Thunder coaches, players and parents,

I want to first wish everyone a happy New Year. I hope that this year brings prosperity for you all and your families.

I am looking forward to continue working with all of you in our attempt to build on the many successes and attributes that we already possess. I am certain that together we can provide an environment that will bid well for the successful development of our players and teams.

Remember that winter team trainings will begin on January 7^th for some teams. Please check the website for your team’s schedule. Also please be sure to remind your teams (parents) about the upcoming winter team meetings. There is also information on the website about these meetings. I am looking forward to seeing you all there.

Thanks Isa

DOC

"At the younger ages winning is not the most important thing. The important thing is to develop creative and skilled players who are confident with the ball." Arsene Wenger, Coach of Arsenal FC England.

 

Thunder coaches, players and parents,

I want to first wish everyone a happy New Year. I hope that this year brings prosperity for you all and your families.

I am looking forward to continue working with all of you in our attempt to build on the many successes and attributes that we already possess. I am certain that together we can provide an environment that will bid well for the successful development of our players and teams.

Remember that winter team trainings will begin on January 7^th for some teams. Please check the website for your team’s schedule. Also please be sure to remind your teams (parents) about the upcoming winter team meetings. There is also information on the website about these meetings. I am looking forward to seeing you all there.

Thanks Isa

DOC

"At the younger ages winning is not the most important thing. The important thing is to develop creative and skilled players who are confident with the ball." Arsene Wenger, Coach of Arsenal FC England.

 

Thunder coaches, players and parents,

We at Thunder continue to work towards providing the best opportunities for our teams. One way that we all can do this is by increasing our knowledge of the game. OSYSA is providing us with the opportunity to continue our learning. If you can, take advantage of some of these opportunities over the winter. See link: https://ssl.hammersoccer.com/OHSeCoaching/courses/display.asp

The winter training schedule is completed and will be distributed and posted on the website in the near future. Be sure to look at the schedule closely. We also moved the team winter meetings to January and will be sending out more information about this shortly.  

We really appreciate your effort in helping the players and club in our effort to be an excellent club in the greater Cincinnati area.

Thanks Isa

"At the younger ages winning is not the most important thing. The important thing is to develop creative and skilled players who are confident with the ball." Arsene Wenger, Coach of Arsenal FC England.

 

Thunder coaches, players and parents,

I want to start by congratulating you all on a very productive season. Some of us have already finished and others are moving forward toward the final stretch. Success can and did sneak in from many different avenues especially when we were not paying attention. It came in the form of winning games or tournaments, growth from our coaching staff and trainers, team bonding, building friendships and player development as we progressed through the season.  No doubt there were also challenges that we all encountered throughout the season.

Our goal is to build on the positive aspects of the Fall season and to work on eliminating some of the setbacks that we suffered at various times in the season. Communication by all stakeholders is an important part of this. I know that many teams already have had team meeting and I commend you on this. The club will be holding team meetings in December to continue to facilitate the open communication and to bring coaches, parents and players together.  We will discuss upcoming club winter training, accelerated training opportunities and spring planning.

More information will be forwarded to all parents and coaches when the timeslots for these meetings are finalized. The dates will be on Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th of December.  Please bring your ideas and recommendations.

 

Thanks Isa

Associate DOC

"At the younger ages winning is not the most important thing. The important thing is to develop creative and skilled players who are confident with the ball." Arsene Wenger, Coach of Arsenal FC England.

 

Associate Director of Coaching - September 30, 2011: Winning Games Versus Player Development

        Coaches I want to start by thanking you all for coming out to the coaches informational sessions and field sessions that we had over the past weeks. I know that it is a commitment and I appreciate your efforts. I especially would like to recognize the Academy coaching staff where we had 100% turnout for the field session and the 9 to 11 coaching staff where we had 11 coaches attending the field session. 

        Using this blog I would like to address a continued concern that we as coaches struggle with in various ways; Winning games vs. Development of players

As we at Thunder straddle the line of winning versus player development there are many questions and concerns that we are faced with. These range from “How important is winning at the younger age groups… to; Am I a failure as a coach if my team is not winning?” These questions and many others are debated at every level. On the national level there seems to be some consensus that for the younger age groups development comes first. Here at Thunder we want to align ourselves to this national philosophy and strive to focus on development at the younger age groups. Parents’ expectations, league and tournament focus on results, our own desire to achieve, club pressures to retain players and be competitive are factors that can weigh on us. 

