Expert coaches provide sport and life instruction during each personal interaction. In the previous blog post titled, “The Way Coaches Should Teach” the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs) were introduced. Within this post, it was loosely detailed how to create a baseball practice in which the focus was proficient fielding and coping under pressure. Below, I am going to outline with increased detail a soccer practice with a focus on passing and the idea of competitiveness. The details include questions that can be asked during specific portions of the practice as well as examples of what the coach should do in order to promote competitiveness. This session would be for advanced participants over the age of ten. Following each diagram is a description of what is happening as a focus on passing and teaching competitiveness.

Below, I am going to outline with increased detail a soccer practice with a focus on passing and the idea of competitiveness. The details include questions that can be asked during specific portions of the practice as well as examples of what the coach should do in order to promote competitiveness. This session would be for advanced participants over the age of ten. Following each diagram is a description of what is happening as a focus on passing and teaching competitiveness.

Within the above warm-up, it is vital that the group defines what being competitive means. As we move through training, we will review aspects of the definition to ensure we have a full understanding of the expectations for being competitive.

Competitiveness is initially created in the above diagram within the first few minutes of this portion of the session by giving each group of participants a goal number of passes within a 7-minute time frame. Verbally rewarding students that portray the definition of competitiveness reinforces the action the coach is attempting to promote.

Success within the 3 versus 1 game teaches competitiveness as participants are rewarded for competing and connecting passes which are both being focused upon during the session. Discussions with all of the players throughout this portion of the session using a guided discovery method promotes increased learning about both passing and competitiveness.

A competitive environment is created within all four portions of the training session. 5 versus 5 games involved with playing for a championship demand personal and team competitiveness. Questioning and closure throughout the session deepen learning amongst each participant. Rewarding the winning group with an opportunity to both explain how we define competitiveness and how they enhanced their team success will begin to promote leaders within the team. Finally, we compete in everything we do so we attempt to beat our previous record in cleaning up the field.

This training focused on the skill of passing and the Psychological Characteristic of Developing Excellence competitiveness. Coaches that make a true difference create learning experiences that connect to advancement in the sport as well as skills, values, and principles that can be used for lifetime success. Be the coach that rewards the participants with this learning opportunity!!! Add PCDEs into all of your game days and training sessions…

Empowering athletes, families, coaches, and organizations to create opportunities for lifetime success,

Coach Brad

CLICK HERE to learn our WHY…