A great job to players, coaches and parents for this past weekend. I was so impressed with how quickly the teams were playing the style we want in Maryland. One of the most impressive games was one we lost by a few goals - but only due to the physical size difference between our 95s and the opponent. Even the opponent's coach said afterwards that we were the most impressive team he had ever seen at that age. That type of play will pay off down the road. We need to keep encouraging the possession style of play that gets the players comfortable with the ball under pressure. The weekend also brought out areas that we need to address in training, and we look at the next few sessions to iron out the main issues we saw.
At any rate, thanks for all the hard work from everyone.
Upcoming practices will be announced soon. (WE STILL NEED FIELDS!!)
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Answering your questions...
Anonymous said...
Question 1:
Coach -- thanks for all your guidance and insights on this blog. I have found what you have to say to be very interesting and helpful. Here are a couple of things that have been on my mind ... what is your feeling about high school age and younger kids playing "too much soccer," assuming you think there is such a thing as too much soccer ... ?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KTSOCCER WORLD:
US Soccer has been addressing the issue of too much soccer and have come out with guidelines in a handbook entitled: “BEST PRACTICES”. This gives suggested practice amounts (days and minutes per week) as well as games per week. More and more associations are trying to bring their leagues/clubs in line with these suggestions. Unfortunately, high school soccer does not fall under the US Soccer Umbrella so as kids hit HS age they end up playing far more soccer than would be recommended. As HS soccer is a school activity there is a tendency to use every available day as either practice or games. Some HS coaches are realizing this and give appropriate days off (or lighter training sessions). The other unfortunately part of HS soccer has been that they have traditionally played on poor fields (and often football width fields – far narrower than needed). This leads to poor quality games, more of a physical game and hence more injuries. This should gradually change for the better as more and more schools are putting in the new turf (while never as good as a good grass field – much better than what most played on before). The better fields will lead to better soccer and fewer injuries. To download the 70 page PDF of Best Practices you can go to this link:
http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/Best_Practices.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question 2:
I've seen a number of kids seemingly get dinged-up from all the soccer practice and games they are playing. Burnout has also seemed to be a factor for a couple of kids that I have seen quit soccer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KTSOCCERWORLD:
Burnout is a major issue for young players, referees and even some coaches. It comes from the factors above (too much soccer sometimes and it comes from the factors below – the unfair emphasis on winning at younger ages. Parents share a lot of the blame for this culture happening in youth soccer (its not just coaches). Parents believe that if their kid is on a team that wins that it will automatically lead to a scholarship. Going into things with that approach will automatically take away the chances for enjoyment (that is why we initially start to play anything – because it is fun). All coaches and parents must keep that in mind. The number one reason kids burnout is due to a lack of having fun – not playing too much or too little – just not having fun when they are playing/practicing.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Question 3:
I've also read some recruiting accounts where some college coaches say that they like to see kids who have participated in more than one sport, as they think such an approach can help development. In this regard, it seems that many of the soccer programs today almost preclude participation in any other sport ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KTSOCCERWORLD:
I have honestly not heard of any coach preferring a player to divide them selves between a few sports (2 sport athletes in college has virtually gone other than in Division 3 – and that may be where you heard that). At some point a player who wants to play at the highest level possible (and has the God given talent and athleticism to do so), must concentrate on that sport above all the rest. I might throw out that starting at the HS age may be the time where a strong dedication to one sport might be important (IF THAT IS WHAT THE PLAYER WANTS).
___________________________________________________________________________________
Also, what do you think about what is seemingly a very strong emphasis on winning at the club level? Is it too much?
SEE ABOVE……..
Interested in other people’s thoughts..........