    There are many ways that we can approach this ongoing discussion. The bottom line is; whatever we believe; whatever our philosophy; whatever our goals for coaching and working with our kids will greatly influence the approach that we take. This means that for us to move forward in the most effective way we need to gather as much information and education that we can to shape our philosophy. 
 
        Below are a couple items that we can look into that can give us more information about ourselves and about the game to help us make a more informed decision. 

        Develop or rework your coaching philosophy – This is something that is very simple to do and should be revised as you grow as a coach. Simply see what is important to you after exploring a variety of questions that includes but is not limited to:
o   What is your vision for the development of your players?
o   Why am I a coach?
o   Is this game for me or for the players?
o   Will you play a pivotal role in player’s development both on and off the field?
o   What are your goals as a coach? 
     To provide your team with a strategy to win the week’s games?
     To prove the players with an environment to make decisions, solve problems and try new things?
        There are many more questions that can come to mind when we develop our guiding principles as coaches. There are no wrong or correct answers, but your answers to questions like these will determine how you will coach the team. More information about developing a coaching philosophy can be found at the US soccer website.

        Educate yourself whenever possible. This education can take many forms and they all have utility. These include coaching licensure and courses, using a mentor, reading from the wealth of coaching resources, watching high level soccer and actively taking part in sessions with a trainer or another coach. We all can learn something knew about the game that can positively influence our ability to coach or manage a team.

        Winning versus Development; At times these can be viewed as opposing forces. I however strongly believe that they go hand in hand. Here at Thunder we need to coach our players to win without removing the development focus from the process. Allow players to implement what was learned in practice. Allow players to take chances within the flow of the game and allow them to make decisions as the game progresses. Allow your players to make mistakes especially when they are trying to implement good soccer practices. Encourage these with positive feedback on the effort and give reminders about how they could improve technique, their ability to read the game etc. Remember that the kids have control over their effort and not their technical ability.

        Watching the growth of the teams and the players is very rewarding. However the growth and development of a coach is even more rewarding because the entire group will benefit from this growth. There are already so much best practices that I see from the coaches in practices and games. We need to all keep working to improve ourselves, our teams and our club.

        The many different resources both on and off the field of play that we all bring is a great wealth. If we can bring just a fraction of these together we can develop great things here at the club.

         One reminder to the coaches; all training sessions should progress and build towards the final game. It does not matter the topic at hand, the sessions should end with a game where the players are given an opportunity to play uninterrupted. 

          Also remember that your feedback is vital for this club to move in the correct direction. These include and are not limited to; services that the club is providing or can provide, things that myself or others in charge can improve on or things that we are doing well that you hope we will continue to do. Some changes will be made this upcoming spring session. Be a part of the process. Thanks to the coaches who have put forward their valuable feedback. I look forward to hearing from many more of you.

Thanks and keep up the good work,
Isa,
Associated DOC 

Remaining goalkeeper training schedule below

Field # 5

Wednesday 5th October

5:30 – 6:30 PM: U 9 – 11 Girls

6:30 – 7:30 PM: U 11 – 14 Girls

Monday 10th October

Time 5:30 – 6:30: U 9 – 11 Boys and Girls

Time 6:30 – 7:30: 12 – 14 Boys and Girls

Thanks Isa

 

 

Coaches,

I know that we are all chomping at the bit to get outside and get started for the season.  The weather has not been very cooperative, but soon enough the grass will be green, the fields lined, goals set, and the players will be ready to go. 

As we are getting ready, I will challenge all of us to sit down and set our expectations for the season.  When setting your expectations consider the following quotes.

“High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.”
- Charles F. Kettering quotes (American engineer, inventor of the electric
starter, 1876-1958)

“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling
  short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”
- Michelangelo quotes (Italian sculptor, painter, architect & poet, considered the
  creator of the Renaissance, 1475-1564)

Players want to be challenged and grow in soccer and in life.  It is our job to help our players understand what is expected of them and consequences when expectations are not meant. 

