sign in sign up
<<
Home , Brian McBride, Bruce Arena, Claudio Reyna, Eddie Pope, Frankie Hejduk, Gregg Berhalter

NOVEMBER 2013 Issue 12 Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer THE EVOLVING GAMECoaching Newsletter

Self-Talk: We all do it!

While playing professional soccer in Ireland for a brief time following a successful collegiate career at Millersville University my confidence plummeted. What happened? I was still in great physical shape, my technical skills were probably a little better than when I played at Millersville, and I earned a starting spot on the team. Negative self-talk happened. Through a steady Ciaran Dalton, Psy D. stream on negative self-statements, I convinced myself I was not good enough to play Swathmore University Assistant Mens Soccer professionally and that I did not belong on this team, despite the reality of being a good starter. Coach I did not base these thoughts on reality and I allowed the negative thinking to become the center of my focus.

All athletes constantly experience a steady stream of self-talk and oftentimes it is out of their awareness. Most athletes blindly accept that their thoughts “are what they are” and there is nothing that can be done to change them. This is untrue and there is a significant advantage for athletes who learn to manage the negative thoughts, while focusing more attention on the positive thoughts regarding their performance. Unfortunately, most athletes focus the majority of their thoughts on the mistakes and engage in negative self-talk resulting in the following cycle:

!1) A mistake is made!!!!!2) Anxiety slightly increases !3) Negative self-talk increases !!!4) Anxiety significantly increases !5) Fear of making another mistake creeps in!! 6) Confidence drops !7) Anxiety peaks!!!!!8) Performance drops !9) Return to step 1 and repeat

Advantages of positive self-talk Disadvantages of negative self-talk •Helps players stay present •Draws one’s attention to the future/past •Being in the zone •These are additional distractions •Improves focus •Decreases confidence •Increases confidence •Makes us miserable •Inspires greater effort and motivation •Creates a positive mood •The game is less likely to be fun •Reduces anxiety •Increases anxiety •Improves overall performance •Causes one to shy away from the game •Hurts overall performance

For more information from Dr. Ciaran Dalton, Licensed Clinical Psychologist http://www.cdaltonpsychology.com/

The Effects of Motivational Versus Instructional Self-Talk on Improving Motor Performance. (2000), Theodorakis, Y., Weinberg COACHING EDUCATION HONOR ROLL National C License* Kirkwood, August State F Certificate Chester October, 2012 •Michael Maclver* Coaching Licenses •Sarah Wolco* • Joe Brocker** Awarded •Greig Edwards** •Will Thornton* •Chris Depep* •Te'Shawna Miller •Fernando Carrizo** •Lakevis Reams •Ma Wooley* •Dayna Rowe •Craig Scangarella** •Lindsey Good •Jed Fisher* •Kellee Greene ** ODP Staff

UPCOMING COACHING COURSES National E License National Youth License National E License Thornbury Soccer Park Ampro Fieldhouse Penncrest West Chester Primos Media 8 - 10 Nov, 2013 8-10, 16 & 17 Nov 2013 3,7,10,14 Dec 2013 For more information, details and registration, please visit EPYSA.org

Game Watcher U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Nov. 15, 3:00PM Nov. 6, 8:00PM Nov. 6, 2:45PM Nov. 10, 3:30PM USMNT v Scotland v Houston v AC Milan USWNT v Nov. 19, 2:45PM Nov. 7, 9:00PM Nov. 26 , 2:45PM USMNT v v LA Celtic v AC Milan

