PK Soccer Inc 516-342-0760

This week I wanted to talk about my experience on the Premier diploma that I took in July 2017. I was one of the last coaches to receive a NSCAA premier diploma before the changed to the United Soccer Coaches and am now a proud recipient of the trilogy of diplomas. National, Advanced National & Premier diploma.

I was looking to take the next step in my coaching education journey with an advanced coaching course. I was especially looking for a course on a university/college campus that provided meals, accommodation and was easily accessible by public transport. I decided to take the course in a suburb of Chicago at Elmhurst College, IL. Doing the course in Chicago was a daunting decision at first but one I would recommend to other coaches and has helped me further my career as a Director of Coaching and professional soccer coach. I flew to O’Hare from JFK and took a cab from the airport to the campus. The campus was also close to the train that would take you into downtown Chicago.

Now I was trying something out of my comfort zone. I had traveled alone to an unfamiliar out of state location. I was also teamed up with a roommate who I had to share a dorm room with. Although this might seem uneasy at first it’s a great way to get to know someone and don’t forget. Everyone is here because they love soccer and coaching. I was roomed with an Athletic Director from Detroit (Who now happens to be a College Head Coach in Nashville). This was a great way to interact with coaches. The time spent in the dorm common areas, talking to coaches about recruitment, player development and previous coaching experiences is a part of an United Soccer coaches diploma that doesn’t get the credit it deserves.

The course was made up of mainly college coaches from the mid-west, but there were also club coaches/DOC’s representing many U.S states, Canada, Europe & central/south America. The amount of friendships, contacts and resources you can gain from this type of course is truly remarkable. It was also a humbling feeling to be surrounded by so many top coaches but most importantly genuine human beings.

When you are a 3-5 minute walk to the lecture theater, training field, cafeteria & library you save a lot of time. On previous courses so much time was wasted travelling from hotels, going to get food or finding a wifi connection with printing facilities etc. Being able to experience an advanced coaching course you need to be efficient with your time. It also helped that you could have conversation at the dining table. The cafeteria was also the hub to chat with instructors and coaches taking other courses at the campus. While I was taking the premier diploma they were also running a National diploma.

The premier diploma was mostly made up of studying and analyzing several systems of play for the 11v11 game and how you would apply the principles of attack and defense in coaching in certain systems or how you would coach against certain systems.

We were also given a on field practice topic and assessment topic in relation to a certain system of play and principles of the game. All instructors and coaches taking the course were accessible, friendly and will to share their knowledge and experience to help everyone through the course.

Another interesting part of the course was match analysis. We watched a live televised U.S men’s game as a group in a local bar. This also acted as the diplomas social and gave all coaches chance to mingle and get to know the other coaches. There was no pressure to join in this activity. I actually left at half time to go back to the campus and watch in the comfort of my dorm so I could concentrate on the assignment. Something that was perfectly fine and acceptable and no one was judgmental.

One of my favorite parts of the course was a leadership lecture that involved break off groups. It was a light hatred part of the course but got everyone thinking. Standing up in front of peers to present is also a great learning experience and builder of confidence.

On the final day of the premier diploma after we had all undergone our on field practice assessment we were subject to and oral examination. Coaches had no idea what we would be asked. We entered the classroom in groups and were asked several questions. We also had to draw diagrams of session plans on the board. This was a real test of character for me and other coaches. It had a real exam feel. It does take some balls to be able to stand up in front of college head coaches, DOC’s and seasoned soccer trainers, not to mention a coaching educator. Putting yourself in different environments as a coach is a great way to learn and build confidence.

Conclusion:

If you are thinking about what you can do this summer to progress as a coach I would highly recommend an advance United Soccer Coaches Diploma. You will not regret spending a week with high level instructors and like-minded coaches. I have personally taken USSF, NSCCAA and English FA coaching courses, diplomas and licenses. It’s always a good idea to get different perspectives and learn from different people. This is something the U.S.C and big advocates for. When you attend a residential curse it’s not just the hours in the classroom or on the pitch. It’s the time spent talking to a coach in the cafeteria, over a beer in a local bar in the library or campus common areas. The NSCAA and now U.S.C has helped me develop as a coach and improved my career. Since taking the Premier diploma several of the coaches on the course I keep in contact with have gained new employment or moved op the coaching ladder. The U.S.C also encourages you to be yourself and stick to your own beliefs and philosophy as a coach. I haven’t just gained diplomas from the NSCAA. I’ve made friends and contacts who I still share ideas with via social media.