 

Set expectations around areas that are under the control of the players and the coaches, and not as a comparison to others or other teams.  The players are in control over things such as:

- respect,

- training attendance,

- training commitment,

- being prepared for training,

- sportsmanship, and

- taking care of things at school and home as so they can be an active participant on the team.

 

The coaches set the expectations around playtime and starting lineup, and how each area is achieved. While expectations on performance will vary according to the player’s ability, hold all players to a high standard for sportsmanship, respect, and dedication. 

 

If the best player on the team falls short of expectations, this player will be held to the accountable like all other players.  Do not sell short the long term goals, for short term gains that will jeopardize overall development.

 

Once expectations are set, be sure to communicate them with the players and parents.

Look forward to a great season,

Eric Borgemenke

TUMFC DOC

 

 
We as coaches are always looking to better our teams. Determining a system of play (how your players are positioned on the field) is without a doubt a part of that search. A system, what ever it may be has to accomplish several tasks. More about those tasks in a later entry. The trend in higher caliber teams is to be able to play several systems and move from one to the other without error.

A system is like a new suit, it has to be tailored to fit the wearer. Tailor a system to fit your team, then identify it.

Perspective is a wonderful thing. Looking at the game from the perspective of an academy coach that has access to his players 5-6 days per week and plays 20 games per season, I most definitely make systems a huge part of my play.

Looking at the game from my own backyard, systems become less of a focus but not less important.

Several years ago I heard the phrase “Total Soccer Concepts”. This is a Dutch soccer philosophy and one that is evident in their play.

Every player must know how to play appropriately in what ever third of the field they are in and in respect to who has possession at that time.

When I was introduced to 1st, 2^nd, 3^rd attacker and defender principles the total soccer concepts became a reality. Soccer is creative and free flowing. Players need to understand more about responsibilities to the ball and less about positions. Players that are constantly directed to “hold positions” will do just that, never venturing too far from their spot. It is a difficult concept to grasp but teachable.

I spend little to no time on teaching positions. But in all of my small sided games, I constantly make players aware of the role they are playing in relationship to the ball. I often quiz them about their role in the current phase of play.

Pick a system that compliments what you have in talent, not what your local high school or favorite MLSs team are using. I have found that teams that learn to play indirect soccer at an early age and have an even talent level do very well in a 3-2-3-2 system. I tend to use this as an introduction to possessional soccer play.

The flat four seems to be very popular at the high school level and is put into action regardless of the team’s talent pool. The suit does not fit but I like it anyway. Not to mention the “even is on” offside situation. The flat four defense turns into a foot race to the goal. Your fastest defender against their fastest forward….not the way I want to play the game. I like an unmarked sweeper that can change roles from 1^st, 2nd or even 3rd defender as the game changes.

Yeah, I rant and rave….find a system that matches your players then teach on field responsibilities. Remember soccer is taught not coached.

 

      Some twenty years ago, I was an avid table tennis player. Some of you will call it ping pong but in the true aficionados realm this would be a table tennis foul.

  I have recently returned to a table tennis club and currently play one night a week. I have lost most of my superior skills and have been ranked with the rookies …again.

  This past session I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Keith. Keith it seems is a very high ranked player and coaches future Olympic hopefuls. Keith and I share a common bond in our zeal for teaching and working with young players.

  I was able to wrangle about 45 minutes of Keith’s time for some quality instruction. I received excellent advice and it seems the technique is by far the most important aspect of the sport.

   Keith had me away from the table and was schooling me on form, hand position, body placement etc. This continued until I found myself zoning out and wanting to just get to the table and hit the ball. Keith is an excellent player and coach…but I was screaming inside to get to the table and PLAY. After what seamed like” forever” we returned to the table. I was trying to sort out his coaching points and apply what I had heard. After several attempts to get it right, Keith was obviously frustrated and trying to figure out my technical shortcomings. We finally started to just play the ball back and forth across the table in a slow volley. He then was making verbal adjustments to my play. I could feel the difference in what I was doing and what he was trying to teach me to do.  Keith could have started the session the way we finished and avoided all the frustrations we both encountered.