ENGLISH COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH

Nov. 6, 7:00PM Nov. 15 Nov. 16, 12:50PM Nov. 10, 11:10AM (Men) Messiah v Girls & Boys MonU v Whitpain Man. Utd v Arsenal Lycoming/Lebanon V. A Championship U10 Boys Nov. 23, 7:45AM Nov. 7, 7:00PM Nov. 16 Nov. 19, 1:40PM Everton v Liverpool (Women) Messiah v Girls & Boys Lionville v Lititz Lebanon V./Arcadia AA & AAA Championship U15 Boys MEET THE COACH - FROM 100 YEARS OF U.S. SOCCER , Former U.S. Men’s National Team Coach Bruce Arena participated in numerous sports “When I eventually went to the University of “I was fortunate growing up and played both soccer and Virginia, the man I worked with in , that I got lacrosse at the professional level. After his Jim Adams, was wonderful. Also, our football involved at the playing days, he started his coaching career and basketball coaches George Welsh and right time when at the where he Terry Holland were influential. I think one of the sport remained for 18 years. At UVA he created a the mistakes that we make in the sport of started to take dynasty, winning five NCAA soccer is that we look at other soccer off and players National Championships and training several coaches as our only means of preparing then had the future National Team players such as Claudio ourselves as coaches. I really believe that in opportunity to Reyna, , , and Tony the we have an incredible play professionally. The experience of Meola. He then moved on to professional resource of coaches in various sports and watching them grow as people as well as soccer, coaching D.C. United in the inaugural professional leagues. There are a lot of players was fabulous. It’s something that I season of Major League Soccer. During his coaches we can look at to pick up ways to haven’t experienced as much where I’ve time there from 1996-1998, D.C. United won improve. I think we are in the absolute best been over the last 15 years or so because it’s two MLS Cups and the 1996 Open Cup. coaching environment in the world here.” all about winning and losing now and about Arena was hired as the U.S. Men’s National You played both soccer and lacrosse at money. At that time it was great at a personal Team coach in late 1998. During his time in the professional level. What made you level because I had a lot of opportunities to charge, he led the team to many significant eventually decide to focus on soccer influence young men and hopefully make achievements and created a name for himself when it became time to coach? them into something one day. That was a as one of the best soccer coaches in U.S. “I played professional lacrosse first and the really great experience.” history. His record with the team includes the league I was in folded. Then I played After UVA you became head coach of D.C. best World Cup showing since 1930 (2002), professional soccer and the league I was in United in the inaugural season of MLS. two CONCACAF Gold Cup Championships folded. I was kind of caught. I said, ‘Do I want Describe the transition from coaching (2002 and 2005), and an all-time best to keep doing this and keep trying to play college athletes to coaching international FIFA ranking (4th place, April when every league I’m part of is professionals. 2006). folding?’Then I got in to coaching. I went back “It was an interesting challenge, not just from Still prominent in coaching today, Arena to Cornell and started coaching there mainly the professional end and the demands on currently serves as head coach for the LA in lacrosse and a little in soccer. Eventually being successful, but also because of the Galaxy, who won back to back MLS Cups in when I got the position at the University of cultural differences that needed to be 2011 and 2012. Virginia, I was the head soccer coach and the understood. We had players from different Growing up playing multiple sports, and assistant lacrosse coach. After seven years of parts of the world and that was a learning playing professionally both soccer and doing both, I decided to put everything in to experience for me. Coaching fabulous lacrosse, when did you start to have soccer because one, I was the head coach, players like and Jaime aspirations to make coaching a and two, I realized the potential soccer had in Moreno from and others like them was profession? this country.” new. Like anything else you have to make “Well like most kids of my generation, my You coached at the University of Virginia adjustments and it takes time. I think if you’re sports background was in high school. I for 18 years. Virginia was perhaps the first a good player and you have the right played , soccer, lacrosse, college soccer dynasty. How did you fundamentals you can grow to be a very good and I wrestled. My junior year of high school I develop such a successful program? player at any level. It’s the same thing with came across our rival coach in lacrosse, “It’s like anything else, whether at the coaching. I had the right fundamentals Richie Moran. I always thought that there was professional level or collegiate level: because I came from a background where I something special that he did with his teams. recruiting good players and utilizing your learned how to coach. It was natural that I I noticed the spirit they had and how they resources the right way. I had a great could make the next step but it did take time were prepared. I was only 16 years old, but I institution to build on. I had great support to adjust.” said to myself, ‘I’d like to play for that from the administration and a great What were some of those adjustments you gentleman one day’. Moran eventually went environment to improve as a coach. When had to make? to Cornell as a lacrosse coach, which is you put all of those things together and you “I think it’s important to understand the where I ended up going to school. Once I met get a little bit of luck, you can develop a good environment you’re in, to understand the him during my early years in college, I knew program. That’s really what I’ve been able to tactics at the professional level, to be able to that’s what I wanted to do for a living one day. do in each of the jobs I’ve had.” organize teams at those different levels, and I was surrounded throughout my life with During your time at Virginia you coached to deal with the players. At the professional great coaches and they made great several future professional players. What level, man management is critically important. impressions on me. I was determined that I was it like to coach them in the college Everybody knows how to put a team on the would eventually be a coach one day.” environment? field and how to run a training session. To be Richie Moran was one of your first “I coached these players when they first able to piece everything together and have an mentors. Were there other coaches you started at the university level. It was during a eye for talent is critical. The success I had at looked up to at that time? “There were two time when we didn’t have a professional UVA was created by recruiting good players. gentlemen - Mike Candel and Bill Stevenson - league in our country. These were talented Having an eye for talent and understanding that I met at Nassau Community College as athletes; I’m referencing, for example, John the strengths and weaknesses of players and my lacrosse coaches. They were very Harkes, , and being able to take those qualities and build a influential people with the way they handled many others. My goal was to keep them team out of that is the key.” their athletes and it really meant a lot to me inspired to play and to help get them and helped develop in me a burning desire to opportunities after UVA. do that one day. MEET THE COACH - FROM 100 YEARS OF U.S. SOCCER Bruce Arena, Former U.S. Men’s National Team Coach During that first season, D.C. United Let’s look more specifically at the How do you started out 1-5 but later went on to win 2002 World Cup. When the draw was think the the first-ever MLS Cup. What first announced, you made a formation adjustments did you make to win that statement saying ‘we can beat change first title? Portugal.’ How did you know at that impacted “During the beginning of that season I time that the U.S. MNT could beat ? was growing as a coach at the such a strong Portuguese team? “To be professional level. In a short period of “I think their style of play was conducive honest, I think time though, it was obvious that we didn’t to our team in terms of getting on the a lot of people have the right players. So early in the field and being able to deal with them. get hung up on formations. At the end of season I made some pretty radical They had one of the most elite players in the day I believe that we had 11 players changes to our roster. After those the world in Figo, but as we studied their that played better. We had a very good changes and some time to build a team team, we felt that we had favorable team. Everyone in our business knows and get everyone on the same page, we matchups and if we did certain things the that formations fluctuate; they change on got better. In the first year one of the key right way, we could have enough of a each and every play. It really wasn’t a acquisitions that D.C. United had was the presence to control the game and be formation thing; it was 11 good players acquisition of Jaime Moreno. With successful. That turned out to be the that beat them on that day.” Jaime’s addition in July and the case.“Four years later in the 2006 World The U.S. didn’t achieve the same combination of Marco Etcheverry, John Cup, we knew when we played the results in the 2006 World Cup as the Harkes, Jeff Agoos, , Richie Czech Republic that it wasn’t going to be 2002 World Cup. However, there were Williams, etc., we grew into a very good like that. The Czech Republic was still a lot of positives in that team.” dominant to us in a lot of ways. We knew tournament. What were some of the Let’s move on to your National Team going in to that game that it was going to lessons you learned from that career. During your time with the be very difficult. You get a great sense of tournament? team, you accomplished a great deal these things in coaching. If you have “Well, because of our success in 2002, including leading the team to the enough experience you can figure it out. we weren’t coming in unknown in 2006. quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup Going into 2002 we felt that there was a Our opponents were well prepared for us. and an all-time best international FIFA chance we could get a result in that I’ll be honest, I think if we played the Ranking (4th place – April, 2006). What game. Our team played unbelievably well Czech Republic 10 times, they’d probably would you say is your proudest in the first half and held on to beat a very beat us eight times. They were just a accomplishment as head coach of the good Portuguese team.” better team than us. The second game National Team? In the Round of 16 the U.S. faced we played Italy, who won the World Cup. “I think the obvious answer would be the regional rival Mexico and beat them The third game, the game that we 2002 World Cup, however, I think both of 2-0. In this game you changed your needed to win, we didn’t beat Ghana. I those four year runs were unique in line-up formation from a 4-4-2 to a think we were well prepared and were themselves. From 2002 to 2006, we 3-5-2. What led you to make this also well-positioned to win that game. positioned U.S. Soccer to be the change in such a big game? Obviously the penalty kick call right at the strongest team in CONCACAF. We grew “If I remember correctly, one issue was end of the first half turned that game a greatly in world rankings, and by the time that we had suspended in little bit. But we fell short and certainly we got to the 2006 World Cup, we were a the last game of group play so he wasn’t were disappointed. well-respected team around the world available as a right back or right Realistically going into that World Cup we and I believe the dominant team in midfielder. We also wanted to find a way knew it was going to be very challenging CONCACAF. I was equally as proud of to get a number of players on the field because we were in what many people that as I was from the accomplishments together, especially our talented midfield felt was the Group of Death. Our goal we made from 1998 to 2002. players. We placed Claudio Reyna on the was to get to the third game in group play “Another thing I was proud of was that right side of midfield in the 3-5-2. We had and be in a position to advance, which when I accepted the position in Eddie Lewis on the left and John O’Brien we were. We fell short and that’s November of 1998, the program was in a and holding in the something we all live with. But I was so bit of turmoil. In my view, U.S. Soccer midfield with proud of the effort our guys showed after really didn’t understand at that point how underneath them and Brian McBride and a difficult opening game against a very to build a national team program with a up top. good Czech Republic team. We battled winning mentality. I tried to bring that on “We felt that formation allowed us to Italy really hard and got an important board. We grew the team. I think the place our best players on the field and point. We did our best against Ghana in Federation grew as well from operating exploit what we felt were the weaknesses the third game and just fell short.” probably at a negative cash flow to being of the Mexican team out wide. It allowed growing is great. Then on top of that, pretty successful. We weren’t in good us to get certain advantages around the witnessing the top professional leagues shape financially; we weren’t in great field. Our second goal against Mexico in the world for any sports with the NFL, shape on the field. I was proud to be part was a classic counter attack that ended MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS, is a fabulous of U.S. Soccer during that eight-year up with Donovan finishing off the play. environment to learn to be a coach. This period when we really grew the We were fortunate that we played well is a great time for coaches in our country, organization both on and off the field.” enough that day to be successful.” in our sport.” MEET THE COACH - FROM 100 YEARS OF U.S. SOCCER Bruce Arena, Former U.S. Men’s National Team Coach

