A coach is a leader, a teacher, a friend and much more.  As the
old saying goes, "Attitudes are contagious, what are you
spreading?"  Ask yourself the following questions and do your
best to be your best.  

  1. Will I spend a lot of time yelling instructions during games?
  2. When spectators see me from across the field, will I look stressed
    or relaxed?
  3. Will I smile more this season than last?
Goal Setting for Players & Families
One of the coach's top priorities is Player Development and goal setting is one best tools for keeping players both focused
and motivated.  Be sure to include the player's parents in the assessment and goal setting conversation, this will keep the
whole Coach - Player - Parent team on the same page.   

See "Skill Assessment"" and "Priorities" for additional information.

Advantages:
  1. Demonstrates your involvement and motivation to the parents
  2. Develops a coach - soccer family relationship
  3. Parent & player involvement increases the likelihood of players arriving on time and prepared to train
  4. Increases player focus during training
  5. Provides a place to return to when things are going well - refocusing later in the season
  6. Assists the coach with developing a practice plan that will target the middle

Disadvantages:
  1. Takes time to measure, compare and discuss a plan with the parents
  2. Takes time to revisit at the end of the season - to measure the players success

Typical goals for all skill levels and age groups:
  1. Focus on fundamentals at practice
  2. Increase ball handling skills (passing, dribbling)
  3. Sportsmanship - learning and obeying the rules
  4. Try your best - maximum effort
  5. Pay attention - be a good listener

How to set goals:
  1. Measure the players abilities through the skill assessment recommendations or other activities
  2. Send a separate email to each parent explaining the process and include the assessment results for their player only
  3. Be sure to specifically ask the parent to discuss goal setting with their player and to come up with a couple ideas
  4. Plan to spend about 5 - 10 minutes per player.  (returning players may need only a few)
  5. Make an appointment with the parents and hold them accountable if they don't show.
  6. Non practice days would be best but you can try to squeeze into your practice schedule.  
  7. Try to complete all player goals before games begin
  8. Let the parents know they can talk to you about it at any time during the season
  9. Revisit by email when 1/2 way through the season, let them know if on track or needs to improve
  10. Wrap up the season by providing recommendations for areas that can be worked on in the next season

Sample Goal:

    Skill Assessment results show lower than average control when passing a ball.  The ball often does not go in the
    direction it was planned to travel

    Goal:  Work with family and friends outside of practice on making good contact with the ball.  Take a snapshot in your
    head on where you want the ball to go then focus on foot to ball contact and body positioning.
Go Westside Warriors!  -  Goal Setting