 2 teams I knew very well so that my 5 minutes or so of play by play was more descriptive than “the guy in red is playing it back to his teammate who is being pressured by the guy in white…”.
Technical difficulties do happen and it gave me a great appreciation of how sharp play by play guys need to be. I definitely prefer the analyst position where I only need to talk when there is something to talk about.
PS – AS one would guess in the cold and wind – the game went through 2 overtimes and ended correctly as a 1-1 draw. It was Md captain Steve King who equalized in the second half after Ben Hunter had put UNC on top after just 10 minutes into the match. Maryland Goalkeeper Chris Seitz saved the day stopping a UNC penalty kick ate in the game.
“All Preparation can go Down the Drain in a Second”
Duke at Maryland –Fox Soccer
One live TV match under my belt and now I was ready for anything. Seasoned after 2 hours on the air, I knew my main job would be to come up with a pre game introduction to grab the interest of the viewers. No tomato patches at Maryland to talk about (See Blog #1), so it was all mine to devise. And this would be easy: 2 of the top teams in the country in front of a frenzied Maryland crowd. I had prepared all day and virtually memorized my pre game piece (just as I had for 22 years for my games as head coach at Georgetown). I always walked into the locker room knowing exactly the points I wanted to make – the emotion I wanted to bring out. This was no different. When it came time to tape my intro I was standing at midfield an hour before the game and already the stands were filling. Showtime!
In my earpiece the producer says 5 seconds Keith… ready... go. I knew I nailed it right from the start. A fantastic opening that brought in the importance of the ACC match, the NCAA implications and the atmosphere. Then reality hit – it wasn’t my show… the next words from the producer in my earpiece was: “Keith that was great, but if we use all that we will have to start the game late. Now do it again and cut it half. I’ll give you 20 seconds to gather your thoughts. He gave me 15 seconds, and I learned another big lesson – simplify everything as much as possible. I think I nailed it in the short version as well! Preparation helps you adjust when things do not go as planned.
More to come…
PS – Maryland did not disappoint their crowd of 6 and half thousand as Maurice Edu won the center midfield battle with Duke’s Michael Videra scoring the lone goal. Impressive Terp goalkeeper Chris Seitz from California gain yet another shutout in his young career - a future MLS star for sure. Edu was this year’s first pick in the MLS super draft (Toronto) and Seitz was the 4th (Real Salt Lake)
One live TV match under my belt and now I was ready for anything. Seasoned after 2 hours on the air, I knew my main job would be to come up with a pre game introduction to grab the interest of the viewers. No tomato patches at Maryland to talk about (See Blog #1), so it was all mine to devise. And this would be easy: 2 of the top teams in the country in front of a frenzied Maryland crowd. I had prepared all day and virtually memorized my pre game piece (just as I had for 22 years for my games as head coach at Georgetown). I always walked into the locker room knowing exactly the points I wanted to make – the emotion I wanted to bring out. This was no different. When it came time to tape my intro I was standing at midfield an hour before the game and already the stands were filling. Showtime!
In my earpiece the producer says 5 seconds Keith… ready... go. I knew I nailed it right from the start. A fantastic opening that brought in the importance of the ACC match, the NCAA implications and the atmosphere. Then reality hit – it wasn’t my show… the next words from the producer in my earpiece was: “Keith that was great, but if we use all that we will have to start the game late. Now do it again and cut it half. I’ll give you 20 seconds to gather your thoughts. He gave me 15 seconds, and I learned another big lesson – simplify everything as much as possible. I think I nailed it in the short version as well! Preparation helps you adjust when things do not go as planned.
More to come…
PS – Maryland did not disappoint their crowd of 6 and half thousand as Maurice Edu won the center midfield battle with Duke’s Michael Videra scoring the lone goal. Impressive Terp goalkeeper Chris Seitz from California gain yet another shutout in his young career - a future MLS star for sure. Edu was this year’s first pick in the MLS super draft (Toronto) and Seitz was the 4th (Real Salt Lake)
“From Veteran Coach to Rookie Broadcaster”
“From Veteran Coach to Rookie Broadcaster”
Coastal Carolina at UNC-Greensboro
I have been a soccer coach my entire adult life. You would think that heading down Interstate 95 to Greensboro, NC last fall to do my first broadcast for the NSCAA and Fox Soccer Channel would be a chance to simply review in my head all the players for each team. Instead it was a 5 hour drive wondering about all the things that have nothing to do with soccer that could affect my rookie appearance as the color commentator for this match between Coastal Carolina and UNC-Greensboro. Where do I stand if I am doing an interview? Where do I hold the microphone? Do I look at the camera or the coach I am talking with? These were just a few of many questions going through my head over and over again. My first experience ended up relatively painless, but is worth talking about.
