Have you ever wondered why you did something?  This is the second in a series regarding the individual perspectives of those involved in youth soccer.  The first dealt with the player; this one focuses on the coach – particularly the grassroots, or “rec” coach.  While the thought process is similar for a coach of a competitive team (they’re still kids – not pros – regardless of skill level), coaches at the grassroots level (who are generally parent volunteers) often need to deal with challenges their travel/premier/elite/academy/whatever-you-want-to-call-it-level coaches do not.

BEFORE THE GAME

I need to get to the field early and get the equipment out of the shed.  I spent more than an hour last night developing a warm-up routine and hopefully the kids will like it.  Well – at least the ones who get there early enough to actually warmup…The lineup is ready (assuming those kids show up!)…I’ve got training bibs, extra balls (man, the trunk of my car could double as a sporting goods store), cones (sheesh, I’ve spent a fortune on this stuff)…I really hope to see the boys switch the field today…we worked on that the last couple of weeks and I’d like to see them do it during the game.  Of course, it’s hard to get something through to these kids when they don’t all show up to practice…well, I’m sure Jordan’s dad will have something to say…for a guy who said he was too busy to volunteer he seems to have found a way to make all the practices and games and offer his two cents.  Does he have any idea how much time I put into this?

Now, there is also the grassroots coach – who is still a volunteer – who doesn’t know the nuances of the sport (and doesn’t want to) and merely sees each game from a win-at-all-costs perspective…

I hope Chris doesn’t show up today.  He always wants to play center mid and he’s too busy watching the grass grow.  I’ll stick Joey in the back – big kid who can hit the ball a mile.  Danny’s really fast…I’ll throw him up top and let him run past those kids. 

DURING THE GAME

“Jimmy – nice pass - way to get your head up!”  (feels a tug on his shirt) ”Coach!  Coach!  Can I play forward?”  “We’ll see, Jordan.”  Wow - this is a close game (checks watch)…I’ve got to make sure everyone gets enough playing time… “James – go in for Mark at right mid.  Don’t be afraid to take your defender on, ok?”  (hears a cacophony of sounds from the parents…”SHOOT IT!  SHOOT IT!”).  No don’t…why would you tell a kid to shoot it from that angle?    “Can we switch it, boys?”  “Coach – I’m going out for ice cream after the game.”  “That’s great, Seth.”  Why is my central defender tying his shoes when the other team is starting a breakaway?  “William!  Look up!”  Alright, here we go…I told them at halftime I wanted to see them switch the field at least twice…come on…”Mickey – great goal!  Brian – loved the way you checked your shoulders there!”  “Coach – is this a big game?  My dad says it’s a big game…”

Now from the other coach…

“Chris – didn’t I tell you to hit it long?!  Get the ball out of there and get it up the field!  Don’t dribble or pass back there!!  Jimmy – challenge for that ball – foul him if you have to!”

AFTER THE GAME

Well, we finally scored a goal!  We lost 2-1 but at least the kids managed to switch fields a couple of times.  I was really proud of their effort…sometimes I really get the impression the kids are picking up some of this stuff.  I know the parents hate it but I was glad to see the defenders play the ball back to the keeper once or twice.  It took a while to put the gear back and clean up the field but the kids had fun.  I’ll have to work on a defending session for Tuesday…I’m sure that by the time I get home I’ll have an email from Jordan’s dad…

And the other guy…

I can’t believe we lost…why in the world do they muck about with the ball?  Just hit it forward and run!!  What are they thinking?  I can’t believe I have to find time for all these kids.  When will they learn?

For coaches, the simple question is which one are you?  More accurately – where do you fall on the spectrum?  For parents, which coach would you prefer?  Which provides more value in terms of long-term player and personal development for a child?