Looking forward, what are your question about that. We know that. But thoughts on the next generation of we’re a lot better than advertised. We coaches in the U.S.? have a lot of former players now that are “I think the sport continues to grow. I getting into coaching, which is a real think our coaches are much more positive. As I watch them getting experienced today than they were 20 involved, not only at the MLS level, but in years ago. I think having a professional the Academy programs, it just shows me league now that’s going to be around for that the game is in good hands with a long time helps. It gives coaches the these young coaches. They have a great opportunity to witness what we’re doing future and I think they’re going to help each and every day on the professional build the sport.” level. Those are opportunities that allow What are your thoughts on players coaches to grow. Our Academy programs that have played for you and have are growing. Everything in this country is recently retired such as Jovan growing. Kirovski, and Clint What are some of the attributes for I would again mention the fact that I think Mathis? Is it important for former someone to be a great coach? our coaching environment in the United players to get involved in coaching? “Be willing to work hard. Understand the States is fabulous. Having the “Sure, but coaching’s coaching. I think game and really get a good feel for opportunity to be a coach in this country people make a natural assumption that if qualities of players. Understand how to with MLS and the Academy programs you were a player you can become a build teams based on the resources you growing is great. Then on top of that, coach. They’re two different animals. Not have in terms of players, your witnessing the top professional leagues everyone has the right make-up and the organization and those types of things. in the world for any sports with the NFL, right mentality to be a coach. Having a It’s an evolving process becoming a good MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS, is a fabulous great background as a player certainly coach and a good team. It takes time and environment to learn to be a coach. This can be an advantage, but it’s no patience and experience. Again, I think is a great time for coaches in our country, guarantee. There’s not necessarily a the environment now in the United States in our sport.” prescribed formula for making a great for young soccer coaches is as good as With that said, do you feel the U.S. has coach. It takes a lot of time and effort and it’s ever been.” ground to make up in coaching being in the right environment. I think development with the rest of the now the United States has an world? environment that will help move along “You can always be better, there’s no any aspiring coach.”

