GolfHos

Does a good coach have to have a significant player background ie college or pro?

I ask this because I am getting my soccer coach licenses and wondering how far to take it. For those that don't know there are 7 levels. A-G, G being the lowest level. Level D is High School level. Do I think I will coach High School? At this point no but the oldest that plays is only 6 so I have a long way to go.

Lou Holtz looks like he wasn't fit to be a mascot let alone a player.

Throw chairs, cuss, and hit kids.







On Topic:  Spankers,  I believe a knowledge, and love for the game, and an ability to relate/teach it is truly all that makes a good coach.  I'm sure you will be great.  I think most great NFL head coaches were simply mediocre college/pro players at best.  Follow your heart, and do it for the kids/players.  Coaching isn't as much about teaching them how you do it, or did it, but cultivating their talents and abilities to achieve.

Good luck!

Blader would be a good resource.  He's heavily involved in youth sports, at many levels, and I believe has done a fair amount of coaching.


Although, looking at his picture, I can't believe that dude ever cracked a roster at any level.
(http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7906/1734/1600/blader_autograph.jpg)

I agree with everything stroh said. I'd like to offer some of my own advice about handling the parents of the kids that you'll be coaching. The parents offer an element to coaching that most people don't anticipate. Anyway, each time your team makes a great play or scores a goal, turn around to the parents who are watching the game and do the gay Minnesota finger-point thing. That'll show them who's in charge.

Amen.

I've coached/refereed at the AYSO and middle school levels.  Gave it up.  Love the kids.  Hate the parents.  Unfortunately, something in my personality wouldn't let me overlook the latter in order to enjoy the former.   :sad3:

fixorsd  [sm_devil]

McDuff'd and stroh'd in the same day.  Someone bring me a box of Tucks.   [sm_shock]

Tucks Feminine Wipes?

http://www.77canadapharmacy.com/Tucks.php

LOL.  There are so many jokes in there.  Canadians can't tell their arses from their ******* and so forth.

I'd better stick to posting Floyd lyrics and limericks.   :-\

I've coached my youngest for two seasons and so far the parents have been great. It also helps that it is non-competitive and scores aren't kept. They seem to like me (kids and parents) so that keeps me going. I guess I am thinking more of the future then the right now. I've got 4 years before it starts to get competitive.

Must be the sport.  I coached track and field and NEVER experienced the "my kid is Emil Zatopek incarnate" thing.

And on-topic: no, I don't think you have to have serious credentials, but I think you have to be a better coach if you lack them.  Either to get a better coaching position, to have the athletes take you seriously without initial resistance, or both.  At the high school level, it's probably both.

Spanky - I used to make my living as a staff soccer coach for a large club in the Northwest. Now I do it on the side (needed a real job). I have my National "C" and a Level IV Dutch license which is roughly equivalent to a "C" or "B" here. I played college and a few years in the training pool below the NASL, before the MLS existed (never would have made the top level anyway). I have worked with Olympic Development kids up to age 17 and am currently working with a national pool player. All that so you know I have some knowledge of what you are asking.

Getting your licenses is a good idea especially if you never played. The knowledge you will gain going through the license process will certainly make you a better coach. However, I have seen a lot of guys with licenses who are still clueless. They knows the 'rules' and drills but not the game. I don't know you so take what I say with your knowledge of that in mind. At the younger ages, knowing the basic rules and tactics will make you a better coach than "Joe Public". However, little or no high level playing background will limit your ability to coach as kids get older. At the older ages, coaches need to teach kids experiences maybe even more than tactics and skills. If you haven't been there, it's tough to relate to how they should prepare, or deal with the situation.

I think you will find the  "D" is pretty easy to pass. I am happy to be resource if you would like more information. There is a lot of good information here: http://www.nasl.com/drills.htm

Stag, thanks for the reply. I have played on the High School level and play in a co-ed indoor league now. I have started watching the game more as it is televised more now here not that that means anything. I do not claim to be an expert or think I know it all. I have played other sports in the past and have had some success but again I am no superstar.

I think you may have given me more insight then I would have thought. That does not mean I am giving up cut does show me that there is a long and hard road ahead. I will probably be sending you an e-mail in the future.

No problem. Happy to help on one condition. Call me Steg, not StAg, the guys here are ruthless. I'm surprised I haven't been asschapped yet. ;D

Sorry, that's my poor typing skilz

As long as the police checks are carried out, and nothing sinister turns up, parents and administrators are normally happy for you to coach... atleast thats what happend to me...

i think we need more  porky coaches