     We as coaches need to “GET THEM MOVING”. On the soccer field our time is limited .Do not waste it.

  I learned more from Keith’s teaching while we played, than I did from his coaching away from the table. Remember: Teach don’t preach, shows don’t tell.

     By the way, I did so well that a scout asked me to play in a national tournament. I played and won. I am now the best PING PO……oops, Table Tennis player in the US. Any takers?

 

OK we are officially into the winter months and its time to go indoor.
 Look for announcements on coaching events at the Lebanon Y.
The November session will be demonstrating a few activities to increase your teams ability to create space and play the ball in all directions,COMFORTABLY!
 I have 12-14 of our club players and 3 coaches involved in the session. I hope all of our coaches will come out and watch some of our top players participate in these demos.
 ODP behind us and looking back it was a very rich experience.I was able to steal some very clever activities from the areas finest coaches and trainers.
 We had several of our coaches participate in ODP this fall,I hope to see more involved  spring 2011.
 Kelly 

 We are very fortunate to have the OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM in our backyard. This fall we are also fortunate to have several of our clubs coaches to be selected as coaches for the 2010 fall ODP sessions.
   This a great experience and chance for all of our club players to learn from some of the top coaches in our state and see what other soccer players  are bringing to the game.I highly recommend ODP and hope to see as many of you as possible in November.
  ODP information is available at www.osysa.com
Kelly
 

   The difficult reality for most select soccer coaches is we only have three hours a week to train our teams. That is two days per week at one and a half hours per session or 90 minutes. This is not enough time to teach the game let alone achieve the high level of fitness our sport demands. Kids will spend three hours playing Mario Carts or watching Sponge Bob, but getting parents to commit to a three day per week training regime is not easy to do.

     The big four. TECHNICAL, TACTICAL, FITNESS, PSYCHOLOGICAL. We learn that the game is made up of these components and these components are what we are obligated to address. USSF and NSCAA have invented a process to help as squeeze as much training into our 90 min. sessions as possible.

      Economic Training allows me to combine as many as these components into a session to get every bit of progress I can. The first 15 minutes of every session should be set aside as a warm-up period. So in 15 minutes how do I combine these 4 components into a warm-up?

    Running laps will warm them up. So I get one of the four in (fitness). I think I can do better.

   Today I want to work on ball control. So my warm-up might be: Everyone with a ball dribbling in a confined area. I will stop every 2-3 minutes and have them perform a dynamic stretching activity (butt kicks, skipping etc.). After a few minutes of this I will add a keeper with instructions to scoop up ill dribbled balls and toss them out of the area.

Players must retrieve their ball and return to the group.(keeper involvement)

  Let’s compare the two warm-ups.

Running of laps: Fitness, we get fifteen minutes of aerobic work with elevated heart rate.

Ball control Warm-up: Technical, everyone dribbling the ball and having to use different parts of the foot to maneuver through traffic to maintain possession. Tactical, that is the moving through traffic part looking for space to maneuver towards while performing a technique. Fitness, 15 minutes of CMT (Constant Motion Training) heart rate elevated and maintained for 15 min. Psychological: My players are engaged in the play .They have to think, adjust, change direction, look ahead, plan on the fly which is what they have to do in every game and every phase of play.

     So in my warm-up I have already achieved in the first 15 minutes, including introduction to my ball control lesson plan, the big Four.

 It is easy to tell players take a lap.

It is a good way to get them out of your hair while you set up your cones or talk to parents about the upcoming game. It is also an easy punishment; hey, you take a lap! I guess I have a hard time using physical exercise as punishment. It is supposed to be good for us right? So how come when I make a mistake coach makes me run?

    Take time to plan your warm-up. Be ECONOMIC and stingy in your training sessions.

If the first 15 minutes of your session contains the big four, just think of what you can accomplish in the rest of your session.

                      

 

  Hello

      Are you getting excited! Our tournament is in 2 weeks and we will have over 100 teams coming onto our turf to show what they GOT! I know all of our teams and coaches are ready to strut their stuff and have a great weekend of soccer.