Coach Arena in action with the National team The 2014 NSCAA Convention and US Youth Workshop are coming to Philly in January!

Get $100 off convention registration by registering today for a NEW or RENEWED Membership with the NSCAA at the discounted price and receive a membership for the Eastern Pennsylvania Coaches Association with many more added benefits.

Visit EPYSA.org for more information and to register.

Are you coming to SOCCER’S BIGGEST PARTY? 2014 NSCAA Convention January 15-19, 2014

Register today! NSCAA.com/convention Dribbling & Decision Making By Paul Shaw, Coaching Education Director, Virginia Youth Soccer TECHNICAL WARM-UP Organization / Coaching Points

Each player with a ball Pirates, players dribble ball around and on “change”, players leave their ball & put a foot on another ball. Last one is the PIRATE. Soccer Marbles, players keep their ball & try to knock out each others. Player must do a “show off skill” to get back in.

• Use different surfaces. Make it unpredictable (dont callout moves or what foot to use, let them figure it out) • Shielding details. • Do I touch the ball big or small to keep it close?

SMALL-SIDED ACTIVITY Organization / Coaching Points

-Soccer Gum, 1-3 players have a bib in their hand. Try to tag ball with their penny (keep score)-IE: their gum -> Progress by adding more “Gums” (Defenders) -Keep away, ½ with soccer balls, ½ without.Team with the most after 30s wins. Where is the “GUM”? (Know where the defender is). Get away fast or slow?How do I shield for possession to get away? How do I play it off my foot? Can I “short” a tackle? Or shield?

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDED ACTIVITY Organization / Coaching Points

4 Corner Game (30x25): [3v3 or 4v4-use Neutrals/Coach is Neutral, if needed] -Players can score by dribbling into any of the 4 corners; they keep the ball after scoring.

Establish good attacking shape (what does that look like?).

Cues to dribble 1v1, 1v2, etc…space in behind, no support, etc.

GAME

4 Goal Game: [Make field wider than longer to emphasize width for players to isolate defenders] -Players can score by “passing” through gate.

-> Progress: Coach Decision-if you score on one side-your team keeps the ball and attacks the other goal.

