Coach,

I am sure you are already working on a lot of what is presented here, but this will give you, and the parents, a visual copy
of a track to run on.

This is a work in progress. It will change. It is a model that will be refined with your input as we move along. Any ideas you
have are welcome! As we are all after the same objective, the development of players both on and off the field, I felt a
digital/hard copy would be helpful. Many, if not all the players, expect to continue playing soccer as they get older. We
owe it to those players to help them reach their goals.

If you should have any questions, or would like clarification on the small sided game(s), please let me know.

Thanks for coaching!

Sincerely,
Jack De Selm
Director of Coaching


Game Management:
• Avoid direct confrontation with referees, coaches and parents.
• Study the game as it plays out in front of you. Ranting, raving and racing up & down the sideline is not coaching.
• You, the coach, are the example. You are the face of soccer for the Hartford Soccer Club.
• Arrive @ least 45 minutes before the game if possible. Check out the field, nets, etc. Prepare your players for the game.
• Keep your cell phone handy @ all times in case of injury - 911.
• In case of a serious injury, you will need a written permission slip before the player can practice or play in a game.
• Never leave a player alone after practice. Never leave practice without adult supervision.
• Do not ask a parent to fill in for you if you cannot make a practice or game unless there is an emergency.

Practice:
• They should be planned out ahead of time. Practice outlines are available.
• Dress appropriately. You have HSC apparel. One team, one heartbeat!
• Arrive early enough so that you have your practice laid out when the players arrive.
• Apply your own coaching style. You cannot be somebody else.
• Small sided games, multiple touches, assist with fitness as opposed to endlessly running around the park.

Player Development - Some Observations:
• Make the activities fun.
• End with a fun game that is soccer related.
• Every player should have a ball @ practice.
• Maximize touches on the ball.
• Work with themes, then reinforce that theme or topic during the game. Forget the score, work the topic. The game will take care of itself.
• Communicate with your parents on what you are doing. Continuously!
• Gear activities towards players so that they can achieve success. Put them in positions where they can succeed.
• Don’t maintain the session! Coach it and make corrections. Paint a quick picture and step out of the picture, quickly.
• Players need a low center of gravity. Most players stand too tall.
• Soccer is a unique game that requires decision making by the players, unlike football, baseball. It is a players game more than a coaches game.

• More than 90% of the Hartford Soccer Club head coaches have a USC Diploma or a USSF coaches' license!