MY COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy
Football (Soccer) is a game that requires the mastering of various
skills and techniques and is also unique in world sport for the
head is used not only for good decisions but also for skills with
the ball. Technical playing ability must be the platform for young
athletes to learn their sport and build the complete model capable
of performing at the highest level around the World. It's critical to
learn the basic skills and fundamentals of soccer at an early stage of life as
it becomes foundation for further development.
To become successful at the top sport on this planet other factors
must be taken into consideration such as physical condition and
mental toughness. When these four elements (technical, tactical,
physical and mental) are developed appropriately a solid foundation is
built to maximize potential. The game has to be played over and over again, constantly,
striving for improvement. Most youth leagues in United States (with exceptions) practice only twice a week where
as young players around the world (specifically in Europe) practice anywhere between 3-5 times per week, plus the frequent pick-up games being played on streets, playgorunds, backyards, etc...By the time they grow up they already have a "street" and textbook knowledge of soccer. You have to train constantly to improve your game and even for the most talented players two times a week is not enough to get you to a higher level or compete at the International level.
Technical skills
The ability to perform technique in striking the ball with either
foot and the head, to run and change direction with the ball, and
most importantly, to bring it under your control regardless of the
situation have to be repeated on a daily-weekly basis. With less
space being allowed to attacking teams in games and defenders retreating
to place themselves between the ball and their goal, vision and
good technique will create chances to score goals. I like to put emphasis on "first touch" development. As soccer has become such fast and dynamic game players do not have much time on the field to decide what to do with the ball
and if they master the understanding of first touch game they can be ahead of the rest of the players at their level. This is also a good platform for the competitive and professional levels since most soccer at those levels is now played with minimum amount of touches.
Tactical awareness
The good vision I have just mentioned is a product of sound coaching
and understanding of the principles of playing. Efficient coaching is essential
in developing young athletes to read the play and make a good decision
in trying to create a goal.
Physical qualities
The physical demands placed on the young athlete is now greater
than it has ever been. The clubs in Europe and around the world are reaching peak in terms
of being physically fit. As coaching has evolved so have the demands
on the energy levels and therefore a greater emphasis is now placed
on several key areas:
- Endurance
- Speed
- Strength
- Diet and Nutrition
- Recovery
- Flexibility
The Sports Science of the human body now plays an important part
in the development of these young athletes and should be individual
to the athletes needs in there formative years.
Mental Toughness
Throughout my professional soccer carrier I've seen many young talented players break down under pressure of playing at the higher level due strong competition, personal reasons, maybe demands of the game or some other reason. They never made it to division I college or professional level. Or they made it but didn't last very long. I've also seen average young players who at their youth soccer days didn't look like potential talents but yet made it to those levels. So how does this happen? There will be set backs and bad days in soccer like in any other aspects of life. There will be bad games, there will be looses and there will be days you will not like the game you always enjoyed playing. The difference in making it to the highest level of soccer can be attributed to the mental toughness of each player.
Soccer is very demanding game and to make it to the high levels (Division I or Professional level) it requires perseverance, hard work and most importantly positive attitude on the field. Soccer is a team game, your performance depends on your teammates' performance. You have to be coachable and have social skills in order to be accepted by your coaches and teammates.
Conclusion
Efficiency of the development programs is my goal. I'm
creating the platform for the youngsters
to build a career pathway to Division I schools and professional level.
Top soccer teams around the world have
shown us all that major trophies and success is not achieved on
ability alone, they have shown us how to perform in adversity and
what can be achieved with determination and character in a team.
In developing my young athletes I'm also hoping to produce
young Americans who will contribute in the community to the future
and success of society.