      Which reminds me….

 This past week one of our club parents asked why coaches are not running laps like we used to.

(Never give me an opening like that.)

  I explained that the majority or our coaches are licensed through USSF and are qualified, educated coaches.

  I further explained that the fitness component of training is mixed in with each activity a coach involves the player in. I explained the ideology behind ECONOMIC TRAINING. Our clubs coaches are constantly learning to address the need of the player. This summer we have added several new D licenses to our coaching ranks there-by increasing our club strength through our coaches.

   By applying the NO LINES, NO LAPS NO LECTURES concepts, we increase the quality of our time with each and every player.

    With the strides our coaches have made in implementing updated training methodologies and seeing the effort by all involved in the upcoming events, I am very excited and anticipate a great weekend of Thunder soccer.

 Kelly 

 

       

 

  

 

 

Full Plate- With the first week of our camp complete and fall training coming soon,we are all loaded with soccer activities.
   Our camp is doing well and players are picking up on  a lot of the nuances we  are trying to pass on. Our camp staff has been very aware of the need of the player and taking the time to help develop each campers skill level.
    We have had a good turn out in spite of some bad weather. I think attendance has been about 150 per week. A good start for something we hope to build on each season. 
   We have also had several coaches earn their USSF D certificate. I will announce them as soon as  we have total results.
  Our Tournament is looking very good with 87 teams registered at last count. We hope to to constantly improve our tournament and invite even more teams to come out and compete.
   I will announce  soon the start of a weekly skills camp. The 1 hour sessions will focus on some advance moves and ball handling techniques for club players.
 More Later
 Kelly 

Hello all,
   Everyone should be looking to register on line for our summer camp. This process will help the club to communicate with all players and parents with items all should be aware of.
   I am enjoying the world cup games. It may be over simplistic but every goal scored cam be related to an error on the defensive side of the field. Watch for it.
   Teams of this caliber will not risk playng a lot of high pressure defence either. The talent is way to  evenly matched. I did expect and bet on the US team to win by one goal.
   I predicted to much emphasis on Rooney and not enough on combination play. We let a player be unmarked after a pass to Rooney and Rooney returned the ball and goal scored. Take the tie and move on. I did lose the bet I have a shaved head to prove it :(
 Kelly 

 Hello all, 

Hi Coaches,
 Reports are still coming in. We have had some great advances within the club. From President cup winners, great job guys and coach Nutley. To tournament and league wins. I am sure that all of the work that you the coaches have done this spring,will be what draws new members into this club.
  I have seen some really fun games this spring and the advancement from our players is awesome. I believe we have all done our part in taking our club forward and will continue to see it grow . We have added new board members. Scott Bowers will steer the club as our club president. Our summer camp will taking place end of July.
  Lets have a great try out week and add to the TUMFC family.
 Kelly  

Hello Coaches,

   This week I will be implementing the 6v6 modelin most of my sessions. This SSG model is a great teaching tool and can be altered to fit most tactical situations. A portable goal or drop goal is needed for this as well as minimum of 12 players.

    The u-10 boy’s team I train was active in this model last week. The guys were able to rehearse playing the ball to the keeper and counter attacking out of the defensive third.

     As a follow upgame related activity we are playing a lot of SSGs with two touch restrictions.Though some would argue it has players making unnecessary passes it does promote players having to get their heads up and actively look for the next safe and connecting pass. Usually about 20 min of this restriction then moving to unrestricted play will get noticeable results.

    Several coaches come out and watch these sessions then take some of these activities back to their own sessions..Great job..!

Kelly

    

    

 

Hi Coaches,

  Bad weather and re-scheduled games are really making a lot of your schedules difficult.

A busy as you are with your teams, I want to acknowledge those of you making time to attend the up-coming coach’s clinics. You guys are making the extra effort. The more coaches in our club that obtain these credentials the more credibility we gain as a club.

   Greg, Pasquale, Dave, Larry, thanks for your commitment to your players.

