What gets us in trouble is that anyone, absolutely anyone, can be a “coach”.
- Everyone’s got thoughts and a narrative about the game. And no matter how ill-developed, incoherent, or superficial they may be, that falls into the philosophy bucket.
- Everyone’s got activities.
- And everyone can take a player, or two, or 22, and have them do something: Execution.
The difference between quality of coaching comes from:
- How developed each of the three circles are.
- How aligned they are with one another, and most importantly
- How well the intersection of all three is aligned with gold standard football.
I just posted and saw this new thread before I logged out.
I don’t think you ever defined the gold standard? A definition will add context and maybe better expressed blogger responses.
It’s a valid point Jhun.
For now, see here: http://blog.3four3.com/2012/11/15/gold-standard-soccer/comment-page-1/#comment-34556
A definition and/or example of a club that is or comes close to gold standard and why you believe they are.
A coach has their own definition/philosophy of gold standard football. Though most philosophies are nowhere near developed or polished to that of the gold standard, every coach has to believe they have a gold standard philosophy or else what the hell are they doing coaching and how can they take themselves seriously? It’s the other two circles that usually don’t align with the coach’s “gold standard” philosophy, if it even is a gold standard philosophy. Activities are easy to come up with and anyone can find a Barcelona possession activity or Jose Mourinho session from the likes of any gold standard club, this however does not make it a gold standard activity. The execution and detailed application of the activity is what can make it gold standard . The alignment of the execution circle is where I see coaches suffer. How applicable is the activity to their philosophy and system? Does it promote a winning system at the top levels of the game? Is it detailed yet simple for the players to understand? Are the coaching points being brought out and are they effective? Is the opponent being studied? Is the team being analyzed and are other players being recruited? I have a feeling this thread is going to be loaded w/ “gold standard” philosophies b/c the other two can’t be proven in a blog post, but I agree it is the alignment of all 3 that produce the gold standard. The alignment of the activities and the execution with the philosophy circle are what set the gold standard coaches apart from the rest.
Consistent winning results and success at the top level on a global scale have to be the defining “truth” to gold standard football coaching. For the youth coach, along with results, gold standard can also have developmental implications. Are you developing future professional players, future international team players, and future superstars? That is gold standard in developmental terms.
Oh yeah and did I mention “possession” đ
Gary, always love your artwork. 3four3 should get some nomination for it.
If the size and alignment of your philosophy, activities, and execution circles are not correct you get a null intersection….NO COACHING.
Aside, been enjoying 3four3 but have noticed mainly parents commenting and promoting their own kids. Don’t have too much of a problem with that because it’s understandable. I do have a concern that the quality comments from real coaches have reduced and significant contributors have disappeared or gone silent.
Dr. Loco,
We think alike. I posted a few times yesterday to drum-up responses on various topics. Coaches may largely be silent because part of establishment. Their very clubs or coaching may be part of problem. Difficult to call out your own faults / areas for improvement. We parents with varying degrees of soccer knowledge can do it because we donât have the baggage, not part of club infrastructure or politics and no impact whatsoever on larger scale (USSF, ODP, etc.). I donât want a bunch of âexpertsâ chiming in anyway. They are part of the system and may be less inclined to change it or point out dirty laundry. Sometimes best way to create new thinking, new paradigm is by those who are naĂŻve to old one. People good at asking why and being curious. I think we do an excellent job of that here, despite us not being coaches.
It appears we think alike but I’m much more radical. I try really hard to control myself and bite my lip…sometimes I bleed.
http://blog.3four3.com/2013/02/07/pickup-soccer-versus-competitive-club-soccer/comment-page-1/#comment-37590
You always get an intersection. See the three bullet points.
Dr Loco,
The thought is for me figuring out who the discussion is with, as you point out, beating my head against a wall is not exciting if the person is not making me better. I love this blog, and read it for the gold standard, I am better for it for sure. I go many places to search it out, continue to be driven nuts by the hacks out there….. Do parents chip in the brag about their kids, sure they do. But as it was said by Gary, the better the parent thinks the kid is the worse the player is!!!!!! So talking to parents about their kid is not what it is about. I found it very unique that Ben’s parents got on here and said nothing about how good he is, they talked about how much work is ahead of him….. That is perfection, I am a trainer, I have been for longer than my children have been alive, I have 5 kids, 3 of which play the game I happen to love, the other two dance….. The 3 that play I am never satisfied with, which in big part is the reason I will never and I mean never train their team. I can though make sure they have a good trainer that has the gold standard. I look at the vinn diagram that Gary has put forth and what I know is this, it has been said that 99% of the coaches out there don’t know crap…. Which makes a lot of since when you look at the diagram. I used to be so activities heavy, and until I got my philosphy straight, my teams had no execution, now they are aligned and I believe that the result is true coaching….. Which I am proud of…. not because of what I brings me, but what it brings my players, a desire to continue to challenge themselves…..
Well said, Kg.
“the better the parent thinks the kid is the worse the player is!!!!!! ”
I know for a fact there are many secret international youth academies scouting and developing players in the US for the international teams. They never identify the US players because the instant someone tells the player he is good they stop developing.
How the 3 areas align and intersect with gold standard is excellent insight Gary. We can apply that to a club: is philosophy of club, execution of its duties and decisions, its activities (how it operates), and how it selects coaching aligned to gold standard? It starts at the top. S**t sinks and cream rises as they say.
At lower level, we can apply to possession, player id, style of play, etc. Does style of play align to philosophy, execution, activities, coaching and aligned to gold standard?
We can apply same thought experiment to coaches, players, administrators, and so on. If those at the top are aligned properly, it should follow that the bottom are aligned. If not, shuffle the deck. Fix the problem before it spreads. That applies for administrators, coaches, players. Easy to do in professional academy where club covers cost and they have financial investment. Difficult if not impossible in pay-to-play model.
As coach I do believe many coaches worry about their own image to the parents, players, other coaches and appearing “big time” before anything. Its sickens me when I see a coach who played at some level, got his licensees, bull shi*s his way to his audience (players, parents and other coaches).
I think a coach have to thrive to be a student of the game, and read read read, analyze games, grasp pointers, learn from others, read more, observe more, pay attention to details.
I think improving each circle will improve the other circles, which will improve coaching.
I’d like to respond to the key points made above by Nate, Kg, and Some Coach (importance of execution, pimping your kid, coach’s dedication to improvement vs. selling himself).
Before I started reading this site four years ago, I was already frustrated with the selection of coaches here in Southern California. This site has made me a much better-informed consumer of coaching services. And while I think that I have improved as a consumer faster than the coaching community has improved its services, there is still cause for being optimistic. In fact, I have seen some improvement in the lower age groups out here, U12 and below, for the most part, though in the upper age groups nothing has changed. However, whether you are a coach or a parent, if you are truly dedicated to making and/or supporting progress, you must be practical and support anything that represents improvement; you must support those people moving in the right direction, even if they are not perfect. If you are sitting around waiting for perfection, probably you are just a whiner.
If we want to see change, it is really, really important that parents reward those coaches who are making brave, albeit imperfect, steps in the right direction. The key to making this system work is follow quality. For example, I have a kid right now in a high-profile academy, but if I had the opportunity to put him with a coach that were doing things significantly better in a club less well known, I would not hesitate to make the move. And I know he would be happier learning more.
And if you are a coach who likes what 3four3 has to say, don’t just use the ideas to sell better– why not try just BEING that coach, instead? An example of this, to pick up on Nate’s train of thought, would be a coach that perhaps has not implemented a perfect philosophy of possession soccer, but whose training is well planned, focuses on important details, and is INTENSE; a training where kids are learning. If what you are doing as a coach has truth and integrity, you make yourself very distinct from the pack, and there will be parents who will seek you out and follow you, and they will probably be the type of parents you want to have, for the most part. But if you just want to talk your way to the top, you will be like everyone else who is making America not so great lately.