Investing in you is always time and money well spent.

 

Body language on the side line and practice

 

Body Language

This week I’m discussing this importance of body language. In the past I had tweeted about body language got a mixed response. I I’m currently reading Dan Abrahams book “Soccer tough” and it fueled my desire to write and talk about this aspect of the game It’s a part of coaching I am always trying to improve and correct on and off the field. Body language is something that can be overlooked by coaches but I feel it can indirectly have an impact on your persona and how you are perceived by players, parents, referees and fellow coaches. Your body language might change depending on if you are coaching male or female athletes or based on the age of the players we are working with. One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that anyone observing you plays or coach will make judgements on your coaching style or enthusiasm based on your body language. If your body language doesn’t change based age, level of play or sex of the players it might be something to consider.

As a youth coach I will always look up to the elite professional coaches but sometimes adopting their sideline body language is not appropriate for the youth game.

Sloughing on the bench looking tired or cold, hands in pockets or arms folded can give off a defensive and lackluster self-image that can have a negative impact on players and parents. As a youth coach you should always look engaged, enthusiastic and positive on the sidelines. Sulking on the bench because your team is losing or standing with arms folded in a huff does not sit well with the team & their families. If you look cold, tired or frustrated it will rub off on your team. Arms folded can also give the impression you are not open or approachable. I also don’t stand with my hands behind my back. It can give the impression you think your superior to everyone and are of a high stature than the people around you.

I try to use hand motion & signals to show enthusiasm on the sideline. This doesn’t mean act like a clown with 5 year olds or run up and down the touch line like a raving lunatic waving my arms about when coaching teenagers. Use positive non aggressive hand movement will show players and parents that you’re enthusiastic and a positive role model. When coaching youth players you want to remain positive and be confidant but not arrogant.

I’m not a fan of coaches holding cups of coffee or energy drinks. To me it gives the impression you are tired or was in a rush before the game or practice. If you look cold or tired, it will affect the player’s performance. This might seem like a little thing but players & parents pick up on it. If you need to hold something in your hand while coaching, hold a bottle of water. Shows me the coach is conscious of hydration and is prepared. This gives a better self-image. You don’t want it to look like you’re on a caffeine rage or just woke up from hibernation. I will sometimes hold a pen and note pad. It prevents me adopting any negative body langue and writing down a few notes or thoughts for reflection is never a bad thing and can help calm your sideline etiquette.

Here are some tips for coaches based on my own experience

• Constantly think about your posture. Stand tall and proud, It oozes confidence

• Don’t cross or fold arms and keep out of your pockets

• Use positive engaging hand signals to show energy and enthusiasm

• Smile it’s contagious.

• A soccer coach is role models make sure you present yourself in a positive approachable manor.

 

Paul Kelshaw

Director of Coaching 

PK Soccer Inc

Time keeping

This week I wanted to discuss the importance of time keeping. As a youth soccer coach I’m always conscious of time. I make sure I’m the first to practice and games and always the last to leave. I make sure I’m at the field at least 10-15 minutes early for practice. I leave my house early to account for the Long Island traffic. Anyone who travels on the NY parkways and expressways knows what I’m talking about. I like to get to practice early so I can set up goals and cones for the planned practice. On game day I will be there early to inspect the pitch and be ready to warm up the players. On game day I like to be at the field 30-45minutes before kickoff.

I make sure my practices start on time. It doesn’t matter how many kids are present we start. I now set up arrival actives. Juggling, short passing 1v1 or small sided games. The introduction of USSF play practice play model now encourages coaches of young players to start practice with a SSG. It encourages kids to be on time or even early to practice. They feel like they are missing out on the fun.

There can be unforeseen circumstances when you are late to practice or a game. Coaches who coach multiple teams or for different clubs will have been through this and understand. There is also the matter for school, family or car problems that we inevitably run into. Plan ahead. A simple phone call or text can save you a lot of headaches in this situation. If you know a fellow coach is running late and you share a field or work for the same club, help them out and make sure the warm up starts on time. Do it for the kids. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve seen teams fooling around, wasting time because their session didn’t start on time. This shouldn’t happen on a regular basis but and, remember if you are late, UN prepared, this kids suffer.

