Transcript AN INTRODUCTION TO COACHING TOPSoccer

COACHING TOPSoccer
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Certificate
Coaching TOPSoccer Players

Course Objectives

Why People Play Soccer

Players’ Challenges

Qualities of Coaches

Prevention and Care of Injuries
Risk Management

Communication

Ideas for Coaching
Course Objectives
1.
Apply existing coaching skills and
experiences to meet the needs of
players with disabilities
2.
Establish basic communication skills
3.
Appropriate safety and medical
considerations
4.
How do we modify activities to include
all players
5.
Demonstrate coaching methods
Coaching TOPSoccer Players
Ideas for coaching
•
•
Characteristics of well-selected games and inclusion
activities
Organizing a training session
US Youth Soccer
TOPSoccer
“Do not let what you cannot do interfere
with what you can do.”
John Wooden
WHY DO PEOPLE
PLAY SOCCER?
Why do people play soccer?

Improve fitness

Make friends

Enjoyment

Gain recognition

Achieve
competition

Develop new
skills

Learn to take
responsibility

Experience
personal
challenge
Why do people play soccer?

Handling
pressure and
stress

Coping with
disappointments
as well as
success

Self-esteem
Why do
people play
soccer?
Because They Can
“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but
the size of the fight in the dog.”
Archie Griffin, 5’ 9”
Two-time Heisman Award winner
PLAYERS’
CHALLENGES
Players’ Challenges
Fitness
• Mobility
• Core
Stability
Technique
Psychology
Tactics
• Ball Skills
• Performance
• Emotional
• Social
• Offense
• Defense
Who is a TOPSoccer player?

TOPSoccer players are anyone who for
physical, mental or behavioral reasons
cannot successfully play in a recreation
soccer program

TOPSoccer players develop at their own
pace

TOPSoccer players are grouped by
ability, not by age

TOPSoccer players should not be defined
by the disability
Coaching in TOPSoccer

Is there a difference coaching
TOPSoccer players?

Does it matter how many years you
have been coaching?

Do your coaching credentials matter?

Do you learn as you coach?
Players’ Challenges
The most common TOPSoccer conditions
are:
◦ Down syndrome
◦ Autism
◦ ADHD
◦ Cerebral Palsy
Players’ Challenges

Down syndrome
◦ Vision and/or hearing problems are common
◦ Varying degrees of mental retardation
◦ Possible attention deficit symptoms or temper
◦ Often become frustrated
◦ Often understand better than they can express
◦ Often sociable – social skills and empathy are
typical strengths!
Players’ Challenges
Down syndrome
Individuals with Down syndrome are usually smaller than
their non-disabled peers and their physical, as well as
intellectual development is slower. Besides having a
distinct physical appearance, children with Down syndrome
frequently have specific health problems. A lowered
resistance to infection makes these children more prone to
respiratory problems. Visual problems such as crossed
eyes and far-sightedness or near-sightedness occur, as well
as mild to moderate hearing loss and speech difficulty.
Players’ Challenges

Autism
◦ Difficulty with communication
◦ Often easily distracted
◦ Difficulty with socialization
◦ Have restricted interest
◦ Non-verbal skills are often a strength!
◦ Generalization and sequencing can be
challenging
Players’ Challenges
Autism
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of
developmental disabilities defined by significant
impairments in social interaction and communication and
the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many
people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning,
paying attention or reacting to different sensations. The
thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can
vary – from gifted to severely challenged.
Players’ Challenges

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
◦ Varying degrees of:
 Short attention span
 Disorganization
 Impulsivity
 Distractibility
 Hyperactivity
 Stimulation seeking
Players’ Challenges
ADHD
The term is a misnomer since ADDers pay attention to
everything. The problem is filtering out what is going
on. Players with ADHD are easily distracted, impulsive
and highly reactive to their environment. They tend to
be disorganized, have difficulty planning, executing and
finishing tasks (particularly those involving sequential
steps). ADDers have difficulty comprehending only
verbal instructions and are often unacceptably active in
settings such as training sessions.
Players’ Challenges

Cerebral Palsy
◦ Motor control impairment
(non-progressive)
◦ May have balance and coordination
struggles
◦ Occasionally exhibit speech impairment
◦ Quick to dehydrate and fatigue
◦ Socially and cognitively strong!
Players’ Challenges
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders
that affect a person's ability to move and to
maintain balance and posture. It is due to a
non-progressive brain abnormality, which
means that it does not get worse over time,
though the exact symptoms can change over
a person's lifetime.
“Coaching is a profession of love. You can't
coach people unless you love them.”
Eddie Robinson
QUALITIES OF
COACHES
Coaching TOPSoccer Players

The “Coaching TOPSoccer” course is
designed for the coach who may be
coaching TOPSoccer players for the
first time and may or may not have
any playing background.