Question 1:
Coach -- thanks for all your guidance and insights on this blog. I have found what you have to say to be very interesting and helpful. Here are a couple of things that have been on my mind ... what is your feeling about high school age and younger kids playing "too much soccer," assuming you think there is such a thing as too much soccer ... ?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KTSOCCER WORLD:
US Soccer has been addressing the issue of too much soccer and have come out with guidelines in a handbook entitled: “BEST PRACTICES”. This gives suggested practice amounts (days and minutes per week) as well as games per week. More and more associations are trying to bring their leagues/clubs in line with these suggestions. Unfortunately, high school soccer does not fall under the US Soccer Umbrella so as kids hit HS age they end up playing far more soccer than would be recommended. As HS soccer is a school activity there is a tendency to use every available day as either practice or games. Some HS coaches are realizing this and give appropriate days off (or lighter training sessions). The other unfortunately part of HS soccer has been that they have traditionally played on poor fields (and often football width fields – far narrower than needed). This leads to poor quality games, more of a physical game and hence more injuries. This should gradually change for the better as more and more schools are putting in the new turf (while never as good as a good grass field – much better than what most played on before). The better fields will lead to better soccer and fewer injuries. To download the 70 page PDF of Best Practices you can go to this link:
http://images.ussoccer.com/Documents/cms/ussf/Best_Practices.pdf
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question 2:
I've seen a number of kids seemingly get dinged-up from all the soccer practice and games they are playing. Burnout has also seemed to be a factor for a couple of kids that I have seen quit soccer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KTSOCCERWORLD:
Burnout is a major issue for young players, referees and even some coaches. It comes from the factors above (too much soccer sometimes and it comes from the factors below – the unfair emphasis on winning at younger ages. Parents share a lot of the blame for this culture happening in youth soccer (its not just coaches). Parents believe that if their kid is on a team that wins that it will automatically lead to a scholarship. Going into things with that approach will automatically take away the chances for enjoyment (that is why we initially start to play anything – because it is fun). All coaches and parents must keep that in mind. The number one reason kids burnout is due to a lack of having fun – not playing too much or too little – just not having fun when they are playing/practicing.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Question 3:
I've also read some recruiting accounts where some college coaches say that they like to see kids who have participated in more than one sport, as they think such an approach can help development. In this regard, it seems that many of the soccer programs today almost preclude participation in any other sport ...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KTSOCCERWORLD:
I have honestly not heard of any coach preferring a player to divide them selves between a few sports (2 sport athletes in college has virtually gone other than in Division 3 – and that may be where you heard that). At some point a player who wants to play at the highest level possible (and has the God given talent and athleticism to do so), must concentrate on that sport above all the rest. I might throw out that starting at the HS age may be the time where a strong dedication to one sport might be important (IF THAT IS WHAT THE PLAYER WANTS).
___________________________________________________________________________________
Also, what do you think about what is seemingly a very strong emphasis on winning at the club level? Is it too much?
SEE ABOVE……..
Interested in other people’s thoughts..........
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Post ODP Meeting Items
Thanks to all the parents who made it out last night for the meeting. Following are a few items I forgot to mention as well as a response to comment for one of the other blogs.
1) I mentioned this to the 91 parents but meant to do same for the 92s and 93s. The player pool for your age groups is around 24-25 players. For the ODP tournament in June we select minimally 18. We are allowed to take more although can only play 18 in each game. Therefore, just as the last chapter was making the ODP pool, the next challenge for those players is to emerge as one of the 18 at least.
2) For the 94 and 95 age groups we take 2 teams each to the ODP tournament, therefore all players can be rostered.
3) The Jefferson Cup appears to be the one potential conflict with the international trips. As I said in an earlier blog response, one has to believe that experience of going to Buenos Aires and playing those teams will make the individual better and therefore make his club team better when he returns - as opposed to going to Richmond and playing most likely the same teams one sees at most other tournaments.
In the long run it makes more sense on all accounts to go to Argentina or Scotland. You help yourself and you help your club. (Others on your club get to play more at Jefferson Cup as well - also in theory helping the development of your team.