   I encourage all coaches to continue your education in coaching the great game. I have had several coaches ask for training ideas. I have answered some great questions both tactical, technical and on preparing a successful training session. If I do not have the answer I will find the correct answer and get back with you. We all must keep in mind that some day our players will be sought out by college coaches that know what a well trained soccer player looks like. Both USSF and NSCAA are dedicated to teaching training methodologies that will prepare your players for that day.

   I recently heard from one of my young trainees. She has graduated from college and is teaching elementary school in South Africa. She played four years at Taylor University.

  Christy is now teaching the game to South African children. It is very gratifying to have been a very small part of her journey.

  Christy I wish you all the best. I still have your team photo from the Tennessee tournament with the U-19s. Eight of you went on to play college soccer. Sherrice ended up at Grambling University! MB at college of MSJ.

   Coaches keep honing your skills; players keep listening to your coaches!

Kelly

 

   

 

Hi Coaches,

     Some years ago FIFA made a change in the laws of the game. The change was imparted in an attempt to add more action in front of the goal. Some of you may remember the ball being passed back to the keeper who then picked it up and stood with ball in hand until he felt like releasing it. Usually this was met by the crowd whistling in protest to this time burning tactic.

    With the new law well in place, the keeper’s ability to use his or her first touch ball control skills is a part of the game. Playing the ball back to the keeper (to his feet) is a part of the game. It is not a trick devised by a clever select coach. I had a brief conversation with a coach (not our club) about use of the keeper as a counter attacking tactic. He gave me his story of how this was dangerous and would never allow this in his game.

    The keeper is par tof the game and needs to be utilized in all facets of the game. Defending aswell as attacking. Just as dribbling and striking are practiced so is droppingto the keeper and distributing the ball out of the Defensive 3^rd.Whacking the ball down field is not always the best option. Coaches fee lcomfort in the GET IT OUT OF THERE approach to defending but the players never learn how to win the ball and control the ball out of the back and start a counter attack. The keeper should learn when to clear the ball, how to call the ball for a drop and how to distribute the ball as part of the attack. All field players need to get comfortable with playing the ball to the keeper (usuallythe unmarked man) and making a run that hopefully will be rewarded with a well played pass back to his lane.

    I train several U-10/U-11 Boys and Girls teams that already employ this tactical component as part of their game and do so with huge success. Yes they make mistakes and yes we have suffered in some scary play but the potential is more exciting and seeing the look on these players’ faces on a will executed play is worth the risk. Not to mention the look on the opponent’s coach’s face of disbelief as his goal scoring opportunity is stripped away.

    I urge all of you to make this tactic a part of your game. Learn it, teach it, and use it.

   There are some parameters that need to be learned here. A 2ft pass to the keeper may not be a good idea.Inside the 18 is not the best time to dump the ball to a keeper. Kicking the ball at the keeper is not good. Playing the ball to an unsuspecting keeper, not good.

    Just like any tactic it must be taught and rehearsed.

Kelly

   

 

    

 

 

Hello Coaches,

     Like you I am neck deep in soccer. Game day at our home fields was a great day to observe club games. In stead of reporting on all games, I will spotlight one. U-15G yellow.

   Yes I do train this team and have for several sessions. Ed Kenny has had an agenda that is long term and he constantly adjusts his training regime to stay focused on that agenda. I feel fortunate to be permitted to train these athletes.

     The team he challenged today was versed in direct soccer and had a forward that was accustomed to putting the ball behind the defense and then finishing with a break-away drive on goal. Thunder yellow plays a 3-2-3-2 system. This allows for a balanced field and takes a talented bench to play it well. The sweeper is constantly moving to mark a player on attack ( shut down passing lanes or to thwart a cleared ball counter attack)then becoming unmarked if the opponent is able to counter attack from midfield.To move back as an unmarked sweeper and assume 2nd defender role. The sweeper will also carry the ball up field if unmarked (this gives us numbers up on the attack) or play the ball back to the keeper to restart the drive up field. This high pressure defense is not for the faint of heart or those that are not willing to play the ball back to their keeper from 20 or even 30 yards out. The two stoppers have to be able to refuse to have the ball played behind them and be tireless in not allowing unmarked players to create passing lanes for balls being played through. Today that is exactly what they did.