One part of time keeping I feel gets overlooked is finishing on time. The kids and families we coach have busy lives and are on a schedule. I personally don’t like when a coach goes over time. It usually means they don’t have a watch, are unaware of time keeping. It’s also unfair to the coach waiting to get on the field or the player who has to run to another activity or family event. Going “over-time is not a good thing” If your session is planned with progression & flow you can cover all coaching points within the allotted time.

I always end my sessions a couple of minutes early to de-brief the kids and recap the session. I also like to say goodbye with a pound, high five or handshake and individual feedback to players or parents.

As a DOC I always get asked questions on the field, before, after or ever during practice. This can end up taking 5-10 minutes away from training and affect your time keeping schedule. This is something I’m working on but I’m now trying to adder to the 24 hour rule. My aim now is to respond “put that in an email” or Call me after practice or direct to the website. This might come across cold but will also save you the possibility of any conflicts after practice.

You also need to be aware of the “time killers” The coach who starts 5 minutes late, ends 5 minutes early, send the team on a lap or long water or bathroom break. Red flag time fillers and a sign of poor time keeping/planning.

It used to frustrate when kids were late to practice. Now with arrival activities or SSG it relieves some of that frustration. I am typically dealing with young kids, some who have no concept of time or punctuality (or the consequences of being late). It is on the parents to make sure they are at practice on time. With the increase of multi-sport athletes, home work and school/religious activates it’s inevitable that kids will be late or absent from practice on occasion. This is something I’ve learnt to understand and realize I can’t control only potentially influence. I do feel it’s unacceptable if a child is late or absent without first letting the coach know. I am surprised the amounts of parents who sign up their child for activates or teams and don’t show up or notoriously late. If you are going to miss a practice or game, please let the coach know via email, text or through the popular sport scheduling apps. It helps the coach plan accordingly rather than having to go to plan B or even C. If you are late to practice or a game, run, don’t just stroll up to the practice. Nothing affects team moral more than seeing players thinking it’s appropriate to stroll in 20 minutes late while the rest of the team are working hard. I can’t stand when a late comer, come up to me and says “I just got here, what are we doing?” This is a pet peeve of mine. If running late, encourage your children to run to practice, approach the coach and just reply, “Coach, I’m sorry I’m late”.

 

 

• Wear a watch or stop watch. It looks a lot more professional than checking your phone

• Be the first to arrive and last to leave

• Start and finish on time

• Set up arrival activates

• Plan your sessions

• Don’t be a time waster

 

Goal kicks

This week I wanted to discuss goal kicks, especially in the youth game. I predominately played as a goalkeeper during the 90's and early 00's in Lancashire England. I used to play on wet muddy fields. There weren’t the best conditions for playing football. My job was to take the goal kicks and kick the ball as high and as far as possible. If the ball didn't make it to the half way line it was seen as failure. It was a part of my game that i dreaded. The pressure of everyone eagerly anticipating a bazooka of a goal kick Asking a 10 year old to kick the ball from the 6 yard boys to at least the half way line on a full size pitch was a daunting and essentially a unrealistic task.

Now as the youth game has been modified to better suit child development I wanted to discuss goal kicks. I recently went to observe U16 boys in a college showcase tournament. I saw a varying array of goal kicks but the long attempt to the half way line was evidently the kick of choice. What I was surprised to see was that not all goal kicks were taken by the goal keeper. How degrading to the goalkeeper who was there presumably to showcase his talents in front of friends, family and perspective college coaches. Once again players and some coaches are obsessed with the distance of the kick rather than accuracy. Another area of the game we put too much stress on when the actual playing of the game is more important.

Now with the USSF mandates U8 and below play 3v3 or 4v4 without a GK. In the U5-U6 age group i will periodically use no pressure goal kicks. If the ball goes over the goal line (but not in the goal) I will have the deepest player in the diamond play a short pass to a team mate. We play "first pass is free” Sometimes I will just pass a new ball into play to keep the game flowing and kids moving. At the U7 & U8 age group I have started playing 4v4 and rotate the player who takes the unopposed kick to a team mate. The opposition fall back to the half way and once the kick has been taken they proceed to pressure and the game resumes. This has been an effective if albeit manufactured way to teach kids how to take goal kicks and start the foundations of building out the back.

