Maintain a coach’s Iog -You will probably find it helpful to keep all your team records, game schedules, practice sessions, important EOSC contact numbers, team handouts, snack assignments, etc., together in a coach’s log. A one inch binder with page protectors will work well in all kinds of weather. You should also keep your MODS Coach’s Handbook with you in the log to answer any questions that may arise during a game or practice.
Practice Suggestions
There are as many ways to run a practice as there are coaches. However, they will probably all contain some basic key ingredients. Five things to keep in mind when planning your practice are:
· Keep the practices short to hold the children’s attention
· Keep the children active all the time
· Make the practices varied and fun
· Plan your practices ahead of time
· Have a whistle to get the children’s attention
Keep in mind that we do live in Florida, it is important that you work sufficient short water breaks into your practice schedule. Call to your players by name and encourage them to do the same. Communication on the soccer field from player to player during games is very important. Remember to have FUN!
An hour practice is generally a good amount of time for a younger MODS team. When planning your practice before getting to the field, your schedule should look something like this:
· 10 minutes of warm-ups and general exercise
· 10 minutes for Drill #1
· 10 minutes for Drill #2
· 10 minutes for Drill #3
· 20 minutes for practice scrimmage
As a reminder, short water breaks after each drill or two is advisable. A water break should only be 20 to 30 seconds. It is not play time - teach your players to go and get a quick drink of water and come back to you.
Rain and Lightning
While there may be many advantages to living in Florida, dealing with lightning is not one of them. EOSC and the Orange County Parks Department, who own many of our game fields, have strict policies for our coaches and teams regarding lightning. If you see lightning, leave the fields. You may retire to a safe location or into parent cars to see if the lightning will pass. If after ten minutes or so, there is no relief, cancel your practice and leave the soccer area. If you are at Econ, Arcadia, or Barber, you should listen for the horn on the lightning warning system and check the strobe light if you are uncertain as to whether it went off prior to your arrival. The system will issue long blasts to indicate the "all clear" which is when you may enter the fields again.
Lightning is not something to take lightly - keep your player’s safety in the forefront of your mind at all times. Parents may complain that they drove all the way to a practice or game just to have it cancelled after a few minutes but they will complain a great deal more if their child is struck by lightning.
As for rain, as long it is not a torrential downpour that makes visibility impossible, we do play soccer in the rain at both practices and games. Be sure your parents are aware of this! It is always useful to have cell phone numbers on your team roster so that you can call your team if practices or games are cancelled close to your starting time.
Tips for a Successful Soccer Season
· Get organized and be prepared at practices and games.
· Plan your practices in advance.
· Have short, fun practices.
· Let each player have a chance to play every position.
· Have fruit (oranges, grapes, apple wedges) at halftime and drinks and snacks for after the game.
· Let the children choose their favorite drills for one practice.
· Have a parent versus child soccer game.
· Hold a pizza party or a barbeque at the end of the season.
· Teach your players good sportsmanship and team spirit.
· Be positive and have fun yourself!