Also, if you are a parent and you like this site, you need to be honest with yourself not just about your kid’s true level, but also about how much you seek social prestige through your kid’s soccer achievements. Stop trying to shoehorn your kid on teams he doesn’t really belong, thinking they will raise his level. Nothing fucks up the coaching dynamic, team dynamics, and the market mechanism in general more than soccer helicopter parents. A rising tide does lift all boats. Your kid doesn’t have to pursue professional dreams in order to contribute to the improvement of soccer at the top levels in this country.
“For example, I have a kid right now in a high-profile academy, but if I had the opportunity to put him with a coach that were doing things significantly better in a club less well known, I would not hesitate to make the move. And I know he would be happier learning more”.
Great post Alberto but question on comment above. I’ll assume the level of play is high at academy relative to surrounding clubs. I’ll also assume coaching is high level relative to surrounging clubs or you would have moved. Let’s assume you didn’t have both at current academy. Your comment suggests you believe your son would/could learn more in an environment with great coaching but lower level teammates. Is this possible? If a “great” coach doesn’t have the players to support the coaching philosophy and/or system then how exactly would your son benefit from this coach? Would he not then be better off playing with and against the highest level of player possible? How can an above average youth striker improve as a player if midfield can’t support the play on top?
Tim, good questions. I will try to answer:
– Level of academy here is average by USDA standards, focuses intensely on athleticism/early puberty.
– I like my kid’s current coach. He is not perfect, but tries to play possession. Problem is that there is a bit of a gap between what he says and what he does: he places high importance on physical, early-puberty kids to pull out wins. But still, I won’t move unless it my kid unless it is for a significantly better situation.
– Team playing style: I won’t go into detail– refer to some of Kana’s older posts on coaches that say one thing and do another, coaches who espouse a possession-oriented style, playing the ball on the ground, out of the back, but once in transition, let dumb athletic types run everyone and play vertically with virtually no horizontal movement, and you will get the picture.
– With regard to a player– any player, not just my son– learning, it is very much possible to learn more from a great coach, even if the team’s “level” is lower. I have seen this before. Unfortunately, it was in Spain. Of course, there are conditions: the “level”, whatever it is, cannot be that much lower (subjective, but important to qualify for each individual); the biggest problem with level, in my opinion, has to do with the soccer IQ: dumb kids who don’t have the ability to see the game and are not very coachable are by far the biggest problem of all, regardless of ethnicity, speed, size, strength, aggression, work rate, parental financial assets, etc.
– Playing against worthy competition is important, but I think a kid can also waste years of development in an environment where kids who hit puberty early are allowed to “express themselves”, at the expense of the collective, both in practice and in games, with no restraints or correction.
– I think if you have a great coach, one who skillfully integrates the three elements Gary describes above, it doesn’t matter what he starts with– he will win, and his players will learn a great deal. And that will attract better players. (And then your real problems will start.)
– I’m not sure I can answer your last question very specifically, but I will try: Part of being a good striker is learning off the ball movement. And learning how to identify and rank options instantaneously. If a coach is coaching his team to attack as a collective and is good at it, your striker will be learning lots, even if he is surrounded by less quality. If your coach is not so good at teaching that, and the team just makes a series of uncreative, individualistic attacks constantly, like the kids who just try to run over everyone because they hit puberty earlier, then you kid will not learn so much, even if the level is “higher”. If you kid is at a much, much higher level, then you should play him up for a good coach.
– And by the way, those early puberty kids who have been encouraged by their coaches and parents to just try to run everyone over– they are being screwed too.
Alberto: You sir, know what you’re talking about.
To evaluate around the “good striker” a bit more.
What does it require to be a productive striker for U12’s – Speed
What does it require to be a productive pro senior striker – speed, mind, agility, game intellegence, coordinative skills, stamina, functional ball skill, and every imaginable attribute I’ve not listed.
The “good” U12 striker still got a lot to learn.
And if the coach just let him do his thing (cause he’s just sooo good and will go pro.. lol ), he will decide many games outcome, but he will not develop, and he will retire once he’s not the fastest anymore. Cause he have not been tought how the game is played – the principles of the game.
It’s a myth that “players need to play with kids as good as themselves to develop”. The only way a kid will learn how to play soccer is to be instructed correctly during practice.
In most cases, a fast U12 striker commit more mistakes than his peers, but since he’s so fast, it requires a good coach to see thru his scoring record, and start working with the abilities the kid is missing.
If a kid is ahead in all aspects (speed, mind, agility, game intellegence, coordinative skills, stamina, functional ball skill etc), he should play with older kids. If not, stay where you are, and pray to god your Coach know how to instruct during practice.
If a kid is about to switch to an older group, make sure he really want to, and that he’ll still feel safe socially in the new enviroment. If he does’nt, there will be no development, and he’ll be better off in a group he feel confident with.
Teaching football is so much more than visable abilities and score sheets..
Best regards
Dennis
I was listening to Kleiban podcast on Football Garden and they talked about U14 team and repetition to understand numerous game situations and how to play as a team when they arise. Spot on! But hereâs therein lies a common problem: we can do all the repetition we want, but need right players to optimize it. Many coaches do good job at aligning above at practice, but in game situation it breaks down. Either from lack of composure (often ball skill such as first touch, passing, looking down instead of up, comfort with the ball is the root cause) or inability to execute (mental). Only so much a coach can do at U14 and above for the former. And if the former is limited, so too will be the latter.
Someone said it was a myth that players donât need to play with better players. I think in certain cases that may be true. But having technically and tactically sound players takes training and playing games to higher level. It enables higher learning. No matter how you try (as a coach), some players just canât get to next level. Youâre only as good as your weakest link is a truth. On a team (a closed system of interrelated parts), individual player development is limited by the symbiotic relationship of each player. As the team improves, it enables each individual player to improve . . . and vice versa. A positively correlated relationship. Each player can work on his own to improve technically and tactically, but limited by those around him.
The vast majority of teams I see in SoCal have wide variation of technical and tactical ability. The best teams have less variation and players tend to cluster on right-side of the curve. The more individual players you have approaching the 90th percentile and above, better the team will tend to perform. Not always true (other variables at work). I think coaches need to work towards that in player id and development and release. That works in pro-centric environment; not necessarily in pay to play model where long-term goal is something else. The system only operates as effectively as itâs individual parts. We see results on the pitch during a game, not at practice where conditions not as stressful.
Was speaking of U14 National Team in above Pod Cast.
One clarification from above: “Each player can work on his own to improve technically and tactically, but limited by those around him”.
Meant to say Each player can work on his own to improve technically and tactically, but game execution of team limited by those around him.
Some problems I often see during games: The #6 or #8 not properly distributing ball has far reaching consequences. Center backs booting the ball, wing backs unable to press forward and build from back. #10 or #9 not moving properly and not in synch with #6, #8, #7, #11.
Reminds me of an old post where we talked about jungle ball being contagious. One player gets bad hospital pass, or someone panics under pressure, or someone whacking the ball, or someone choosing wrong moment to advance to goal in wrong situation and in wrong third of the pitch . . . and chain reaction starts. Then it bleeds over to the other team who try to capitalize on a fast break.
As a coach, having a disciplined, tactically smart kid who also has great technique is truly priceless! Having two or more is like a lottery win.
Another enjoyable post Gary. So many coaches lack an adequate, true grasp of all three of these. I mostly see coaches with a giant circle of activities, a misguided philosophy, and execution that appeals more to less informed parents and themselves rather than connecting with the players. This type of execution is cultivated and never challenged in our debacle that is ussf a, b, and c licensing.
An honest critique of myself would say that my philosophy is developing but but sound, my execution is very effective, and my “activities” are simple and game like, but are still being refined and expanded. I tend to keep “what” I’m doing in training very simple so the entire focus can be on competing and developing team play. Every few months I steal some activity that I can tweak and use to better execute my philosophy.