I arrived at the UNC-G soccer stadium 3 and 1/2 hours prior to the match to meet the producer Dave Bolton and Sean Wheelock (the play by play announcer). We were supposed to meet 3 hours prior, but my saying I always used with the players I coached for 22 years at Georgetown - “that the only way to be on time is to be early” – stuck in my head all day as I headed there. So 30 minutes early and what did I find? - No one who could help me with anything yet. In fact most people didn’t even realize I was going to be doing this game. I was hoping there would be an easy to follow users’ guide for a first time color commentator. I was also hoping this would be about 3 pages long only with big print so I could see it without my reading glasses! But there was nothing.
When I finally met with the Dave and Sean as well as Pat Britz from the NSCAA it was fairly evident that I was expected to be able to figure things out as we go. Dave’s productions are first class and he just gets people to do it right – with or without experience. Immediately I was told that I would do an opening piece that would be taped an hour prior to game time. It needed to be big, exciting – bring the audience into the game before the game starts. This was it – my Dick Vitale moment. Then I was asked to include a ritual that the UNC-G head coach (Mike Parker – a very close friend of mine) did before every home game: pick a tomato from a tomato patch he had planted in the corner of the stadium. So I had to throw out all my soccer lines and thoughts of the strategy the teams would need to battle each other and come up with an introduction of which the highlight would be picking tomatoes! (It was actually a good way to change a often similar opening).
Welcome to live TV. I don’t even like tomatoes! More to come…
PS – UNC-Greensboro won 4-0 with impressive performances by their center midfield duo from Iceland – Jokull Elisabetarson and Henning Jonasson , sophomore Tom Campbell and senior Randi Patterson - both from the PDA club in New Jersey as well as senior Scott Jones (drafted in this years MLS super draft by FC Dallas)
Coastal Carolina at UNC-Greensboro
I have been a soccer coach my entire adult life. You would think that heading down Interstate 95 to Greensboro, NC last fall to do my first broadcast for the NSCAA and Fox Soccer Channel would be a chance to simply review in my head all the players for each team. Instead it was a 5 hour drive wondering about all the things that have nothing to do with soccer that could affect my rookie appearance as the color commentator for this match between Coastal Carolina and UNC-Greensboro. Where do I stand if I am doing an interview? Where do I hold the microphone? Do I look at the camera or the coach I am talking with? These were just a few of many questions going through my head over and over again. My first experience ended up relatively painless, but is worth talking about.
I arrived at the UNC-G soccer stadium 3 and 1/2 hours prior to the match to meet the producer Dave Bolton and Sean Wheelock (the play by play announcer). We were supposed to meet 3 hours prior, but my saying I always used with the players I coached for 22 years at Georgetown - “that the only way to be on time is to be early” – stuck in my head all day as I headed there. So 30 minutes early and what did I find? - No one who could help me with anything yet. In fact most people didn’t even realize I was going to be doing this game. I was hoping there would be an easy to follow users’ guide for a first time color commentator. I was also hoping this would be about 3 pages long only with big print so I could see it without my reading glasses! But there was nothing.
When I finally met with the Dave and Sean as well as Pat Britz from the NSCAA it was fairly evident that I was expected to be able to figure things out as we go. Dave’s productions are first class and he just gets people to do it right – with or without experience. Immediately I was told that I would do an opening piece that would be taped an hour prior to game time. It needed to be big, exciting – bring the audience into the game before the game starts. This was it – my Dick Vitale moment. Then I was asked to include a ritual that the UNC-G head coach (Mike Parker – a very close friend of mine) did before every home game: pick a tomato from a tomato patch he had planted in the corner of the stadium. So I had to throw out all my soccer lines and thoughts of the strategy the teams would need to battle each other and come up with an introduction of which the highlight would be picking tomatoes! (It was actually a good way to change a often similar opening).
