First Week in Review

Coaches,

I had the pleasure, not to mention plenty of exercise, as I observed/ participated in five games this weekend. We are off to a great start and thank you for all your efforts. We had more than 60 fun filled games with much praise to go around and a few comments worth addressing. Please consider the following.

Game prep. Please be ready (game cards complete/ balls inflated etc.) well before your scheduled game time. Last minute practice sessions are probably not very helpful and a late start has a ripple effect. Help the refs start the game on time. Our youth refs especially look to you for help / guidance.

Playing time. Our goal is every player plays 75% of the game. Make it happen. Believe me, when one player plays 100% and other half the game, we hear about it. If numbers require some to play half the game, you must rotate the reduced playing time amongst all players. Yes, that includes your "all star." Also keep in mind the clock continues to run at the quarter. It is a time for a quick substitution so prepare for it. As a general rule, the quarter break is a 60 second stoppage. Bringing water to players helps speed the process.

Sideline coaching. Consider coaching practice and allowing the players to play the game. While younger players may need some help, the best way to learn is to just do it. I guarantee your players will figure it out. Consider limiting actual instruction during the games to ball stoppages, half time etc. I recognize is easier said than done. Your players will appreciate it. Of course,

Blow Outs. A three goal differential indicates a potential blow out and indicates time to consider altering your game plan. Consider placing your stronger players on defense or in goal. You can also instruct them to shoot with their left foot or add other challenges such as attempt to head the ball into the net or add an number of passes before shooting. I prefer to not de-emphasize scoring (that's the object of the game) rather I recommend you increase the challenge / skills required or players involved. Placing your weaker players as forwards also provides them an opportunity to shine. As you consider your options each week, demoralizing an opponent or an entire league (we've thumped several SM teams) is not in our best interest. Demoralized players quit and leagues may decide to it's just not fun to play LC. We have 39 U8 teams and only 3 U17 teams. Keeping the kids playing should be our goal.

(Disclaimer, my team had a 9-1 victory in week one. We had 7 different players score including a player in her first game and a 8 year defender who scored her first goal. I placed my more aggressive players on D, and in goal; and instructed the players to only shoot, then kick the ball with their left foot. In hind sight, I should have placed the last quarter w/ fewer players. This week we went up 3-1 and I backed off. The opposing team put two shots off the goal post in the last five minutes!)

Gary