On a side note I am hoping the disastrous u-20 performance against mighty Haiti inspires non-believers to become a bit more vocal. It was a gross display of poorly coached, “jungle” ball, and factual confirmation that we are NOT improving do to ussf’s ignornorance, inccompetence, and the type of cronyism that would allow Tab Ramos without a lick of true success as a manager to hold such a job as u-20 manager. Maybe missing the world cup will wake people up, but probably not. We will just blame klinnsmann and a few scapegoat players rather than the entire machine of shit soccer coaches that run this nation.
I’m just here to learn what good coaching looks like and to learn what a product of good coaching looks like. I’ve been reading for about a year…. and I’ve learned more in that year than I did in the 3 previous years. If we expect anything to improve, the game needs parents like me to understand what everyone is up against. I’ve learned to recognize the signs of poor coaching. poor player selection and what the landscape of club soccer and player development is like in this country. As a parent of a player who’s almost 9, I think that’s invaluable. I may talk about my son, but I’m not here to promote him, just to share what I see as we navigate through his progression.
Gary, what element of execution is missing most in the U.S.? At the youth level. Or what would you say to the coaches that think they are good on the other two but it’s not “happening” in the game. What’s the real problem?
Hi Alec,
“Gary, what element of execution is missing most in the U.S.? At the youth level.”
As always, that’s a difficult question to answer completely because Execution is multi-faceted and inextricably meshed with Philosophy & Activities. For instance, perhaps the problem is player quality. If that’s the case, Philosophy guides playerID, recruiting is an Activity, and Execution is getting that player coming to your program. (This is just one simple example of the mesh).
But let’s suppose the roster’s all set (and of sufficient quality), and somehow, someway, Philosophy/Activities are not linked to Execution. Here’s perhaps the main issue with Execution … (what I’d say to the coaches)
* The coach is competing at a level out of his depth.
Possible solution?
Have the team play against the highest level competition possible where the style of play desired can be executed until it is mastered. That’s how a coach will learn, and that’s how the players will learn. Then raise the level of competition, and start the process again. Otherwise, no one’s learning anything.
Makes sense. I’m hoping it comes together this spring. Boys been working hard – playing Futsal. If I get some good film I will YouTube it over. Maybe the form can give me some pointers. scary đ Actually, it would be really interesting to watch the team’s of the coaches that read this blog. I wonder if there is any real fruit from the labor so to speak?
Hey Alec- Get some videos of your teams and post them! I love seeing how people are doing. I also like sharing my progress… đ
http://youtu.be/VGnXA5DXc1w
http://youtu.be/fdlX0NnUusk
http://youtu.be/g3PNKFEqW90
http://youtu.be/AoCX68ZKpLE
That’s great stuff!! High school soccer is like a smack in the face to the beautiful game – it’s so ugly. Your team looks great! What’s most impressive is that I’m guessing you haven’t coached these kids since they ware little – you have had to work with what you got. And they all have a noticeably similar looking 1st touch technique. So I’m guessing you have polished it a lot for them. Good stuff.
Here is some video from the recent 3four3 get together in LA. My video sucks. Shot it with my iPhone from the stands. They made it a point to say that this was NOT team training. This was basically conditioning for guys trying to get to the next level.
Still waiting for Gary to release all of his………….. (cough… Gary… cough!) haha
http://youtu.be/KoBkgqhqtVQ
Yeah, good stuff. I actually already saw that one. haha. I think I just exposed that I’m a 3four3 YouTube stalker. Gary you should put some more videos of your youth teams.
And I still would like to see some video of any other coaches teams’ from the blog. Curious to see how everyone is doing?
I’m curious, too. It’s easy for people to talk, talk, talk. I want some people to show, show, show.
đ
Thanks John,
We’re a week from the start of our season for our HS Girls team. Hoping to post some video as well.
Video of U8boys, one of my teams in the Weston Cup Finals, sort of long video, many things I would tear apart but for the most part very happy with where they are at, and what they are doing, funny thing is when I thought about posting video as was suggested, I looked at video from Jan. and was finding that I hated what I saw, because we have improved a bunch, but then thinking back I loved what we did in Jan. compared to August, I guess it is to be expected with a team, if we do our job, we will see the progress……. anyhow, here is the video, I think it gets good at about he 15 min. mark, but put the whole thing in there, would love to hear comments, most from the negative side I see, but comments non the less is always good, I have another trainer who we watch each others games and talk things out all the time, so let me have it… lol, this was the finals of the top bracket, I believe there were 14 teams that were U8 at the tourney, both teams can play, and I have to say the team we faced were well coached as well…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvjmXFsa8p4
btw the blue team is my team
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHwJYGSJgXA
fun two goals from one of our forwards, from some months ago, against a pretty good team
I usually just read… This time I decide to put my two cents.
Everyone is a coach.
The discussion should be more on what is presented and when. If one considers soccer as a taught subject thought using structured methodology that includes substantial scientific methods than we can better discuss the “coaching definition” (i.e. does it require philosophy) … Rafael Benitez…
As any taught subject, the development of the student depends much on the facultiesâ educational structure and capabilities (activities & execution?) and often not directly related to the philosophy, knowledge or attitude of the teacher.
In general the educational structure is very rigid and only disciplined organizations achieve high quality outputs. To a certain extent the methodology for exposure of information is scientific in nature and the student has very little room to explore or be creative.
A five years old is not provided with a pen and paper and asked to write a novel. He is told exactly how to draw the alphabet letters and ordered to practice to perfection. Over time the student develops his own calligraphic style but only after he is proficient in writing. Thru high school and first years of college the student learns the so called basic education and is not specialized on anything. A bachelors’ degree provides specialization in a specific area, the master’s provides focused ability on a specific sector and a doctorate provides specialization on a narrow field.
In soccer regardless of the coaches philosophy or intentions, if the organization does not have the correct approach to a soccer curriculum than the results will most likely be subpar.
We should define the ultimate objective of the soccer educational effort⌠i.e. Provide for a student to graduate with a bachelorâs degree in soccer (MLS player).
Programs with three hours of instruction per week five months per year probably will not allow high school graduation. Ten hours per week year around of general ball exposure taught by a somewhat experienced player will most likely produce a player that can participate in the game by adulthood. But only an intensive, segmented, age specific and scientific guided curriculum will achieve master graduations by the age of 18.
Does it have much to do with âThe coach?â, âThe training staff?â, âThe level of competition?â, âThe league structure?â⌠Sure all the above and more, but the effects are miniscule when compared with time commitment, specific curriculum and facility resources.
One could say that those factors are components of âExecutionâ but to a certain extent are outside the sphere of control of the coach.
My two centsâŚ
Antonio, I enjoyed reading your contributions. Please contribute more often.
“In general the educational structure is very rigid and only disciplined organizations achieve high quality outputs.”
“In soccer regardless of the coaches philosophy or intentions, if the organization does not have the correct approach to a soccer curriculum than the results will most likely be subpar.”
“One could say that those factors are components of âExecutionâ but to a certain extent are outside the sphere of control of the coach.”
I will just say that if you remove the organization you can achieve the desired results.
As I read posts and re-read prior talking points, Iâm starting to form my own conclusions as to how to coach a typical soccer team. I do not believe there are any differences in my approach than say the top European âacademiesâ which also attempt the same but with a much different player in mind that is motivated by factors that may rarely exists here in the States.
The first is a myth that I hear surfacing often. That a player, once they reach a certain age, they are incapable of improvement in their technique, tactical understanding, etc. I think the most frequent age mentioned is 14-16. I know this myth is flawed. At 40, I know more about tactics than I ever did as a young player. In addition, since I have trained technical movement and skills, I too have improved in those areas to which I wish I would have possessed as a player.
The ONLY difference between me now and me as a player when I was a kid, are my motivations being different. As a kid playing, I wanted to be successful. As one of the fastest, if not the fastest kid playing, I lacked finesse in my play as my speed to break for the ball and my willingness to run through people (years of American football), it was all I needed to be successful, especially during an era of soccer where the fittest and fastest teams won, back before possession passing no matter how limited, rarely existed (1980âs).