Some participants in the course have
played soccer and may have children
participating in TOPSoccer.
Coaching TOPSoccer Players
The course focuses on activities that will
identify ability-based games necessary to
play soccer at any level. The course also
gives candidates ideas on how to
successfully plan and conduct training
sessions geared towards enhancing
individual performance.
Coaching TOPSoccer Players

Training activities
presented during
the course will aid
you in developing
players in the
game. The course
continues your
education about
TOPSoccer and
the enjoyment of
participating with
these players.
Group Activity

Break into pairs/groups
◦ Without using written words draw a picture of
the qualities of a good coach in TOPSoccer
Qualities of a Good Coach
They won’t care what you know …
… until they know that you care!

Good communication
skills

Ability to evaluate

Adaptable

Enthusiastic

Strong integrity

Sense of humor

Open minded

Motivated

Knowledge of the
game
Qualities of a Good Coach

Planning/organizational skills

Desire to learn

Create a safe and enjoyable
environment

Willingness to help others improve

Patience and understanding

Reliable

Evenhanded
QUALITIES OF A GOOD COACH
Firm, but fair, and able to discipline
players when necessary.
•
Gives praise to players when needed
and warranted.
•
Able and willing to demonstrate the
skill to be learned.
•
Includes everyone in practices and
games.
•
Flexible and relaxed approach while
teaching skills.
•
Able to give clear, brief and simple
instructions.
•
Makes learning new skills and playing
soccer FUN!
•
Qualities of a Good Coach
PROFICIENICIES
Broad knowledge of the player’s impairment
In-depth knowledge of the individual player
Knowledge of the level of competition
Knowledge of particular rules and equipment
Knowledge of particular safety issues
“You have to expect things of yourself
before you can do them.”
Michael Jordan
PRENVENTION AND
CARE OF INJURIES
RISK MANAGEMENT
Group Activity

What are safety considerations when
coaching TOPSoccer players?
◦ Down syndrome
◦ Autism
◦ ADHD
◦ Cerebral Palsy
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

Have a parent or guardian present at
all times

Identify players’ disabilities

Understand the players being coached

Understanding the playing environment
as it relates to players’ disabilities

Emergency information and first aid
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

The first line of defense in the treatment
of sports injuries is to PREVENT them
with:
◦ A well-planned program
◦ Competition among equal ability and
size groups
◦ Proper warm-up/cool-down
◦ Understanding each player’s abilities
and challenges
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

Other factors that lead to the prevention of injuries:
◦ Proper use of equipment
(shin guards, goals anchored)
◦ Continuous upkeep of the playing surface
◦ Proper fitting shoes and proper shoes for
the surface
◦ Ample water supply and breaks to give
players a rest
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

Other factors that lead to the prevention of
injuries:
◦ Avoid scheduling activity during intense
heat and humidity
◦ Use proper pre-season screening
program by qualified personnel
◦ Designate team personnel to be
certified in first aid and CPR
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

Each team should have and know how to use a first aid
kit that includes but is not limited to:
◦ Team safety and information cards
◦ Plastic bags/ties for ice/ice in a cooler
◦ Athletic tape and Ace bandages
◦ Antiseptic sterile pads and gauze pads
◦ Towelettes
◦ Antibiotic crème
◦ Non-latex rubber gloves and non-latex band aids
 Care should be taken to avoid contact with blood and bodily
fluids
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

The care of the injured player will begin the
moment an injury occurs

Full rehabilitation of injury prior to the
return to play (written medical release)

Immediate care will reduce the severity of
the injury and possible long term recovery
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

The coach, upon seeing an injured
player should:
◦ Check the ABCs
(Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
◦ Call 911 service for a severe injury
◦ Ask the player where it hurts
◦ Ask how the injury occurred
◦ If the player has a communication
disability then get assistance from
parents or others
◦ Be calm
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

The coach, upon seeing an injured player
should:
◦ If the player is unable to continue, he or
she should be checked to determine the
extent of the injury
◦ Do not be in a hurry to move the player off
the field!
◦ Having an Action Plan is a must!
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

After determining that the injury is
NOT life threatening, you can find out
more about the injury:
◦ If you did not see what happened ask the
player and/or teammates as well as any
spectators what happened
◦ Note the position of the injured part
◦ Look for swelling and deformity
◦ Compare with the opposite side
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

REST – Remove the player from the
activity

ICE – Apply ice to the injured part

COMPRESSION – Apply compression
bandage

ELEVATION – Elevate the injured body
part (above heart height)
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management
Why R.I.C.E.?
◦ It is the only safe treatment for a sports
injury without professional advice
R.I.C.E. helps in three ways:
◦ Applying ice chills the injured area
◦ Blood vessels contract
◦ Constricts circulation to the injured area
(15-20 minutes at a time)
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