Next month I will be attending another indoor tournament with U8 boys. The tournament rules are 5v5 (4+GK). This gives the players chance to take goal kicks with full pressure (no fallback/buildout line). This environment can lead to "soft goals" that are kicked directly to the opponent’s forward who is strategically perched on the top of the penalty area eagerly awaiting the cheap shot into the open goal. I find that no pressure is unrealistic and manufactured and at the developing age groups full pressure is seemingly too difficult for developing teams to achieve any quality build up play.

The introduction of the buildout line in the U.S at U9 & 10 has had mixed reviews and still continues to be a learning curve for players, coaches and referees. I do feel the line has some merit in the youth game and has eliminated a lot of the "cheap goals" you used to see at this age level. My suggestion would be to allow once player to pressure. This would still encourage building out the back but there has to be a thought process by the goalkeeper and his defensive back line.

I am a big fan of building out the back and wish this tactics would have been present in my youth career. Encouraging the goalkeeper to think about who they pass to, how they pass and when to pass is only going to make the youth game better.

At U11 and older I still see the importance of building out the back my own U11 girls team still continue to work on this, mainly due to the fact no one has the strength or technique to kick it longer. This team and may others would excel with the continuation of the build out line. Once the line disappears teams continue to play full press and won’t allow any attempt of a short pass. This type of play results in an outfield player taking the goal kick for the hope of a bigger longer kick and so the GK can protect the goal on the extreme possibility that the ball will be swiftly directed back to goal by the opposing vultures. This is no way to teach and or play the game.

Although I continue to coach my teams and player to build out of the back I still see the importance of the longer more direct goal kick. Goalkeepers should still continue to work on the technique. If the goalkeeper can adjust to the opposition and environment and understand when to play long or short, then you have the beginnings of a top class GK and competent goal kick taker. One thing I’ve learnt from my coaching experience is that you can’t be stubborn regarding goal kicks. Sometimes the short pass to the full back just isn’t an option due to pressure from the opponent, playing conditions or ability of the team. The longer kick is the better option or vice versa. Once thing I would say is that accuracy over power and distance. We should promote accurate goal kicks rather than long or short.

• When your team gets a goal kick allow the GK to take it

• Encourage full back to drop wide and deep and make sure they are eager and enthusiastic to receive the ball

• Make sure the center back(s) are sideways on ready to potentially receive the ball. Playing a short central ball should still be an option.

• Encourage accuracy over power and distance

• Goal kicks should be varied to keep the opponent on their toes

You’re still going to concede possession or even a goal because of goal kicks. Although it’s a tough pill to swallow it’s all part of the learning process and not the end of the world. Continue to coach in a positive manner and your goal kicks will be taken with conviction rather than hope and fear.

Paul Kelshaw

@paulkelshaw

paulkelshaw@pksoccer.org

 

Throw ins 

It's been a long time since I wrote a blog post and I have several things I want to share and get off my chest. I have decided to start by discussing the throw in. I coach a lot of small sided clinics and intramural programs with young players (3-8 year olds). Typically when working with kids this age there are no throw ins. The ball goes out of play so many times I just roll in a new ball to the player in the biggest space. The game flow and we spend more time playing soccer. U7 & U8 I typically have the kids use "kick in's" It seems to cause less problems when the ball is on the ground. I also want the kids to get every chance to practice using their feet to pass and receive.

I was recently coaching at an indoor tournament for U8 Boys. The tournament used a no bounce/weighted ball but was utilizing throw in's. This caused so many problems. Foul throws galore (jumping, stepping over line, throws from in front of the head, side of head and not from behind the head). Also the throws caused unnecessary hand balls and hits to the head due to the ball being in the air. It was also tough to watch a 7 year old try to throw a weighted ball. The use of kick ins would have been more beneficial to the kids and easier on the referees. It would also save a lot of time without the need for retakes/turnovers and coaches getting frustrated with missed foul throw because of the many infringements mentioned above.