4) Reminder to try and attend the NSCAA convention and MSYSA Workshop at the convention in Baltimore. Info can be found on the following links:
www.nscaa.com
http://www.msysa.org/programs/workshop/index_E.html
Addressing comments in a response to an earlier blog:
The 91 team had 10 players from last year try out again this year.
Only 3 players from last "voluntarily" decided not to try out. 8 are on clubs that are part of the Academy program and therefore were not allowed to tryout. Kinda misleading to say they voluntarily didn't come out. Several of them thought that they were going to be able to tryout anyway as we almost did get the rules changed. It is certainly possible that those rules could be changed in the future.
Numbers for 92 team are being sorted now and will post when I have an accurate count.
Lowering the cost of participation in the ODP was requested due to some players not being out he team this year due to academy. Didn't really understand that, but will say that we operate on a zero balance budget - meaning that MSYSA makes no money on ODP and, in fact, usually loses money on the program. I wish that we could find a way to lower the costs. MSYSA needs very much to create a fundraising arm to their organization. I am happy that over the last 4 years we have not really had to raise the fees at all. I am certainly open to ideas to try and make fees smaller.
Again - thanks for attendance last night and please get in any forms, etc that you may still need to get to Jen. If you signed up for an international tour, but did not put in a deposit, then we need to get that (or cc #) asap. If you did not sign up last night and have decided you do want to go, then same thing - we need to know asap. Thanks a lot. You will be hearing from your coaches soon regarding training as we sort out fields.
1) I mentioned this to the 91 parents but meant to do same for the 92s and 93s. The player pool for your age groups is around 24-25 players. For the ODP tournament in June we select minimally 18. We are allowed to take more although can only play 18 in each game. Therefore, just as the last chapter was making the ODP pool, the next challenge for those players is to emerge as one of the 18 at least.
2) For the 94 and 95 age groups we take 2 teams each to the ODP tournament, therefore all players can be rostered.
3) The Jefferson Cup appears to be the one potential conflict with the international trips. As I said in an earlier blog response, one has to believe that experience of going to Buenos Aires and playing those teams will make the individual better and therefore make his club team better when he returns - as opposed to going to Richmond and playing most likely the same teams one sees at most other tournaments.
In the long run it makes more sense on all accounts to go to Argentina or Scotland. You help yourself and you help your club. (Others on your club get to play more at Jefferson Cup as well - also in theory helping the development of your team.
4) Reminder to try and attend the NSCAA convention and MSYSA Workshop at the convention in Baltimore. Info can be found on the following links:
www.nscaa.com
http://www.msysa.org/programs/workshop/index_E.html
Addressing comments in a response to an earlier blog:
The 91 team had 10 players from last year try out again this year.
Only 3 players from last "voluntarily" decided not to try out. 8 are on clubs that are part of the Academy program and therefore were not allowed to tryout. Kinda misleading to say they voluntarily didn't come out. Several of them thought that they were going to be able to tryout anyway as we almost did get the rules changed. It is certainly possible that those rules could be changed in the future.
Numbers for 92 team are being sorted now and will post when I have an accurate count.
Lowering the cost of participation in the ODP was requested due to some players not being out he team this year due to academy. Didn't really understand that, but will say that we operate on a zero balance budget - meaning that MSYSA makes no money on ODP and, in fact, usually loses money on the program. I wish that we could find a way to lower the costs. MSYSA needs very much to create a fundraising arm to their organization. I am happy that over the last 4 years we have not really had to raise the fees at all. I am certainly open to ideas to try and make fees smaller.
Again - thanks for attendance last night and please get in any forms, etc that you may still need to get to Jen. If you signed up for an international tour, but did not put in a deposit, then we need to get that (or cc #) asap. If you did not sign up last night and have decided you do want to go, then same thing - we need to know asap. Thanks a lot. You will be hearing from your coaches soon regarding training as we sort out fields.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Academy Programs
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.
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.
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?
---------------------------------
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”.
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