As a coach now, Iâm studying all facets of tactics, technique, fitness, etc. to find the best means possible to bring the best out of the players I coach. A struggle I have had is motivating my players to learn as I am now learning as a coach, the tactics and technique of play that I wish I knew as a young player. Iâm also finding my young playersâ motivations not being much different than when I was a kid. Success oriented versus learning motivated. The fast athletic kids find success in running through players and out hustling for the ball. The timid maybe slower kids are developing better technique as they are forced to in order to find success.
To counter this in skill development, I have forced my teams to play without passing the ball. Suddenly when a fast player has to go against multiple defenders, they are forced to have a deft touch on the ball, not just kick and chase after it. The slower more technical players, again, they are forced to figure out how to create space so they can advance the ball as they cannot dish the ball off to the teamâs star.
The correlation Iâm finding to this, re-reading everything the Kliebans have posted, is they do the same thing from a tactical stand point. Drill, drill, drill and implement, implement, implement in games. For my players in the dribbling aspect, they do not have the understanding or appreciation as to why (they are not motivated to), but they do enjoy the result as do I. In tactics training, Iâm going to assume there are some similarities of the boys coached by the Kliebans as well. They execute what looks to be possession soccer, but they do so because of habit established with repetition and not necessarily an understanding of why. However, they get to enjoy the result of their play when performed at a high success rate.
I equate this to the learning model US Soccer is pushing for. For them, itâs a numbers game with 300M people living in this country, thereâs bound to be 20 or so that possess the deep tactical and technical understanding that is developed in letting the kids play and freestyle soccer. That model of teaching I believe used to exist in CA schools where kids were taught how to appreciate reading, not drilled in reading, and the result was horrendously high numbers of kids graduating illiterate. The theory is sound, the application is not.
La Masia drills their student/players. In the US, the push is for free play in our academies. Quite possible the numbers game will work for the US, but that has no impact on me as a rec team coach that is trying to develop a competitive soccer program within my community. I do not have large numbers. I have to teach those that select my soccer program. What I am coming to grips with in my coaching, is drilling activities is going to be the best means possible for me to develop what I have set out to do. I must do with tactics what Iâve already figured out with technique. Insistence in the style of play in games, no compromise. To think young kids, that arenât motivated yet to understand deeply the game they play possess the right solutions to their challenges is I think the flaw in thinking that exists right now.
“That a player, once they reach a certain age, they are incapable of improvement in their technique, tactical understanding, etc. I think the most frequent age mentioned is 14-16. I know this myth is flawed.”
I don’t think anyone said players are not incapable of improvement. If you are going to be a top-level player you need to start showing those signs at 14-16. There are time constraints in player development as in other areas of specialization. There is a curriculum (trajectory) you must follow to be on a path to success. If players are behind the gold standard then they will not be top-level.
“I do not have large numbers. I have to teach those that select my soccer program.”
We are in the same situation. I think most coaches 90+% are but they might not realize it or want to admit it. Most players 13 and under play in their local communities which are relatively small just 1-2 teams per age group.
Think about your personal situation, your current level of motivation to learn soccer. Imagine if one of your players suddenly found that passion and motivation as well, regardless of what age they are (9 or 19). If they had that spark to seek out information about development, what they need to improve, what they need to change and took ownership of their “craft” could they close the gap with the players already on an elite trajectory? Could they do it relatively quickly?
That is the element of coaching I lack the ability to create. I can motivate moments. I have yet to figure out how to motivate a life soccer trajectory of a player. Maybe it can’t happen, that it has to be intrinsic within the player to discover. Those that learn it young have a huge head start. However, those that discover it late, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, still have the opportunity to develop as players as they haven’t peaked physically and they are far from peaking intellectually.
My question is, how to develop that passion in learning soccer in players, regardless of the age? Is it possible? If it is not, then it has a significant impact on how I approach my craft as a coach.
It’s never too late but fuck is it hard.
http://gymnasticszone.com/too-old-to-learn-gymnastics
substituted gymnastics for soccer:
[Soccer] is not a sport that can really be learned without a coach.
The primary impediments to someone your age training successfully for [soccer] are likely to be time, money and commitment.
If you are working, going to school or socializing a lot, you may find it difficult to find the time and energy to train.
While his level of [soccer] is not particularly high, he is working all-around.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=F4-DsPAfl1Y
An unorthodox approach I use and recommend is that players become a referee at 12 and fit in as many games as they can. Some players really respond well to this approach and understand passing lanes and tactics better. More often than not they see people miss the open player and the best passing option but they learn from that because they learn to see the best option from a perspective other than a player or a teammate.
Just saw this. What do you think?
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1354167/mls,-france-launch-youth-coach-partnership?cc=5901
Probably won’t even make a dent. 18? coaches or administrators get to go to France. Not even expected to implement what they “learn” for a year. I think it’s good that they’re getting out of the US though. The french federation is struggling, but I think that’s more due to personalities than the program. I’m curious to find out how the French academies work.
I like the choice of words. ‘Philosophy’ is a buzz word that has been beaten to death by phonies, but execution is a word rarely seen or heard. Execution is a crucial piece of the puzzle that tends to be missing more often than not.
It’s been said before that one must show his product in order to prove himself. A pretty resume’ is only a pretty resume’. The product is a direct reflection of the philosophy adopted, activities chosen, and the execution of each. And the product is what matters and is what should be judged… not a resume’.
Motto for aspiring coaches: Less talk. More executing. It’ll pay off someday.
This is the future John.
With time, the internet will disrupt the soccer landscape as well.
Accidentally ran into my former team manager today, and whose two boys I coached over 5 years, at lunch. In 45 minutes, he encapsulated so much of what we talk about here that is wrong. His older son who I started with as a U10 is now a regional ODP team player, but even this dad said, “What those ODP coaches are looking for at camp is so out of touch with how to really play the game, our club team would beat the ODP regional team.” As I know the current coach and players, I don’t doubt that. The big, fast, do-it-all-yourself mentality still seems to pervade the ODP programs. Again, I have no reason to doubt this guy – his son’s team won their first state title with me and have won another 6 after they were taken from me. Also, 3 of the best players in the state literally quit going to ODP because the coach was an idiot who insulted them endlessly. Whatever… it’s late and I just wanted to say that some of the best kids, who know how to play, are not only shunted at ODP because they want to play possession ball but only get rewarded for “individual highlight runs/reels” have literally quit ODP and the US selection system because of the way these supposed “coaches” treat and interact with them, not to mention select them for advancement.
The parents and, more importantly, the kids, have figured out the way things work. It’s detrimental to the truly skilled kids, the ODP/big club coaches get their money paid, and it all seems to move on for now. I want to help change that but with a U8 team I don’t know how other than to coach them up and beat the living shit out of the high-profile clubs and coaches, as I’ve said before. If it doesn’t make a difference for my smart players to get selected for promotion up the US chain, though, what have I affected? Nothing, in my mind. Oh well, I’ll keep on in hopes of things changing sooner rather than later.
This post and above graphic got me thinking of application to other areas. Above focus on coach. I applied same vinn diagram concept to player development.
Technical, tactical, mental (thinking/awareness/quickness of thought), physical. At center is âPlayerâ. The goal is total player development / total football.
You can also do same with a club. Player, coach, staff/board. At center is âFootball Organizationâ. The goal is pro-centric football club.
I understand the goals of each of above may be defined differently, but hopefully you get the concept.
Lastly, and donât ever recall us talking about this much (if at all), but the coach canât be effective if he doesnât know how to teach. Teaching is art and science, just like a soccer coach. Requires passion, empathy, understanding of the end goal, a lesson plan to achieve goals, understanding of different mental maturity of students, patience, ability to motivate, authoritative but likable and approachable, and lots more . . . . Too many coaches think âhey I know soccer, therefore I can be a coachâ. Clubs hire solely on that premise. Wrong!
