COACH
(GAME DAY)
PRE-GAME
RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Arrive early
-Check weather and field conditions
…Establish team sideline area
-Greet team manager
…Check equipment and paperwork…Game card, Player passes, etc.
-Greet players!
…Check equipment & injuries
…Pre-name team captains (each player should get that honor)
…Have your starting line-up ready and substitutions scheduled
…Rotate all players through the goalkeeper position during the season
-Greet opposing coach
-Greet game officials
…Prepare players for equipment check, players pass check and coin toss
PRE-GAME
WARM-UP ROUTINE
-Prepare players Mentally and Physically.
Mental...
-Give specific game instructions to: Individuals, Groups and Team
-Motivate and Review game assignments
Physical...
-Assign light running
-Assign stretching without bouncing
-Provide gradual build-up toward game action
-Team cheer
TRADITIONAL FIRST HALF
RESPONSIBILITIES
-Become an observer!
-Look for strengths and weaknesses in your team
-Look for strengths and weaknesses in the opposing team
-Take notes of the strengths and weaknesses
-Keep accurate time of everyone playing 50% of the game
-Prepare to make adjustments at half-time
TRADITIONAL HALF-TIME
RESPONSIBILITIES
-Gather the team in a defined, secluded area.
-Allow players to relax...and seek feedback
-Encourage players to replenish liquid.
-Check for injuries.
-Give specific adjustments to:
a. Individuals
b. Group
c. Team
(as necessary)
-Give/Review 2nd half assignments
-Show enthusiasm and support!
TRADITIONAL SECOND-HALF
RESPONSIBILITIES
-Continue to observe
-Substitute at appropriate times so that everyone plays 50% of the game
-Look for major weaknesses in his team
- Write down those weaknesses
-Prepare to improve those weaknesses at the next practice session
Note:
Soccer coaches are traditionally great observers.
They seldom become emotionally involved in the action…
they avoid managing players' actions; nor do they assess or assist the referee!