Kids seem to be obsessed with how far they can throw the ball. This leads to numerous foul throws, mostly lifting the back leg. Don’t get me started on the “spin throw” from the side of the head. I encourage kids to keep both feet planted on the ground. There is no need for a run up. Technique will get the ball a lot further and less likely to be a foul throw.

The majority of times possession is lost on throw ins. I never argue a throw in. most of the time it comes straight back to you. When I am working with younger ages 12 and under I always ask that they throw the ball “down the line” The old cliché “You can’t be offside from a throw in” might drive us nuts but it’s true. Please don’t throw the ball square to the last defender. It always gets intercepted and results in a goal for the opposition. When my players become more skillful at receiving an aerial ball under pressure, go ahead and throw it to any team mate who is open. The throw down the line can be so effective in “gaining yards”. Without seeming to old school, if you get a chance to throw the ball in the penalty area, do it! It causes so many problems for defenders and goalkeepers. You also get the odd hand ball resulting in a penalty kick or a mistimed clearance/header resulting in an own goal. No matter how many times I coach this with demonstrations it always results in a least one player throwing the ball backwards or square when all his team mates are in the box anticipating a goal scoring opportunity.

The only time I work on throw ins with my teams is during small sided games at the end of practice. You don’t need to line kids up in a row and have them practice. It’s boring for the kids. They want to be moving and playing the game.

I feel like I could go into more detail on specific pet hates surrounding the throw in. As mentioned previously. As coaches we should spend more time concentrating on helping kids perform the proper technique and promoting a fun enjoyable atmosphere.

Paul Kelshaw 

@paulkelshaw

paulkelshaw@pksoccer.org

PK Soccer is well into its 2nd year working with the Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club (HLSC), the largest youth sports organization in the Five Towns. HLSC saw an increase in participation over the past year — a figure I believed to be of the growing interest in soccer across the United States the excitement generated by the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the increasing popularity of PK Soccer owner, Coach Paul Kelshaw’s training.

In 2014, HLSC saw its registration grow with significant increases in the summer, fall and winter programs. The growth included new players and players returning to the club. The year featured added awareness of the game through a highly talked about FIFA World Cup, the continued expansion of professional soccer in the area and the introduction of a Sunday afternoon league for 1st-4th grade boys.

“Parents are starting to see the game of soccer and HLSC as perfect place for their children to learn teamwork in a fun educational setting, which translates into a more active youth and stronger community. As we start a new calendar year I am obviously delighted with the growth seen by PK Soccer and HLSC, which continues to feature improved team play and educational programs for all children. As we begin 2015, I expect it will be another exciting year for the club.”

HLSC is proud to be the “Club for ALL Kids,” and it offers several programs to meet the needs of any youth player — from beginners to recreational players to competitive players looking to continue their careers at the Middle School, High School, and even college levels.

I thank you for your continued support as i continue to raise the standards of soccer training and club management.

I look forward to seeing you on the field. Happy New Year to All

Paul Kelshaw

PK Soccer and HLSC Director of Coaching

www.pksoccer.org

This is a great example of how checking back for the ball can open up space for a team-mate. See how the defender follows the striker which allows the center midfielder to make a run into space.

Remember the check to the ball drills we have been running this is what they can do for the team. This works for both forwards checking for the ball or for mid fielders checking for the ball from defenders.

In Picture 1, you can see Drogba, the striker, checking towards Essien, which draws Wheater out of position.

In Picture 2, you can see Lampard making his run from midfield into the space that’s been opened behind Wheater.

This is a textbook example of how central midfielders need to be willing and able to identify and run into space behind the backline in order to keep possession from stagnating.

This is a great example of how checking back for the ball can open up space for a team-mate. See how the defender follows the striker which allows the center midfielder to make a run into space.

Remember the check to the ball drills we have been running this is what they can do for the team. This works for both forwards checking for the ball or for mid fielders checking for the ball from defenders.

In Picture 1, you can see Drogba, the striker, checking towards Essien, which draws Wheater out of position.

In Picture 2, you can see Lampard making his run from midfield into the space that’s been opened behind Wheater.

This is a textbook example of how central midfielders need to be willing and able to identify and run into space behind the backline in order to keep possession from stagnating.