A good coach (aka . . . teacher) needs more than having a football pedigree. In fact, you donât even need to have played at high level. Same in corporate world where manager can lead a functional team and not be a expert. He gets paid for his leadership abilities, seeing the pot of gold at end of rainbow and providing vision for his team to most effectively get there.
Mentoring, management style, leadership, motivation, organization, communication are all parts of being an effective coach. In my job as a manager, 80% of what I do and my success and that of my staff is effective communication. They look to me for leadership (in thought and action) to help them guide their career and stay competitive in the marketplace. No different in soccer.
So all Iâm saying is that part of our improvement is not solely related to âXsâ and âOsâ. Europe has a very high standard and takes years to earn qualifications. Not the case here. Europe incorporates all of above things I mention as part of their professional coach certification. We do to an extent, but not enough.
I would add to what I said above is a coachâs #1 priority should be long-term player development. Winning will be byproduct of proper coaching. Same for me in the workplace. I am successful when my staff are successful. Developing well-rounded analysts is the lifeblood of the company. Same applies to soccer.
Too often coaches skip teaching kids to play and win properly in favor of the easier path (route 1, size and power), which by the way requires less qualified coach and talented players. The brute force approach.
On is self-serving, short-term and the other is player-centric with long-term. Each supports different purpose. Some play to win and no intention of a career at soccer. For those who aspire for professional play, the player-centric long-term approach is better. I have no insight other than what I hear, read and see in results . . .but FC Barcelona USA seems to be a good model.
“The brute force approach.” I have mentioned this before.
Kana, everything you say is good but does not get to the root cause of the problems. Youth soccer coaches do not take their jobs seriously as any other profession. To them it’s more a pastime or hobby so they can win games in their spare time on weekends. Coaches, parents, players are all happy and that’s exactly what they want. Hard work, intensity, and seriousness makes people unhappy!!!
(BOOO, BOOO, PUUUTTTOO, BOOOO…..)
@kana
This is what I wrote to my team’s parents, talking about the complete player….. through player development, sounds like what you are saying…..
The Venn Diagram above is a very good example of what we are talking about, it is less about balance and more about how big we make each circle. As much as the middle can say Coaching, it can also say the Complete Player!
With that, let me address each circle, the first is “Philosophy” which is given by each coach that comes in contact to the player, if left on their own the player has a philosophy that can go in mislead direction (see the USMNT). But if given coaches who can direct the player to the gold standard then the philosophy can be aligned.
The next is “activities”, this for the complete player includes training sessions, time on his own with the ball (probably the most important in this circle to create the elite soccer player EVERY DAY) and game warm up and preparation.
The last is “Execution”, this is playing the game as a team, and as a player. We need to do all three to make the complete elite player. In regards to this side I want to create the player that is going to fit in the gold standard, these players need to be able to play on the edge. There is many ways to describe this kind of player, two ways that I think about it are a tad inappropriate, what I mean is the way people think of these players at the highest levels. This is a “killer” on the field, now I don’t mean someone that is mean or tries to injure an opponent, actually it is the opposite, I want a player that plays with a sort of passion that is extraordinary one that is distinctive and direct in the process. This is what could be seen in the second half of our game in the finals at Weston Cup. There was no hesitation no denying that we were sending in a team that would not be stopped. That is like the waves in the ocean, they just keep coming, inside of the game we play which is different than most, who try to win with athletics but we play our game, controlled predetermined execution. This is when all three circles come together to create the middle “Coaching”, “Team”, “Complete Player”.
Crazy, we watched your team play Saturday and Sunday. Missed the final, the family wouldn’t go for three days in a row. I caught the end of the game your finals opponent played on Sunday.
Your team played very well in the games we saw. They played exactly as you said, very patient and controlled, moved the ball around well with “predetermined execution”. I was most impressed at how they remained calm and kept with the execution at their age even as they gave up a couple goals. Their coach also remained very calm during that time – (coughs under breath).
I was out scouting the teams in your age group in our area. Sadly, you only loosely qualify in that category.
Jake,
You are from South Florida? And for sure the coughs, I am anything but calm on the sideline, lol,….. what age group are you from, not sure on the Sadly part, what do you mean? We play up an age group quite often….. always looking for other clubs that believe what we believe…. let me know…..
Kg
Yes, I am from South Florida, we moved here from Texas in August. The sadly part is that you are about 65 miles from me.
I am currently coaching a U7 team playing up in the U8’s. They are a rec all star team transitioning into travel for the fall.
(For Dr. Loco) I am a former select coach from the time that we emulated the Dutch instead of Spain. I coached U12 and u14 boys and girls when there were only 8-10 teams in any given select division in the city. We didn’t have any sexy monikers like tiki-taka we just called it small ball.
Like you I am intense and a perfectionist and I don’t want to coach my sons team. That’s why I was out scouting teams at the tournament. It’s funny that it was your team that left me with the best impression (by far).
Sorry to go off topic Gary the online forum isn’t up yet!
Dr. Loco / Kg — I think we’re saying same thing. Sounds like Kg has the passoin we expect from a coach. Mentoring, sharing vision, actually caring about end results and trying to communicating that. When people are passionate about something, it shows. It’s tangible. In coach’s case, he does more than coach. He sends emails setting expectatoins and sharing his vision, he communicates with players regularly (not just yell, but saying something useful, something the player can use to improve), he aligns expectations with starting and play time policy (no bait and switch), and much more . . . .
The worst coach my son ever had was someone who rarely spoke, and when he did it was do this do that. No deeper understanding imparted. He was unapproachable. Kids affraid of him. Why would players want to go to battle for him. Parents avoided coach (no personality). Wheter a soccer team or the corporate world — the person at the top sets the tone and performance a direct reflection of that.
“Our execution has long way to go” Real coaches doing all three.
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/10/24/20121023-coaches-camp.nba/index.html#
Long time reader, never posted. Posting now in response to people asking for more coach input.
Random comments:
*Ball skill (early ages) and enjoying and learning the game
*Small sided games until about U12 so everyone touches ball frequently
*By U14, tactics should be main focus (ball skills s/b already developed to point sufficient to support more advanced tactics)
*Possession, technique, tactical understanding, movement, mental quickness, awareness, understanding of team play critical to develop from U12 onward
*We are immature soccer culture/nation. Coaching reflection of that. Changing slowly. Another two or three player/coaching generations (10-20 years) and USA will be hitting stride.
*Free-style, pick-up, controlled club environment. Important. What matters more is player committment to developing on his own. âAnything a player achieves is a result of his own commitment.â Coach there for guidance. Players Iâve seen in last 20+ years who got far were always the committed ones off the pitch. Good at all aspects of the game (total footballers).
*Pay to play very inefficient. Winning = club/coach recognition. Keeps conveyor belt of new kids and paying parents coming. A destructive combination.
*College has a place, but not in pro development. Need alternative or revamped college system .
*USDA Academy clubs need to align with professional clubs.
*SoCal Development League (and those like it) need to be 6 â 10 months (non USDA Academy teams). This will force High School out of equation and resemble USDA Academy setup. High Schools will hate it, but watershed moment for youth development.
*This site is one of a kind! Kleibans are doing fantastic job at their club and with players and showing everyone how itâs done. There are many bloggers on this site who have excellent posts, excellent thoughts. Some of the stuff is truly ground breaking. I wish Gulati and company would read, get some ideas.
Simple, direct, and specific. Thank you!
College as a solution should be removed from these discussions. Too many issues to believe the system could be revamped – Title IX, the implications any revamped system might have on the athletes in the other football and the academic elites. IMO a far bigger pipe dream than a professional style academy system.
I would tend to agree with you @SoCal coach. Similar to developing players for a purpose (i.e., trajectory to pro-quality), the players themselves need to be of same mentality. âWhy am I here, what am I trying to achieve, am I doing what it takes to get thereâ? Unfortunately this level of maturity is lacking in teenagers. Exactly why parents and coaches need to step in, mentor, help them connect the dots.