      Ed’s team has trained in the indirect style of play and today was able to demonstrate a very well played match. His team has trained every player to do everything. All can defend and all can attack. The know when to strike and how, and when to redirect a well placed serve.

     The score was 5-0but it could have been closer were it not for the teams ability to play with composure,first touch ball control and in my opinion, spot on combination play.

      We all know that on any given day  a great team can have a bad game or a bad team can have a great game. I liked to think today a good team had a good game.

 

Yours in the Great Game

Kelly

 

 

Hello Thunder,

 

    I have been out on the fields and witnessed a lot of good training sessions. Chad and Toby are applying the lesson.  In the training I saw this week , the theme of the session was easy to identify. Everyone was moving and a great number of ball touches was very evident.

    I see fewer players running LAPS and more in the A-B’s getting ball touches and fitness requirements at the same time. Remember you get them 3 hours a week. You are challenged to get as many as the components of the game in that short time as possible.

    Next week I will be working on striking, mid-field play (playmaker) and some playing with back to the goal (technical) work. The majority of teams I train will always begin with the AB’s as a warm-up and to hammer the player’s first touch. We inject the dynamic stretching activities at that point to increase our productivity.
The club warm-up for games is useful as a training warm-up as well. But to be even “stingier” with your time, try adding the dynamic stretches into your topics warm-up. I will be demonstrating this methodology every night next week.
  Training methodologies are always changing but never seem to go back-wards. I like learning new ways to develop players as well as my own training methods. I have some activities I have employed for several years and some that I have altered to stay current. Some I have used once ..and that was enough.

  Feel free to observe my sessions; I will be looking to steal from yours stash of activities too!

 

Yours in the great game,

 Kelly

 

Hi Coaches,

 WOW what a weekend. Lots of good soccer, good fun and great people. I saw many of your games but some not at all. We were all so spread out it was difficult to be everywhere at once.

    For my U-17 team it was a wake up call. This team moves from D2 to D1. We were facing teams that play in different leagues than ours and reported to be stronger than CUSL.

    Though competitive we lost 1-2, 0-2 and tied 1-1. Our goal was to observe and move new players to see how they will work with returning players. Because we have a very deep and talented bench we are able to play 3-2-3-2. This system lends itself to total soccer concepts. All of our players can adapt to constantly changing dynamics of the game. We de-emphasize positions and stress responsibility of the player in response to phase of play and where the ball is on the field. So we get a few new players that get lost because they have learned to play a position and have a hard time adjusting to seeing defensive 3^rd players striking on goal.

   I hope all of you were able to analyze your games and are ready to plan your training sessions for upcoming league play.

    I would like to hear from you about your observations and plans for the season!

 

 Yours in the great game,

  Kelly

 

 

Hello Coaches,

   Most of you have made progress on your team pages .Its fun looking at your team’s accomplishments and great photos. Keep it up.

    I was on the field Thursday evening to watch training of several teams. Remember: Move towards the dynamic warm-up. This is more beneficial for you team than the static stretching. Fitness can be combined and rolled into your “economic” session. You can achieve better results by combining as compared to running laps.

 NO LINES

 NO LAPS

 NO LECTURES.

   Try the CMS approach. Constant Motion Soccer. Find ways to keep you players in motion even during your warm-up. Many years ago, during a U-9 game, a young player was starting in his first soccer game. After the usual swarming on the field this young player was able to win the ball and instantly but the ball between his feet and preformed (flawlessly) the bell. You know ball between ankles standing in place and knocking the ball ankle to ankle. The parents were amused. The coach was not. Try to make every activity look like the game. Remember your USSF training and keep it challenging and fun.

   I am adding the “Matthews “as a players challenge. You know, like a home work assignment. Somewhere in our warm-up I will show the move. Most times in a technical session. I allow a few minutes to practice it, and then challenge them to work on it at home and show it off next week. During our small sided games I will point out a situation where this move might have been beneficial. You tube has many videos demonstrating these fun fakes. Learn it, demo it slowly (walk through) find a player that is doing it well. Then use that player as a demonstrator. The U-8 coach snagged one of the U-17 Girls to demonstrate striking, Thursday evening. The U-8s saw a first rate demo, the U17 got a chance to share her love of the game. A win win situation!