Why R.I.C.E.?
◦ Applying pressure with an elastic
bandage inhibits the accumulation of
blood and fluids in the area, thereby
minimizing pain and swelling
◦ Elevating the injured area decreases
fluid accumulation to the injured
area, puts the area to rest and helps
reduce painful muscle spasms
Prevention & Care of Injuries
Risk Management

Follow up should be considered if:
◦ Gross swelling or deformity is
present
◦ Player is unable to bear weight on
the injured part
◦ Severe pain or discomfort is present

Coaches should always follow up with
a phone call to the parents regarding
the injury especially if a parent was
not present
“Be sincere; be brief; be seated.”
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
COMMUNICATION
Communication

Information
◦ Giving and receiving
◦ Verbal and non-verbal
Communication

Effective communication is a key
element

Coaching skills are revealed through
the ability to build relationships and
communicate

90% of information is non-verbal

Listen and ask questions
Communication

Give the right amount of information,
no over-coaching

Learn about the players

Use proper names

Be encouraging, not patronizing

Why to not use the word handicapped
Communication
• How should you refer to someone with a disability?
• What is acceptable?
• What do people with a disability prefer?
Group Activity
Using a sheet of paper in each
pair/group describe:
Inappropriate ways to
communicate with TOPSoccer
players
Appropriate ways to
communicate with TOPSoccer
players
Communication
Try to avoid:
 Handicapped
Instead use:
 Disabled

Afflicted by

Wheel-chair bound  Wheel-chair enabled

Suffers from

Brave, courageous  Competent

Blind/Deaf



People who have
Seizure disorder
Visually/Hearing
impaired
Communication
Challenges and important ingredients to
effective communication:
◦ Listen carefully and responsively
◦ Explain your intent
◦ Translate criticisms into requests
◦ Ask Creative questions
◦ Express more appreciation
Communication

Celebrate every
success

Use chants and sound
effects

Exaggerate facial
expressions

Exaggerate body
language

Use visual stimulation

Create the desire,
instead of making the
demand
Communication
Suggested Language:
◦ Avoid asking complex questions
(based on the disability)
◦ Avoid making demands
◦ Make statements or comments
◦ Be concise, be clear, be correct
◦ Be patient when waiting for a response
Communication
Each individual may have their way of referring
to their disability, so never assume that what is
acceptable to one player is fine with another
 Don’t be afraid of using the wrong words

“Over-coaching is the worst thing you can
do to a player.”
Dean Smith
IDEAS FOR
COACHING
Ideas for Coaching

No waiting, keep
the players active

Simple and
concise directions

Use their
strengths!

Use visual cues
(be consistent)

Repetition is key

One skill at a time

Build on success

Be flexible

Immediate
positive
reinforcement

Watch and learn
Ideas for Coaching

Challenge positively and enthusiastically

Ask for parental guidance

Stretch your boundaries

MOST OF ALL
◦ Make a Personal Connection
Ideas for Coaching
Players with Down syndrome
◦ Understand comprehension is typically
much better than speech
◦ Pay attention to muscle strength/weakness
(short activities)
◦ Typically learn quite well through imitation
◦ Build through small steps
◦ Build decision making into games as
confidence grows
Ideas for Coaching
Players with Autism
◦ Instead of pointing at things (goals) touch
them (realize joint attention is difficult)
◦ Try to have the same person working with
these players as familiarity = comfort
◦ Repetition is comfort
(new situations may create worry)
◦ Be expressive but reduce visual and verbal
cues
◦ When a player is upset avoid overstimulation and activities with a lot of
contact
◦ Keep visual cues stable over time
Ideas for Coaching
Players with
ADHD
◦ Use the energy in
a positive way
◦ Pay attention to
learning styles
◦ Use high energy
activities
◦ Set up visual cues
Ideas for Coaching
Players with Cerebral Palsy
◦ Teach one skill at a time
◦ Give immediate praise
◦ Repetition and review is key
◦ Build sequential motor movements one at
a time depending upon strengths
Ideas for Coaching
Inclusion vs. Exclusion
Mosten’s Slanty Line
method of coaching
Challenge players at levels
commensurate with ability
Ideas for Coaching
• An activity
centered approach
to individuals of
different abilities
thus keeping them
all engaged
Inclusion: Player-Centered
Training
• Used to identify
ways to include
players with a range
of impairments into
soccer activities
Ideas for Coaching

Planning and organizing a coaching
session ◦ Has safety been addressed?
◦ Are activities geared for success?
◦ Could I modify my activities if need
be?
Characteristics of
Well-Selected Games

A broad range of differences can be
accommodated

Progressive challenges can be built-in,
allowing individuals to participate at
their own personal level

Goals and purposes are clear,
consistent and attainable
Characteristics of
Well-Selected Games

There is almost
always an instant
opportunity to try
again (to adjust,
to repeat, to
recover)