Corny motivational stuff, but commitment to attaining their own goals. How much a player develops and opportunities created is equal to what he puts into it. Treating every practice, every game as the most important. Itâs soccer nirvana when combined with a passionate coach, who also is good at teaching the game.
The reason I coach club soccer is to prepare players for the high school team I coach. Start them young, with a system of play and skill sets, similar to La Masia, only now with more of a curriculum based on a style of play versus just skilled play. College soccer is the goal for most of my players who are all girls. College soccer to them is the equivalent to top flight international clubs as a pro league keeps faltering here in the states. Because of this site, I’m aiming higher in terms of what the girls should aspire to.
In terms of Title IX, that is THE reason the US has won a couple of World Cups in the Women’s game. Any boys high school coach gets excited when there’s a foreign exchange student. As the girls coach, I’ve had 3 foreign exchange students to play for my program (2 German, 1 Russian). None of them had competed in any athletics previously, although all seemed to be fans of the soccer. You don’t realize how fortunate things ARE here in the States until you see the racism and limitations that exists elsewhere for female soccer players.
Fan base is where I see high school and colleges excelling. For club soccer, often the fan base is immediate parents and possibly family, maybe some scouts from other teams/clubs/colleges. For high school and college soccer, you have support coming from those tied to the school/community. If its a winning/exciting program (see Akron YouTube clips) there are folks coming to those games that have never played soccer or been affiliated with it. That’s organic fan growth that club soccer will struggle to create. I think that’s an area under exploited to grow this sport. Time to get the chip off our shoulders and sell the sport to the non supporters. Many of you have tired of doing this. I’m telling you, soccer started with the selling the sport, and it will continue with the selling of the sport until the fan base grows to make it a cornerstone sport such as football, baseball, and basketball. Sorry, I don’t count hockey.
I beleive there is a 4th element to coaching in the US. It should be Hype. Be bigger than what you are. Become bigger than what you are. If you have a program, sell the heck out of it. Write articles about your team and submit it to your local paper. Create contact lists of all your players/parents and friends and write stories about your team’s games and sent it out to everyone on email, social media, etc which is all FREE. Use larger than life descriptions of play, of fan turn out, of emotion. Make it a story one would want to read. Compel them to come out and watch your team play. The only thing about hype, is be prepared to live up to it.
My comment is not meant to be an indictment of Title IX or women’s athletics. It’s just reality. As great as the fan support is for Akron, imagine the University of Texas, USC, the University of Florida or the University of Miami as a few examples.
‘Hype’, a form of marketing, is not an additional element.
It is encapsulated by the 3 given.
Let’s give a general marketing example.
1) If you believe you need to incorporate deliberate marketing efforts such as you describe, that is part of your Philosophy.
2) Creating media (such as articles, comments, tweets, emails, videos, etc …), are Activities.
3) How well your media delivers with respect to your desired outcome, is your Execution.
And finally, the kicker … how close are you to remarkable / “gold standard” marketing?
Some more thoughts.
*I often see tactical problems based on mental and/or physical laziness. Coaches get blamed for not coaching properly, but sometimes he is not the underlying issue. Player motivation (which coaches in part responsible for) often the cause. Player doesnât like coach, just playing for fun, or immaturity of not starting or enough play time, parental pressure. All contribute somehow.
*Players can be bucketed. Donât belong in competitive club (not good enough), only there to have fun, goal is to get college scholarship. I consider these unique to pay to play? The most motivated players are those who are 100% committed to a professional career, make national team. These players are often the motivated ones, practice on their own. No issues with mental or physical laziness. My experience over 20+ years. Some may not like my frankness, but it is what it is.
*Some coaches prefer size and power. So does ODP. Both open secrets. This has caused many motivational issues in players. I try to select starting 11 based on technical, tactical, commitment. Size alone isnât enough of a discriminator. Iâve seen so many motivational problems with promising players due to coaches going big. As a coach, I can see it quickly in competitive matches when coaches prefer size over skill. Easy to pick out. Especially when subs come in and they are much better technically and tactically but may not be as big. If I had a dime for every time Iâve seen that over the years . . . .
Hello everyone,
I think it may be time 3four3 launches an online forum. That way we have a place for everyone to discuss topics that are not related to the main blog post.
I think people that contribute should be able/have to create profiles. Make this a place for coaches to interact, learn, and share their own product. Facebook for coaches, Gary. Get on it! đ
The time has come Gary!
“I think it may be time 3four3 launches an online forum.”
Yes. Let me know if you’d like some help setting one up or even hosting it. (Web dev is my day job).
I just watched a college team not only beat a USL Pro team tonight, but take them to school. The possession was HEAVILY in favor of the college team, and chances and shots were lead by the college team as well. This should not happen, regardless of how good of a college team it is, a professional team should dominate even the best college team in the country! This is what happens when you value junk and can’t identify true talent or actual quality. There is a very strange love for serviceable, run of the mill players in this country, and potential brilliance is ignored, or not even desired.
Getting back to the original premises of the proposed Venn diagram…
Assuming that “coaching” means “coaching performance” as a “global” key performance indicator and it can be represented as the value of the intersection set from “philosophy”, “activities” and “execution” one should define and discuss the subsets that contribute for the global key performance indicator.
I’m also assuming that “philosophy”, “activities” and “execution” are respective to the coach and not to the club or student and it apply only in the context of soccer.
At the “early age” [my philosophy considers 6 years old] all students having equal opportunity to participate have equal change to make it as a top player. If a particular coach believes that early age is defined at 10 years old, than all kids having equal opportunity to participate have equal change to make it as a top player. Some believe that there is no early age…
To play soccer one needs “coordination”, “speed”, “physical condition”, “ball handling” “this and that skill”, etc. We can name the set of requirements “player characteristics”. The player development effort includes exposure to the requirements in a matter they can be understood and adequate repetition to master them. This regardless of the approach to philosophy, activity or execution requires time.
All youth increases in height and muscle mass at different rates and spurs. Since materials related to player requirements need to be presented at a point in time where they can be understood and executed [repetition] the teaching methodology requires flexibility and individual adaptability. In another words, regardless of the philosophy about “team forming”, “way of playing”, “scouting”, etc the player development is basically a “per individual” effort. Most important it is an individual effort where the statistical probability for success is small.
From the game perspective, we must consider structure. The team is a single identity that ultimately defines the performance of its players based on dependencies from within the team and external influence. For the most part the coach sphere of influence is limited to exposure of materials and some structure management of the life of the player. This is mostly related to dependencies from within the team and in my opinion of minimal impact on a global perspective.
The major dependencies are related to external factors ranging from the structure of the national organizations to the nutrition and life style of the players. The effectiveness of a development program is based on the normal distribution of player performance and not the quality of the top player.
Gauging the effectiveness of an overall effort based on coaching “key performance indicators” probably will not highlight the root cause or reason for the disparate gap between top players and the general population of soccer players.
When considering the probability of reaching top player status, I could argue that at the age of seven, a player going to gymnastics classes will benefit as much as the player going to “academy soccer”. At the age of 14 the situation is very different. In both cases the output of the development was primarily related to the player decision [or those around them] and not the coach.
When we talk about high school or college in terms of soccer development, in my opinion, we miss the boat by about one decade.
So in conclusion everyone is a coach.
The performance of a soccer coach is mostly related to how well he is able to present materials and programs that relate to the player development with the objective to reach to “top player” status. The performance of a team depends on the characteristics, life style and structure controlling the team.
A poorly formed coach can successfully coach a group of top players under a self-learning / self-managing structure [some of the African national teams, Brazilian national team] while a top formed coach can fail with a group lacking skill, discipline and cohesiveness [current QPR].
Watching concacaf u20 final watched 15 minutes tried to count how many five pass sequences the US had got to 0, I imagine Gary our diagram at this level is so incomplete itis a crime, the US will never be anything but garbage
I’m going to keep repeating the crux of it all.
