Coaches, unfortunately the week 1 afternoon games met with some weather. This weekend looks much better, so think positive (part of positive coaching). More things to think about.
1. UNIFORMS: Keep in touch with your division director about uniforms you may need or have ordered. I saw a big order come in this week, so I expect everyone will be properly clothed this week.
2. BYES: If there are an uneven number of teams in your division, then you may have a bye (i.e., no game on a Saturday). We’ve had questions about this, so let your parents know why this is happening and that they aren’t being cheated out of a game unfarily. This concept is one of the aspects we consider when we are creating teams and deciding on your roster size.
3. GREAT COACH IDEA: Matt Ward (U10 girls coach) had a difficult situation with an extremely timid player. He tried various techniques without success, but did come up with a genius idea – “The Magic Cone”. This player was instructed to sleep with one of his white cones (I think that color may represent soccer prowess) on her head the night before the game. She arrived on game day and promptly assisted on a goal. She took off from there. I don’t think you’ll find this idea in your manuals, so mark it down and copy the method as needed. I’m sure Matt wouldn’t mind.
4. GREAT COACHES OBSERVED: One of our referees, Lynn Kubik, sent me the following email: “I was helping some new referees get started this past weekend on the U8 field. I’d like to thank Coaches Rawlins, Wacker, Segura and Anderson for being very supportive and patient. New referees are learning to make their whistle be heard, remember the right hand signals and get over any jitters. Coaches can make the difference between a confident youth referee who will continue to serve the league and one who never returns. Thanks for all you do!” I will add that we go from a good league to a great league when we realize we are all coaching all the kids (not just the kids on your team). This is a great example of that.
5. DRILL IDEAS: Don’t forget about the non-dominant foot. A drill can be transformed easily when you force them into using the foot they try to avoid at all costs.
6. PARKING IN SHEPHERDSTOWN: For teams that practice in Shepherdstown – please do not park near the pavilion on these week days: September 14, 17, 26 and October 3rd. Parks and Recreation, is hosting events during these days and will be posting No Parking and Rental signs, so please park in the lower lot.
7. GAME DAY: Relax, observe, and get some ideas for practice the next week.
Have a fun week of soccer.
David P. Simmons
JCYSL Coach Administrator
Harpers Ferry, WV