Perseverance and
coping with
temporary
frustration is
encouraged by the
format of the
game
Characteristics of
Well-Selected Games

Self-control frequently contributes to
achieving the goal

All of the components of the game
tend to enhance the possibility of
positive social interactions

No player is eliminated either
blatantly or subtly
Ideas for Coaching
Changes are made to
an activity in order
to promote inclusion:
• Change space
• Adapt rules
• Vary equipment
Modified Games
Ideas for Coaching
Twin Games:

Set at a level appropriate for each
group and disability

Everyone plays the same game or
game theme but are organized in
ability groups
Group Activity
Break into pairs/groups:

Each group using the board/paper
draw an activity that has all players
involved (inclusion theory)

One representative will speak on what
the activity is and present the
information to the class
The TOPSoccer Buddy
COACHING
TOPSOCCER
The TOPSoccer Buddy

Who is a TOPSoccer Buddy?
◦ Facilitator
◦ Participates with TOPSoccer players
in training and matches
◦ Buddies can be a teenager or adult
◦ Buddies can be anyone who desires
to enable TOPSoccer players to be
successful and to have FUN!
The TOPSoccer Buddy

The role of the TOPSoccer
Buddy includes:
◦ Create opportunities for the
player to be successful
◦ Assist in a FUN and safe
learning environment
◦ Buddy doesn’t need to be on
the field all the time. Let the
players go on their own
when possible.
◦ Mirror Play
THE TOPSOCCER BUDDY
Player Safety

Be aware of safety zones around the player

Interact with coaches and/or parents
concerning likes/dislikes of the player

Continuously monitor the player for:
◦ Fatigue
◦ Frustration/melt-downs
◦ Water breaks
The Buddy’s role for players with physical needs
THE TOPSOCCER
BUDDY
The TOPSoccer Buddy

Assist the player
getting into
position to play

Safety zone
especially for:
◦ Ball retrieval and
control
◦ Crutches
◦ Keep the ball
close to the
player
◦ Walkers
◦ Wheelchairs

Create
opportunities for
play:
◦ Balance
The TOPSoccer Buddy

Role for Hearing Impaired players
◦ Safety awareness
◦ Demonstrate the activity
◦ Ensure the player understands
instructions
◦ Use touch, sign language or pictures to
guide
◦ Direct the ball to the player for contact
and touches
The TOPSoccer Buddy

Role for players with Walker or Wheelchair
◦ Push the wheelchair for participation if necessary
◦ Check on walker or wheelchair safety
(equipment check)
The TOPSoccer Buddy
•Safety awareness
•Field surface
•Environment
• Create opportunity for
walker or wheelchair
player to participate
Role for players with
Walker or Wheelchair
•Keep ball close to
“feed” the player
•Ball retrieval
The TOPSoccer Buddy

Role for Visually Impaired players
◦ Describe the activity and environment
◦ May provide a balance and mobility role with
the player by holding the Buddy’s forearm
◦ Use voice, hands and arms to guide
◦ Direct the ball to the player for participation
◦ Safety awareness
 Field surface
 Environment
The Buddy’s role for players with cognitive needs
THE TOPSOCCER
BUDDY
The TOPSoccer Buddy

Model desired skill

Provide instruction directly during play

Help define the space and “strategies”
◦ “We are the blue team.”
◦ “We are going in this direction.”
◦ “This is how we stop the ball.”
The TOPSoccer Buddy
Role for players with Behavioral/Sensory Needs or Attention Issues

Provide 1:1
assistance to
model behaviors

Mirror Play or
create space
around the player

Assist the player
to focus on the
activity

Provide stability in
a chaotic
environment

Use a quiet “time
out” as needed
without being
negative

Guide and direct,
often not touching
the player directly,
but being in close
proximity
Guidelines
Education
THE TOPSOCCER
BUDDY
The TOPSoccer Buddy
The purpose of the Buddy is
to assist the TOPSoccer
players, not to participate
as players themselves!
The Buddy does not score goals…
The TOPSoccer Buddy
The Buddy can:

Guide their player to the ball

Position the ball for the player

Stop a ball from going out of bounds

Shield around their player
The TOPSoccer Buddy

Coach instructs Buddies prior to activity

Safety for the Buddy
◦ Risk Management
◦ Education will help ensure Buddies are
comfortable and successful
 Comfort level will increase
◦ Relax, smile and have fun

Coach should talk to Buddies before and
after each session
◦ Players and Buddy concerns
Coaching TOPSoccer
Questions?
References





Dr. Marianne Torbert
◦ Temple University
The Football Association
◦ Football Development Programme –
Coaching Disabled Footballers
US Youth Soccer – The Novice Coach
The US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer
Committee
The Outreach Program for Soccer
◦ Program Manual
US Youth Soccer
TOPSoccer
Remember that we all
have disabilities, in some
of us they show!