The lack of Set Tactical Training (what I’ve called Choreography) is the reason you don’t see clear team identities. Possession-centered, attacking, attractive, and winning football require it in enormous detail.
So … coaching Activities are wrong with >99%.
And if those types of Activities are being done, it doesn’t mean they’re being done well (Execution). And it also doesn’t mean all the other idiosyncratic elements of Execution are being nailed. All the pieces of the puzzle need to be made to work in concert.
This is an art.
We still don’t understand that.
To make any kind of use of the ‘set tactical work’ you need players that are willing to perfect themselves.
Set tactical work, followed by evaluation, then more set tactical work, followed by the game, and then post-game evaluation. It is a grueling, eye opening, and necessary experience.
If you think a player is ‘good’… think again. Try going through that process above.
ONE problem in our country is that we don’t tell our ‘good’ players that they’re not good enough. We evaluate and say ‘yeah that was good!’ We don’t tell our ‘good’ coaches they’re not good enough because… for whatever reason… I don’t know? Maybe because no one knows what the fuck they’re talking about to begin with.
Okay now I’m ranting. Sorry.
I think for many of us at the younger ages, it goes back to what I asked in the comments section a number of months ago: how often and what depths do you go into for set tactical work at U9, U10, U11, U12?
Rich, you can start at any age. The world’s leading academies start at varying ages. A few examples here are:
Ajax starts at age 12.
Arsenal starts at age 14.
Barcelona starts at age 8.
F.C Bayern starts at age 11.
Inter Milan starts individual tactics at age 8 and team tactics at 13/14
Racing Club of Lens in France starts at 13.
Gary,
Thank you for pointing that out, for so many years I did not have a clue, and did not understand that, but can say now I understand it from a very naive state, not that I don’t think I can’t do it but learning so much in a short amount of time….. My training age is 15 years old, but only in the past 2 years have I truely started to learn….. Thank you for your efforts in dealing with us who are so young in our true Training age…..
Kg
Gary:
Speaking of choreography, two questions:
1. It appears that choreography is introduced at La Masia earlier that at most youth academies, and that even the FC Barcelona satalite academies that are feeders into La Masia do not teach choreography. If true, why do you think that is the case?
2. How are the coaching curriculum materials that youve mentioned before coming along?
Gary,
Long time lurker here. Congrats on being the State Cup Pres BU10 and BU11 champions. That is quite a feat for the boys, coaches, parents and program collectively, and a testament to everything you prescribe here on this blog. And best wishes to the BU12 team in the Natl Cup. It’s clear that Brian and the boys are setting the ‘gold standard’ of youth football here in the U.S.
http://youtu.be/8uO38jSP5Nk
Well, i am sorry to say but this video demonstrates to me yor lack of execution as a coach in this case.This barca usa team (that i assume was coached by you) was really not good. I have seen u10 teams in the u.s. that are better than this team technically tactically. Quite disappointing really
I am sure there will be excuses aboit playing barca but really my complaints are not that barca scores against your team but the total lack of confidence on the ball of your players, not being able to string passes together.
You are correct in one thing: Poor execution.
Good judgement of ‘what has happened’, however, requires a capacity for context. Something that will be provided when I get around to it.
I didn’t know where to post this article, but here seems most logical. Maybe one of best soccer related articles I’ve ever read. Wanted to share. I’ve read “Outliers” and “The Talent Code”. I HIGHLY recommend it to any coach or parent. I had my U14 son read these books about a year ago. He was reluctant at first, but very happy soon into it and now absolutely happy he did it. Changed his persepctive. In reading below, something I’ve always harped on quality / level of players supposed “top clubs” have on their teams. We have too many Type 3 and 4s (see article). Same applies to coaches. Anyway, here is the article from Soccer Nation:
The Ingredients of Successful Youth Soccer Player Development
By: Lloyd Biggs Email Print
Posted: Thursday, March 21, 2013 7:45 pm
Youth Soccer News: Player Development â The Essential Ingredients
What does it take for a soccer player to be âthe bestâ? Is it talent or dedication? Nature or nurture? Or are both required for success on the soccer pitch?
Lloyd Biggs is a talented and successful youth soccer coach who is the Director of Coaching at Santa Barbara Soccer Club and co-owner of one.Soccer Schools. He holds a UEFA âAâ License, USSF âAâ License, NSCAA Premier License, and BSc Hons degree in sports science. Biggs has been coaching youth soccer players for the last 21 years. Prior to moving to the United States, Biggs worked within the Professional Youth Academies of Charlton Athletic and Gillingham FC. Biggs has been with Santa Barbara SC for the last eight years as the DOC. We asked Biggs for his thoughts on youth soccer development and found his response refreshingly up-front and honest. Lloyd Biggs says….
In the book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell tells the stories of many successful people. In my opinion, he highlights the fact that successful people all have natural âGod-givenâ ability and a passion for their field of expertise. Gladwell also talks about major turning points in their lives where they as individuals recognized the opportunity in front of them, seized that opportunity and then displayed a high work ethic to reach the pinnacle of their given fields. These people were blessed with a natural talent, were high achievers and recognized that they were in the right place at the right time.
This article explores the development of the player and asks the question: Is it the role of the coach to develop the player or to create the environment that allows the player to develop?
This ignites the question; for a player to be successful, are there some ingredients that he/she needs to bring to the table as well, and what are they?
There is no doubt that the successful and experienced coach requires many skills to create the environment for successful player development, and coaches that lack management skills and soccer knowledge will hinder player development.
That said, in my opinion the success of a player is much more than that and is based around two major concepts that are completely out of the coachâs control.
The first is the natural âGod-givenâ talent that the player brings to the table. I call this the players âTalent Potential.â
The second is what I call the playerâs âLearning Potential.â What I mean by that is the overall drive of the player, his or her personality and work ethic. Is the player a high achiever or not?
From my perspective, when we discuss the âLearning Potentialâ of players we are talking about their desire to become the best they can be. Players with a high learning potential have a true passion for the game, it is always in their thoughts, and they love to watch the game when they are not playing. These players never miss a training session, and best most dedicated players treat every training session and game they play like itâs their last. All these youth players’ focus within the session are always high and they ask questions of the coach about the tactics.
Players with âLearning Potentialâ have no issues getting constructive feedback from the coach â they want feedback, and they have a thirst, a hunger to learn. They are strong mentally and can deal with and bounce back from disappointment. They are patient and understand that the journey towards success is a long one.
In essence they are âHighâ achievers. Players (and parents) that have and understand the traits required of a high achiever are not only a coachâs dream, but will have a much higher chance of success.
I use the term âTalent Potentialâ to discuss the ânature versus nurtureâ topic. Daniel Coyle, author of the book, The Talent Code, discusses this topic of talent in depth. What comes across from the book is that talent is a function of âdeep practice,â âignitionâ and âmaster coaching.â Greatness is not born, but it is grown. (If you have not read this book, I recommend it; it is a must for coaches, parents and players.)
Although I agree to an extent that talent can be developed, from my experience coaching youth soccer players I believe they are born with a âLevel of Potentialâ that we as coaches do not control. Coaches nurture that potential, refine it and guide the player to success. For the purpose of this article I will categorize the level of potential of these players into Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4. I believe that from a young age coaches and parents can easily identify these players, they are:
Type 1: This is the young player who has the natural athletic ability (genetics) and an innate soccer insight and technical ability for the game. You know the one I mean; the player who naturally is not only quick, but has quick feet and a quick mind. He or she has had very little training at this time, but all that are watching cannot help but applaud the skills and physical capabilities of the player on show. This player has been blessed genetically with a talent potential to play at the highest levels of the game.
Type 2: This is the young player who is a genetically gifted athlete, however currently falls short in regards to the innate soccer insight and technical ability to excel within the game. In the correct environment, and with a high learning potential, this player can both compete with, and evolve into, the âType 1â player.
