Categories
Books Coaching Irish Grassroots Football

Seven Soccer Skills by Trevor McMullin

I recently got a copy of this book by former footballer Trevor McMullan, which takes a very simple approach to teach boys and girls the seven essential techniques of the football – whilst having fun along the way.

A Footballs Guide For Parents, Coaches and Young Players: 

The book has a section in each chapter dedicated to parents, coaches and young players and the book’s structure gives readers a clear understanding of their roles along the way.

In 2017, FIFA made changes to the laws of football. Seven Soccer Skills incorporates these changes into the popular “You’re the Ref!” feature – a fun and challenging way to learn the laws of the game. Trevor had used his wealth of experience, both as a coach and as a player, to provide “a valuable resource of tips and helpful information for players, parents and coaches.

Seven Soccer Skills supports the ethos of Let The kids Play which is also the Irish Football Association’s youth football strategy, which as we know strives to create a fun, safe and inclusive culture, thus inspiring a lifelong love of the game.

About Trevor

Trevor McMullan gained his first coaching qualification with the Irish FA at the age of 19. He continued to work his way up the coaching ladder, obtaining a UEFA Pro Licence in 2007. Throughout his 20-year playing career Trevor clocked up more than 750 games in the Irish League. He played with distinction for Ballymena United (three separate occasions), Larne, Glenavon, Coleraine, Crusaders, Linfield, Newry and Armagh City.

Trevor mentioned that: “This book came about as a result of years of experience teaching young football players and coaches. Attempting to get parents, young players and coaches to understand each other’s role in the development of the young player always seemed a challenge.

“The trigger came one day when watching a boys’ under-10 match in a local park. I heard a team manager tell a young player, who was about to take a throw-in, to ‘throw the ball down the line’. “

I thought to myself ‘why can this young player not think and decide for himself and where, on display, are the skills associated with a throw-in that the young player and his team-mates should have been taught in training?’. This question started the process of writing this book, which took three years to complete.”

What The Book Covers: 

The first part of the book covers the characters, initial exercises, how to choose your first club, and football’s seven basic techniques and skills: passing, dribbling, shooting, controlling, heading, goalkeeping and tackling. The second part analyses these techniques using cartoons, pictures and diagrams – a vital source of insights and tips and a great way to capture the attention and imagination.

The final part teaches young players how to be original at throw-ins and corner kicks, how to prepare for training and matches, how to get into tip-top shape, and how other games can improve their footballing talent.

With glowing testimonials from Michael O’Neill, international football manager, and Keith Gillespie, former professional with Manchester United and Newcastle United, Seven Soccer Skills is the perfect reference for everyone involved in the development of young football players.

I highly recommend this book for your child or husband or wife or even as a present for the teams coach.

Seven Soccer Skills is available on Amazon UK. Northern Irish League clubs have also agreed to stock the book and it’s also a coaching resource with the Irish FA.

For further information contact info@sevensoccerskills.com

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I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say, please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary and @LetTheKidPlay

Categories
Academies Coaching Irish Grassroots Football

To be or not to be, it’s all down to you!

You don’t send a player to the a professional academy to finish of their development. Going their they should already have Professional Habits. All the best players in the world, have these habits. They have a level of hard-work and commitment that is required to get to the elite level (paid to play). I listen to parents and players all the time saying they want to go to a pro academy to be a professional footballer but they aren’t even close to the commitment and lifestyle change required to even get noticed. 
 
They say, “My kid is talented”. 
 
I ask them,
ok, so he’s talented….. “what is he doing to try and achieve this the level required to play in a pro academy?”
If they don’t already have self managing skills and professional habits, then the professional club will probably be too much for them. We see this all the time, young players going over to the UK and coming back because they can’t handle what it takes to be stay in with the very best or to even perform at the Elite level (Paid to play I’m talking about).
 
Along with having the talent to play….the player must also have responsibility, accountability, self management, drive, commitment, attitude and belief.
 
