Toe Taps

Focus...

I use the "F" word a lot. Focus is a key term within our organization and our teams. When coaches focus, we are executing our planned practice session and can adjust accordingly to our training environment. We are effectively communicating to our players and parents in a language they can understand and we are actively listing to them when they speak. We are ultimately directing our attention to the situation at hand...er foot. When our players focus, they remain steadfast in their participation in the training activities and in game play. They are engaged in effective communication with their friends, teammates, and coaches. Let's focus on our mission: to help players define their success and empower them to achieve their goals.

Foundations...

Often in sports, and soccer is no exception, we find our players engaged in a high-paced, highly stressful environment. It’s easy to get caught up in the complexity of the in-game strategy and tactical approaches. However, wisdom suggests that "a strong foundation is key to long-term success". Juggling, wall passes, free kicks in the back yard... Remembering our fundamental skills training from previous practices will help reframe our focus and help our players succeed one game at a time.

Neymar...

"You have to realise that you don't play alone. You have to have the others on your side," & "... if nobody helps each other, it's impossible to win,"

Mature Content...

Kids are not adults. While some adults (parents, spectators, etc.) may act childish at times, it's important to remember that how we behave (on the sideline, in the car, in front of others, etc.) are directly influencing our players' behavior. Please be mature, set a good example while interacting with others. Please, no abusive or derogatory language or gestures.

Decisions...

Soccer is full of decision-making: to run straight or make an overlap and the pace of such a run, to pass or not to pass and weight of said pass, the surface of the foot used on the dribble to take on an opponent, an accurate shot or a power strike on a free kick, etc. Players are constantly making decisions on the field and it can be challenging especially if we're supposed to make the "right" decision. Let's keep this in mind: that as long as the players are deciding for themselves, they are learning. They are in control of their actions and they are doing to the best they can given their perspective. Let's encourage them to make decisions as they see the game; we can provide input as sideliners, but they are the ones on the field of play. BTW: It's OK to make the "left" decision. 😉

Decisions, decisions...

There a lots of decisions that we make every day and some decisions are easier than others. What should I eat for breakfast vs. should I go left or right (high or low) on this PK? Every decision has a consequence.

The in-season fruit cup and a glass of 100% juice may be a better choice than the cream-filled donut stick with extra sprinkles and a can of highly-caffeinated soda.

Winning...

NOTE: This was extracted from a TOVO TUESDAY email from TOVO ACADEMY...

"When a child learns, a win.

When a youngster remains engaged in sport, a win.

When a player maintains an open mind, a win.

When an athlete loses an shakes hands, a win.

When relationships transcend the game, a win!

When positive values take root, a win.

When we celebrate another's success, a win.

When we show up for another in times of struggle, a win."