   Keep it up coaches.

 

Kelly

 

Coaches,
 I just addedd a link to the Club warm-up, it is on You Tube.Look at the links on Coaches Page -Links . Or Try this link.
 Kelly
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bgrk9blTcKY 
 

Beautiful day for training.

 

  The number of quality soccer players within our club is very impressive. From U9 to the HS men and women we have a great player pool. This past weekend,March 6/7, we held training for over 150 club players. Several club coaches were on hand to assist in training as well. 

  My goal is to dust off the fundamental skill set and provide some general feedback to coaches. Some know that I train for other teams outside our club and this past fall was an ODP trainer. This allows me to compare our programs to those around us. Like I said over all we have a very talented group and a solid foundation.

  Next weekend sessions will include the balance of players and an extra session for the HS group. The HS sessions will focus on possession in the form of small sided games. Ritch is working on providing more goals to allow for more small sided games.

  Thanks Dave, Greg, Doug,Chris,Kevin,Steve, Eric, Tim, Ritch and others(still placing names and faces) for lending your experience.

  Remember the new website is up. We have provided a page for each team to share their team’ s activities and as a central communication point for families. Feel free to load it up. Add photos and your team endeavors.

  19 teams will be going to the Middletown Spring Blast. Looks like bad weather for that tournament..THUNDER  is coming!!!

  The business card program is an easy awesome way to help fund your team and the club. Check it out!

  Yours in the Great Game

Kelly

 

Coaches, 

Hello Coaches, 

  

February 26^th 7:30-8:30 at the Lebanon Y, TheThunder United U-17 Girls Thunderbolts, will be doing a real time demonstration of our club warm-up. This pre game activity is used at a very high level of soccer. It will prepare both mentally and physically, your team, for the game they are getting ready to play. As a bonus we get some club recognition through unity.    This will be 30 minute demonstration followed by an inter squad game. This is a great opportunity to see a full demonstration and explanation of this warm-up. Remember game time is too late to practice head balls, corner kicks and taking shots on goal.    I look forward to seeing all of you there.

 

 The last Month has been very busy.

The U-8 Academy Director, Lisa Cummins, has been training every Friday at the Lebanon Y. Thanks go out to some of our veteran coaches(Dick Miller) that have made them selves available and shared their knowledge of the game with this age group. Want to test your teaching abilities? Come on out.

I have been working with the U-17 Girls team and opened these sessions to club coaches that are looking to increase their training book. This will continue for 4 more weeks. By seeing these training methodologies carried out on a well rehearsed group of players it is easy to see how it will benefit a younger group. (Activities in these sessions are the same preformed by men’s teams)

We have successfully licensed twelve club coaches with E & F licenses. I congratulate you guys and look forward to see you implementing these concepts into your own teams. By completing these courses you have demonstrated to your players and their parents your dedication to taking each player to the next level. As you gain experience between your licenses you grow as a teacher of the game, a mentor to the players and a resource to younger coaches.

January 27: A meeting was held to inform players of college playing opportunities and strategies on gaining recognition from college coaches. Making them selves available to coaches is a very important part of being considered, not every player is actively recruited. The event went well and something we will build on for future players looking to play college soccer.  

 

The coaches’ lecture series is coming up…I will be attending. The series promises to be more informative with the inclusion of players doing actual demos at each session. I will admit missing the last two years, though I have attended most of the six before that. There is always something I can take away from the series; I hope to see you there.

You should also look for the Region II ODP symposium. I have attended two of these three day symposiums. You do not need to be a staff coach to attend. This is a great learning experience as well. This is normally late February. Anyone wishing to participate let me know ASAP

A reminder: It is easy to recruit strong players. The challenge is to build a player by teaching the skills a player needs to be a strong player. I urge all of you to Max out your roster. Get the kids on the field and put your self to the test.  I had a club coach working with a u-15 player indoor. Her abilities at striking are yet to be uncovered. He did manage to push her in the right direction and get a well deserved smile from her. Teach-don’t preach. .Show don’t tell.