Preseason checklist
o Correct size ball, pump w/needle, cones, bibs, first aid kit, ball bag, print out of rosters, emergency contact info for each player, white board, sunscreen, bug spray, respect the call letter, water, etc
o Conduct in-person team meeting with parents/guardians for introductions, review team expectations, communications, and rules – THIS IS MANDATORY!
o Attend coaching development training session with Coach John (August & March)
o Conduct a meeting among your coaching staff to discuss roles, communication, formations, and any other items for that season to stay organized, focused, and prepared – ARE ALL COACHES ON OUR FACEBOOK COACHES PAGE!!!
o Promote off season player development training sessions to past and future players
Coaching Knowledge Checklist
o Know five elements of a training session
o Know the four moments in a game
o Know the key qualities of youth soccer player
o Know the six tasks of a coach
Practice Checklist
o Are we arriving early to setup the training, is it safe area, welcome the players?
o Are you running US Soccer’s Play Practice Play training method?
o What is that training session's purpose/objective? Defending, attacking, formation walk thru, player development skill stations, fixing issues from last game, etc
o Are the player’s being challenged? Remember WE play like We practice
o Are ALL players and coaches being involved 100% of the time?
o Are we coaches asking guide questions to check for their understanding?
o Are we motivating our players? Always supportive words!
o Continue to promote in season player development training sessions with Coach John for GKs and field players – His 3 C’s for development is to be consistent, comfortable, and confident in their physical and mental skills.
Game Day Checklist
o Home games - first game slots, all coaches should be there 1 hour before kick-off for field setup – last game slots, all coaches put all nets away-locked, flags away, etc – THIS IS ALL MANDATORY!
o All teams should have a minimum 30-minute skill warmup/stretch/pregame talk – THIS IS MANDATORY. Warm up includes some dribbling, 2 touch passing, shooting, 1v1 defending, rondos, etc ending space given – get them moving! Pregame talk includes starting line presentation, player rotations, and reminders for that game. Example, if I have a 9am home game at Playstead, I am there at 8am for setup then my teams 30-minute skill warmup/stretch/pregame talk. This explained to the parents in your preseason meeting.
o Coaching staff knows their roles? Who is tracking player’s minutes? Who is managing the defense? Who is managing the attacks?
o Do you have the correct size ball, pump w/needle, cones, bibs, first aid kit, ball bag, print out of rosters, emergency contact player info, white board, sunscreen, bug spray, respect the call letter, water, players have both game shirts, etc
In-Game Checklist
o Are players staying hydrated, safe, and not getting hurt? Is field/equip safe?
o Are the coaches, players and our families displaying great sportsmanship?
o Are we clogging the middle of the field, so our opponents are not attacking our middle of the field? Are we applying pressure to win the ball back? How is our 1v1 containments?
o Are the players communicating to each other and positioning good? How is their team chemistry?
o Is your GK involved in building and playing from the back – all the time?
o Are your attacks unpredictable?
o Are the players in the right position in your formation to be successful for the team?
Post-Game Checklist
o Coaches and players should reflect reflect and reflect – What needs to improve? What worked well? Ask players to be involved in this process – Utilize our private Facebook coaches page to ask your colleagues to help in your reflection. DO NOT spend much time discussing right after the match but at the beginning of your next training session after everyone reflects!
o Continue hydration process and do a post game stretch if needed to avoid injuries
o Clean up your areas and score your game – any issues see your age director asap
o Reach out to Coach John to attend your next training session to help improve areas of need
PLAY (and coach) WHERE YOU LIVE
Coach John
Director of Coaching