Type 3: Unlike the Type 1 or Type 2 player, this player lacks the natural physiological traits required at the higher levels of the game but does display the innate soccer insight and technical ability for the game. With the correct environment this type of player has the potential to play college soccer, but his or her lack of natural athletic ability will hinder their chances to play at the higher levels of the game. This player requires a very high learning potential to achieve his or her goals.
Type 4: This player falls short on natural athletic ability and the innate soccer insight and technical ability for the game. Although this player will have the same opportunities to compete and enjoy the game, unlike the other types of players this player does not have the talent potential to play at the higher levels of club soccer and will generally not be good enough to play college soccer, no matter how high his/her learning potential is.
I should point out that when I discuss the physiological aspect of a player, I am not talking about the height and build or size and strength of a player, but more about the soccer-specific agility, mobility, speed, strength, power and endurance. An example of two different player types would be Ronaldo and Messi. The two are so different in their physiological make up, but both possess incredible athletic prowess on the soccer field.
When we discuss the âtalent potentialâ and the âlearning potentialâ of players I challenge coaches and parents to have more open and honest conversations concerning the ingredients the player is bringing to the table. I challenge players and parents to look deep inside and ask the question: Where am I/where is my child on the talent and learning potential scale?
Everyone has the ability to develop the skills required to become a âHigh Achiever.â Playing soccer creates the perfect foundation for success in life, not just soccer. Many players will realize their dreams and play college soccer, while many will not. But let us not forget no matter what player type, with the correct attitude and a high potential to learn, every player can strive to become the best they can be and have many enjoyable years playing the beautiful game!
Whether the reader agrees or disagrees, I hope that my perspective of what I believe are the primary factors of player development provoke some food for thought and at the very least reminds every player that their quest to greatness is to some extent in their own hands!
Following from the article I posted and for what itâs worth, I think 70 – 80% of player success in âgod-givenâ and his âlearning potentialâ. 10 – 20% is environment and coach. Actually making it to highest levels (irrespective of âabilityâ) is 10-20% luck, right place at right time.
So how do players and parents tweak, influence these variables? How can the coach help improve the odds? This is something each stakeholder should think about at about U14. Just like a coach needs a philosophy, a vision â so too does a player. They need a career compass (assuming they desire to be pro). Once they see the vision, it should shape their lifestyle to move towards that end.
âWhere do I want to goâ? âWhat do I need to do to get thereâ? âWho will help meâ? âWhat opportunities should I pursue to get me thereâ? And so on and so forth . . .
And one more thing: The best thing a coach can impart to a player is the gift of knowledge. Teach him how to play the game, develop an A+ student. After all, 90% of soccer is played from neck above . . .the #1 weapon is the brain. We often loose sight of this. “God-given” talent is something the coach has no control of. The best gift we as parents can give is that of mentor, guidance . . . not scolding becasue he didn’t score or isn’t starting.
I know it sounds very philosophical, even corny — but I believe this to my core.
If 90% of soccer is played from neck above . . .the #1 weapon is the brain then that article is BS.
You should know better than to believe a DOC and co-owner of a soccer school. He is just explaining his business view points and ideas.
As for as player development goes it’s not were you start it’s how you finish. Go back and view some of the Swedish comments from Dennis.
If 90% of soccer is played from neck above . . .the #1 weapon is the brain then that article is BS.
You should know better than to believe a DOC and co-owner of a soccer school. He is just explaining his business view points and ideas.
As far as player development goes itâs not where you start itâs how you finish. Go back and review some of the Swedish comments from Dennis.
Kana, you are right on with your assertions about innate potential and the role of the coach to maximize it. I learned that from Gary a while back. And the article you cite is a great explanation. The problem I have seen is that there are few coaches capable of “getting out of the way” of individual kids’ development. On any given team, there is a broad mix of types 2,3,4, and rarely a 1. A good coach should be able to meld philosophy, activities, and execution in a way that ALL those kids on the team experience development, not just the kids who hit puberty early. This is by far the biggest obstacle I have observed.
As many other have alluded here earlier, it’s not too different from being a good English or math teacher.
I’m not sure there are clear definitions of “God given” and “learning potential” characteristics in any development.
Basically what Lloyd Biggs express in his writing is that âa kid is either born to be a professional soccer player or notâ. This is the philosophic concept of “Common Sense”. Who can disagree with such statement?
Letâs assume that the statement represents a fact⌠Then our efforts should border the extreme and in a sense coach only those that were born to be professional players. A select team should only have âtalented playersâ.
Also Lloyd Biggs infers that some kids lack âlearning potentialâ. Again, the “Common Sense” philosophy. Who can disagree? I only want to coach âsoccer talented individualsâ with great âlearning potentialâ. How do I find these players at the age of five, six, seven, eight etc?
There is no soccer development unless there is a fresh flow of new players entering the development effort. Since mastering balance, agility, coordination, ball control etc is achieved through repetition; Iâm not sure how and when I should tell an individual that he/she should quit soccer because there is no âgod given or learning potentialâ.
Even in a population of âGod givenâ and âlearningâ gifted players there is some type of distribution on any of the key performance indicators. The development program needs to aim at continuous improvement and grouping of skill set and ability. Not sure we can easily deviate from these basic premises and be successful.
“god given”, “common sense” and “learning potential” are anit-facts. They are in opposition with the books that Biggs references. The cover of Daniel Coyle’s book says: “Talent isn’t born, its grown”. Talent is not innate, it is grown through the sum of ones external experiences… Culture!
“God Given”- pessimistic, hopeless, unenlightened, donkey dick theory
“learning potential”- the ceiling of development is constructed by generations of experience, not an invisible hand
“Common Sense”- by definition sets the ceiling of knowledge below knowledge worth knowing. If common sense represented enlightened objective truth then we would all be fucking awesome at everything but then there would be something better than awesome and awesome we be relegated to average or common. Who can disagree with the philosophy of “common sense” ? Everyone who ever did anything that mattered!
Kana,
The article you shared is very dangerous. Not necessarily for what it thinks, but for how it thinks. Mr. Biggs reasoning is chalk full of contradictions. He is essentially argues both for and against every statement he makes and therein lies the danger. This is exactly the same line of thinking many, if not most, politicians are employing in the US right now. When you unwittingly believe both the affirmative and negation of a subject one becomes increasingly dependent upon remote orders for truth and will die soulless.
Then there is the idea of “god given”. Completely separate from any dogmatic predispositions, arguing for the connotative logic of “god given” is the surrender of knowledge. You are waving the white flag to knowledge and saying “Fuck it! I’m too tired, not smart enough, not passionate enough, and not capable of understanding”. There is a lot of new information out there regarding the subject of heredity and external stimuli suggesting there is very little space between them. Some ideas will stand up to the test of time and some will not but Don’t Give Up!
I know from personal experience that no coach thought I was athletic at 10-11 years old because I was lethargic and slow. However, around the time I hit 12-13 I matured a bit and suddenly was the fastest player on every field I played on. Did my ability to play the game change? No, I was still unrefined technically and had no idea where to move on the field. However, I’m sure if Biggs saw me before maturity he would have said I had no ‘God-given’ ability and afterward would have said I was blessed with ‘God-given’ athleticism and with the right mentoring could get to a decent level. And just like I experienced, no coaches bothered teaching me anything when I was slow, but everyone wanted to help me get better once I had speed. My potential was the same before and after, I just didn’t get any guidance until coaches saw my speed as a way to win games.
The only possible argument I buy for ‘learning potential’ is someone having the passion for doing something. In my opinion, the players who love to make themselves better and dream of playing at the professional level are the ones with the ‘potential’ to make it there. Those who only see themselves as being strong high school players don’t have the ‘potential’ to make it as a pro. That’s how I see it. Players define for themselves how far they can go (of course coaches, parents, others influence that perceived ceiling) and provided they put in work commensurate with said dream, will at least get themselves very close…
That article is terrible.
“Innate soccer insight”?? How can one have innate insight on soccer? They’re born with full knowledge of tactics and the history of the game?
Absolute rubbish.