Questions to can ask any teenage player looking to have a career in the game: 
  1. Did you get enough sleep or are you getting enough sleep before and after games or practice.
  2. Did you have a nutritious breakfast and did you prepare it yourself?
  3. Did you pack you’re own bag or did you mum do it?
  4. Are you drinking enough water and eating the right foods every day?
  5. Do you get to training early to start you’re warm up, dynamic stretching etc etc?
  6. Do you ask the coach to show up early to help you practice on some specific areas of the game to help you be fully prepared for the game or practice?
  7. Do you ever run home from practice to get an extra bit of fitness training in?
  8. Do you pack any half-time snacks, to help you recover?
  9. Do you pack any after game/practice snacks to help you recover.
  10. Do you ever stay back and do some extra technique training or do you ask the coach to help out after training?
  11. Do you ask the coach what you need to do to get better and are you using this advice?
  12. Do you ever ask other teams at the club if they are stuck for a player and if so to call you? (Messi played for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams at Barca).
All of above are some of the behaviours you will find in players who have made it to professional academies. If a player is not showing any of the above then they do not have the passion, drive or commitment to be outstanding. So moving your kid to the best team or travelling half the country to get them playing at the best level, will not make them better.  The player must decide that this is what they want to do. They must have the commitment, desire to be the best in everything they do and it starts with answering YES to most of the above. 
Facilities, money and equipment won’t make you successful. The commitment, being 100% committed and being obsessive about what you do and how you train, what you eat and how prepared you are, might..
They need to be obsessive about getting better, 1% every time they play and train. Getting the most of there talent in every part of their preparation, to be the best they can be. That is what is required and more and then you need a lot of luck, the correct amount of nurture and nature will also have a say.
So much of the success you want as a coach and your players want, is down to your coaching and guidance. This all happens with change and connections. Coaching is the art of emotional connection. We are in the business of making dreams but we need to be realistic with our players. Unless they are stepping outside of the norm they are unlikely to see that dream come through.

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I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say, please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary and @LetTheKidPlay

Categories
Analysis Coaching

Coaching with Performance Analysis Module, Mon 9th Oct 2017

Designed by Ulster University and Performa Sports, this short course has been tailored for coaches and managers. Building on the fundamentals of sports analysis including shaping key performance indicators (KPIs), they demonstrate how analysis can be used as a highly effective teaching aid to improve player learning and performance.

Who is the module for?

  • Coaches, Managers, Coach-Analysts, PE Teachers and those interested in the area of performance improvement through analysis
  • Performance Analysts who are interested in learning more about the transition of analysis to coaching and performance communication

What will I gain?

Venue details

  • Location: Croke Park Hotel
  • Where to meet: Main reception
  • Parking: Complimentary hotel car parking

What to bring

If you have access to an iPad, download Performa Sports from the App Store and register your free 21-day trial, please bring this with you. Training iPads will also be available if required.

Course outline

  • What is notational analysis
  • The rationale for performance analysis
  • Key factors in player-coach communication techniques
  • How to develop key performance indicators
  • Using performance analysis software – Performa Sports

For further information contact joe@performancesports.com  or call +44 (0) 771 943 6178

www.performaSports.com and www.youtube.com/performasports

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I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say, please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

Categories
Coaching Irish Grassroots Football Videos

InsideSoccer is now FREE

Inside Soccer is now completely free on YOUTUBE 

Inside Soccer is the most comprehensive soccer website for coach education and player development in the world. Since its inception in 2008, InsideSoccer has constantly sought to expose to a global soccer community the philosophies and methodologies of the best clubs on the planet. Now it’s moved to a youtube channel and it’s completely free for you.

Check out their PLAYLISTS 

I have to say this resource is all a coach/manager needs, you won’t find a better football coaching content channel anywhere in the world today. They’ve already uploaded 800 soccer training videos from Inside Soccer.com onto their new page on  Youtube and you can find out more and stay up to date by following them on twitter @insidesoccer 

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I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say, please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

Categories
Coaching Game Analysis

Performa Sports CPD Level 4 Course

This level 4 course is on applied performance analysis integrating sports analysis to enhance the coaching process and athlete development.

Overview

An informative ‘hands-on’ performance analysis course developed by Ulster University and Performa Sports, designed to help coaches and analysts to effectively leverage sports analysis for team performance improvement and player development.

Who’s it for?

Anyone with an interest in sports and performance improvement through analysis
– Anyone who wishes to ‘skill up’ and learn about the next generation in performance analysis technology from Performa Sports
– Sports people (including players) interested in self-analysis and personal performance improvement

What will I gain?

– 60-days free trial of Performa Sports iPad application
– Course recognised at level 4 on the National Quali cations and Credit Framework
– Opportunity to bene t from Higher Education
– Attain 5 credits towards Certi cate for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD)
– Ulster University certi cation
– Excellent understanding of Performa Sports performance analysis software
– Knowledge to apply ef cient analysis work ows and effective performance communication

What is CPPD?

The Certi cate of Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) is a framework within Ulster University with a range of short courses of study which can be undertaken at any stage in life, regardless of prior qualifications. You can study small courses which can be built up to achieve an award (60 credits in total) from the university.