-> CHANGE 4 Goals…to 2 for 4v4 game.

see coaching points above Receiving & Passing Under 10 By Ian Barker, Director of Coaching Education, NSCAA WARM-UP Organization Explore technical & tactical opportunities Windows: Passing Half the players outside the space, half in -make eye contact with receiver Multiple options for technical repetition -keep the ball moving and in front of you 1. Dribble the ball out and teammate -plant foot beside the ball dribbles in -strike the ball with the inside of the foot 2. Pass out, and play a "give and go" -concentrate on accuracy and weight of 3. Pass out, move away, receive ball pass back Receiving 4. Ball with outside player served for an -make eye contact with passer air control/header -have body open to the ball -receive the ball with inside of your foot -prepare the ball in front of you Long pass Split ACTIVITY 1 - Gate Game Partners pass and move around the Make eye contact with partner space completing passes through the Play the ball to the space behind the gates gate Choice of gate: Move to the space behind the gate -Player with the ball Be aware of other players moving in the -Player moving to the gate space Make it a timed activity Use a gate that is open Track a team score allowing a pass to Play pass with enough weight to get and from anyone on the team there and to be able to be controlled Receive the ball and move it quickly toward another open gate

ACTIVITY 2 - Coconuts

The object of the game is to dislodge You can score by dribbling over the any one of the three balls on the target opponent's cones To score is most often through a pass at If a ball is dislodged with the game ball a the target score is recorded. The dislodged ball Pass and move the ball around to see is replaced and play continues an opening to hit the target The targets can be placed on the end Keep your head with and without the ball line of the field OR inside the field to see defenders and targets allowing for playing space behind the Without the ball move to receive a pass targets (ala hockey) or collect a pass at a target Receive the ball and move it into a new line or angle from the pass

GAME Get out of here: Choose when to pass to a team mate A high energy game activity and when to pass at the goal Teams defend 2 goals and attack 2 Help a team mate by passing the ball in goals front of them so they can step forward Coach feeds the ball in and receive or pass while moving If the ball goes out of bounds the coach Change the direction of the attack with a plays immediately plays in a new ball pass to a team mate if one goal is well Play is continuous defended When coach calls "get out of here" Be alert to new balls coming in players must immediately tag out of the Be alert to subbing out and getting your game with team mates on the outside of team mate in the game the field who step in Receiving & Passing Under 12 By Ian Barker, Director of Coaching Education, NSCAA TECHNICAL WARM-UP Organization Coaching Points 3 teams of 4 players Inside of the foot passing, head over the 2 games of 4 vs. 2 keep way ball 90-120 second games Accurate passing with correct weight Receive across the body with inside of the foot Cushion the ball, do not stop it, keep ball in front of you Keep body open to the field Short pass L and R Long pass Split

SMALL-SIDED ACTIVITY Organization Coaching Points 4 vs. 2 keep away Player in possession must have L and R After a # of passes or a split pass team and Split option of 4 looks to play ball to a waiting team 3 teammates must move to position of 4 Head up to the 4 vs. 2 Another 4 vs. 2 keep away ensues Head up to the longer pass that If defenders win the ball or force it out switches to other side teams switch Receiving team of 4 should be ready to Play can be continuous receive the long ball technically and positionally

EXPANDED SMALL-SIDED ACTIVITY Organization Coaching Points 4 vs. 4 to 4 goals with "boppers" Elect to pass the ball to feet or space Either team of 4 may play to "two way Be aware of 2 goals to attack players"/"boppers" on the outside of Be aware of a the 8 vs. 4 overload the field to build an attack (progress "Boppers" should position themselves to limit "bopper" touches) and shape their body to receive and 4 goals (2 to attack and 2 to defend) play one touch passes encourage decisions in and out of Be sure to play and then move off the possession ball to get it back or support Play 2 minute games

GAME Organization Coaching Points 4 vs. 4 to small goals (with or without Keep the play up tempo keepers) Commit opponents on the dribble to set One team of 4 is on deck up a pass or to use the pass option to Play to time, play first to 2/best of 3 etc. keep the ball Introduce situational play e.g: The size of the goal dictates a firm, A player/team cannot score consecutive accurate pass is needed to score goals Glance around you before receiving the 2 touch, one touch finish ball To score all 4 must be in attacking half Keep you head over the ball

See coaching points above.