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22

May, 2013

My Coaching Philosophy

- Coach Dave Puckett

Short-term objectives: Learn soccer skills and tactics and have fun.
Long-term objectives: Learn all aspects of soccer in order to play at the high school and college varsity levels.

As your son's head coach I understand that children participate in soccer to have fun. If children are not having fun playing soccer, they’ll soon find something else to do with their time.

We never forget that the game of soccer is just that – a game. It is not about how many wins and losses we accumulate and it is certainly not about how many trophies are collected. It is not about how many goals we score or concede. It is all about enjoying the beautiful game and, at the same time, learning and developing soccer and valuable life skills.

Soccer, therefore, needs to be kept in perspective in the overall development of the child. They should play soccer because they want to, not because they feel forced.

Teaching Principles
We will focus on the fundamentals (ball skills) and decision-making (tactics). Solid fundamentals are established by using as many activities as possible with each player working with the ball.   Good decision-making is taught by using as many activities as possible employing small groups with the ball. Scrimmaging puts the whole game together and is fun. All players will be taught to learn all skills and all the positions.

Core Coaching Values
My primary responsibility is to make sure that our young players have fun, develop as soccer players and to instill in them a passion for the game. My performance as the coach will not be measured in wins and losses, but rather in what players learn in terms of technique, teamwork and sportsmanship. After all, as a coach I will lead and teach by example; our players will be a reflection upon me as the coach.

As Head Coach I will:
· Use positive reinforcement when dealing with players
·      Never use foul or abusive language and never abuse a player mentally, verbally or physically
·      Have respect for the authority of the referee, our opponents on match days and the officials of our club
·      Teach the children the rules of the game, fair play and proper behavior
·      Develop our players’ technique and their decision-making ability
·      Inspect the playing area for hazards and generally make practice session and matches as safe as possible for the players. Parents should be aware, however, that soccer is a contact sport and the player may get injured. If this happens, we will provide appropriate first aid.

In addition…
·      I will not allow a child to take part in practice or matches if he is injured
·      I will not leave a child unattended at a practice or game
·      I will only allow your child to leave a practice or game if a responsible person collects them
·      I will be enthusiastic
·      I will try my best to make the game enjoyable for everyone who takes part – players, opponents, parents and spectators

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White Clay Soccer Club

News Detail

22

May, 2013

My Coaching Philosophy

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White Clay Soccer Club