Objectives

The module will help develop knowledge of performance analysis integrated with the coaching process and athlete learning. It will also develop a capacity to recognise and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) and present data in an appropriate and assessable manner.

Knowledge & Understanding 

– Explain how theories and concepts in performance analysis and coaching are applied to enhance sporting performance.
– Discuss how an understanding of appropriate data collection and feedback can develop sporting performance.

– Discuss how the role of performance analysis can tailor the technical and tactical content of training sessions

Learning

– Identify key performance indicators in a variety of sports and discuss how these can impact performance
– Select appropriate methods to monitor / measure performance indicators and collate data
– Appraise and evaluate the value of data collected and the feedback mechanisms used.

Practical Skills

– Plan, deliver and evaluate a quantitative analysis of a particular aspect of sporting performance in accordance with coaching needs.
– Develop an ability to prepare, deliver and evaluate a feedback intervention in an individual or team environment using best practice standards.

Transferable Skills

– Demonstrate effective communication skills in a range of settings
– Demonstrate observational and analytical skills
– Use reactive practice to evaluate performance
– Use technology-based, video recorded and manual methods of analysing sporting performance

Teaching

This module will be delivered through lectures, practical activities and a workshop on iPad- based analysis. Students will be required to participate in all practical exercises and workshops (training iPads can be provided during the course).

With this course you also have the option of going for a formal Level 4 CPPD accreditation from Ulster University. There would be a fee of €120 for this but we will cover all other costs. This is completely optional and would require a course assignment to be completed and emailed to UU for independent assessment. 

Course Details

  • Date: Saturday 11th Mar 2017
  • Venue: Croke Park Hotel, Dublin 
  • Meeting room: Russell room
  • Time: 9am-7pm
  • Catering: Tea/Coffee on arrival / lunch at 1pm / evening refreshments at 4.30pm
  • Car parking: Complimentary hotel car parking for attendees, please retain your ticket to be stamped at reception 
  • What to bring: If you have access to an iPad, download Performa Sports from the App Store and register your free trial, please bring this with you (a limited number of training iPads will also be available)
  • Course materials: You will receive an electronic PDF copy of the course slides along with useful links for your reference
  • Take 2-minute survey to help us prepare for your place and confirm contact details for your certificate

For further information contact joe@performancesports.com  or call +44 (0) 771 943 6178

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I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say, please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary

Categories
Coaching Coaching Abroad Jobs In Football USA

Coaching in the USA

Fancy coaching in the USA?

USIT is giving anyone between the ages of 18-33, with a passion for soccer, the chance to go to the US and coach soccer whilst also having the opportunity to travel. On USIT’s Soccer USA programme you will spend between 6-13 weeks in the summer working as a soccer coach for young kids in different cities around America.

Each week the coaches move to a different location, which gives them a great opportunity to visit several cities around the US and experience the American culture.

Last year, Maynooth University student, Moe Bukhatwa reported that one of his main highlights was

“moving around the States and staying with different host families because you get to see different people and different places.”

Meals and accommodation are also included in the programme as host families with kids in the soccer camps put you up.

After your coaching contract has ended, you have 30 days to travel and explore the US.

Ian, from Dublin, describes the experience as:

“One of the best if not the best summers that I have ever had!” and raved about how “rewarding it is when you see one of the kids perfect a cross-field pass or a Cruyff turn you have just coached them”.

How Do I Get Hired?

To get hired as a soccer coach you need to pass a coaching assessment. You don’t need to be a brilliant player or a college student, just show you’ve got enthusiasm to do the job and will work well with kids. There are free assessment days coming up in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Dublin in November. If you are successful, you will be offered the job on the day.

What Do I Earn?

The programme fee is €999 and that includes return flights, insurance, work papers, accommodation, meals, Garda vetting fee, coaching kit etc

 

To find out more contact Gary on 01-602 1650 or go to Coaching in the USA

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I always like to hear your opinions and views. If you feel you have something to say, please comment below or email me info@thecoachdiary.com If, you don’t have anything to add then please forward this on to a friend. As always, thanks for reading.

I’m also on twitter @Coachdiary and @LetTheKidPlay

Categories
Coaching

Spanish UEFA B license Courses

I received this from a fellow coach who is working with RFEF and their Pro Licenced Coaches in La Coruna.

We are currently organising the first ever English Language UEFA ‘B’ Coaching course based on modern Spanish Coaching Methods and held in Spain! Yes, in Spain and in English….

Course Content

Application form here Spanish_UEFA_B_Feedback_Form_Ireland