Welcome to live TV. I don’t even like tomatoes! More to come…
PS – UNC-Greensboro won 4-0 with impressive performances by their center midfield duo from Iceland – Jokull Elisabetarson and Henning Jonasson , sophomore Tom Campbell and senior Randi Patterson - both from the PDA club in New Jersey as well as senior Scott Jones (drafted in this years MLS super draft by FC Dallas)
WELCOME!!!
Welcome to KTSOCCERWORLD
“Our First Blog”
After 24 years of college coaching (the last 22 as Head Coach at Georgetown University), I have created KTSOCCERWORLD. This will be a company of services and education on many aspects of soccer from coaching education to player clinics to lecture and consultations. The most exciting part of KTSOCCERWORLD will be the launching this spring with observations of 8 professional teams as they take up to a week to prepare for a game. How much time is dedicated to fitness, to technical work and to tactics? How do they combine these areas together? The goal of this study is to see teams when they only have 1 match during that week. What does the Monday through Friday look like as a team prepares for a major game on Saturday? An exciting part of this project is the teams we are observing. We will see 4 MLS teams as well as 4 of the top teams from BRAZIL with VIDEO, ANIMATION and COMMENTARY! I will spend 4 weeks from mid-January to mid-February with significant access to teams that will include Santos (Pele’s club) and the famous Corinthians.
As the web site launches I hope you will continue to come back to read various blogs on a variety of topics. I look forward to your feedback and comments on them. One of my new ventures after leaving Georgetown was working as the “Analyst” on Fox Soccer Channel for college games of the week. My transition from veteran coach to rookie broadcaster was interesting, to say the least. I will let you in on some of the behind the scenes challenges. I will also write about many of my experiences coaching at Georgetown. How have players changed over the years? How can you best prepare yourself or your child for college soccer? How to go about the recruiting process?
I will try and share some of my experiences and insight with you on topics that will help you as a coach, player, soccer ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’, and fan. Feel free to start your feedback with topics you may want to hear about. Click on the “About Us” tab on the homepage to find out more about the background of KTSOCCERWORLD and the many years of experience I hope to share with you.
Enjoy and please pass on to your soccer friends. A main goal of mine after leaving Georgetown is to help promote the development of the game. This is my vehicle for doing just that. Welcome to KTSOCCERWORLD !
“Our First Blog”
After 24 years of college coaching (the last 22 as Head Coach at Georgetown University), I have created KTSOCCERWORLD. This will be a company of services and education on many aspects of soccer from coaching education to player clinics to lecture and consultations. The most exciting part of KTSOCCERWORLD will be the launching this spring with observations of 8 professional teams as they take up to a week to prepare for a game. How much time is dedicated to fitness, to technical work and to tactics? How do they combine these areas together? The goal of this study is to see teams when they only have 1 match during that week. What does the Monday through Friday look like as a team prepares for a major game on Saturday? An exciting part of this project is the teams we are observing. We will see 4 MLS teams as well as 4 of the top teams from BRAZIL with VIDEO, ANIMATION and COMMENTARY! I will spend 4 weeks from mid-January to mid-February with significant access to teams that will include Santos (Pele’s club) and the famous Corinthians.
As the web site launches I hope you will continue to come back to read various blogs on a variety of topics. I look forward to your feedback and comments on them. One of my new ventures after leaving Georgetown was working as the “Analyst” on Fox Soccer Channel for college games of the week. My transition from veteran coach to rookie broadcaster was interesting, to say the least. I will let you in on some of the behind the scenes challenges. I will also write about many of my experiences coaching at Georgetown. How have players changed over the years? How can you best prepare yourself or your child for college soccer? How to go about the recruiting process?
I will try and share some of my experiences and insight with you on topics that will help you as a coach, player, soccer ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’, and fan. Feel free to start your feedback with topics you may want to hear about. Click on the “About Us” tab on the homepage to find out more about the background of KTSOCCERWORLD and the many years of experience I hope to share with you.
Enjoy and please pass on to your soccer friends. A main goal of mine after leaving Georgetown is to help promote the development of the game. This is my vehicle for doing just that. Welcome to KTSOCCERWORLD !
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