So I have been thinking about the stages of grief lately, this whole COVID-19 world we are living in and it’s impact on society and in a very small way…it’s impact on the sporting world and soccer. I mean, it is really becoming our new reality.
In my last post, it was all so early, we had thoughts of a quick recovery and maybe a few weeks of inconvenience….but now I think reality is setting in across Wisconsin, the country and the world. This “thing” is here to stay awhile and maybe we won’t hit the peak of the curve for another month and then how long till things feel normal again. When will all the social distancing rules be lifted, when could you hold a soccer practice or even have a game played. Interesting question s and not sure there are any answers yet. So we are just learning to be patient. We are trying as coaches to encourage players to practice on their own and stay connected to the game as best they can. But, back to the 5 stages, I think we have all gone thru it a little….Denial..Anger…Bargaining…Depression and Acceptance. For me it was more about Denial….no way we will lose our season. No way we won’t be able to practice. I am sure we will get to play in the April tournament. Wrong–Wrong–and Wrong! I kind of skipped over the anger and bargaining and just have jumped to Acceptance. It just seems the season will be hard to complete. Even if the National social distancing and Shelter in Place rules are lifted, is it likely that we will be able to have 25 girls at a practice or 100 people at a game or a thousand people at a tournament. That seems unlikely. So, now I just have decided…no expectations …and if we get to play games in May-June-July then that’s a bonus. So what now.
I am now thinking the best chance as a coach will be to plan for summer training is small groups. Why not set up a training at Soccer Park for 3-4 girls at a time. Everyone spread out, 10 feet between everyone, working on foot skills, ball mastery, dribbling, juggling, shooting….etc. No huddles, no high fives, no standing next to each other, no contact. We rotate 3-4 players every hour for an afternoon. We get every girl interested a serious training session….safely, no risk and no fear of transfer. Maybe this is how the season will progress. It’s how I am thinking about things now. As well, what about having 3-4 girls in a room …separated as we discussed….watching a game and discussing shape, formations, player movement, etc. It would give the players a chance to really learn the game, understand tactics, vision, support, game flow, etc. It could be a really valuable time to develop the players as a complete player who really understand the game. I know the ultimate goal is to “play the game”. I am with you…but until we are in the clear, I think this might be the short term future of soccer. I have started the conversation with my team manager and think soon, it will be time to extend the conversation to the team. We will just figure out a way to keep developing players, that’s our job as coaches, find a way to develop players.
Until we get outside and start the small sided training and until we have a viewing session on tactics, what can players do! Well, do you have a basement…do you have a garage…do you have a soccer ball and soon….do you have a yard. If you answered yes, then you are set. It’s time to train. I know, not the same, but challenging times require some unique solutions
I know the league is working on some creative training plans to post on the ECU Facebook site….ECU Communities 715. Sign up and check out the future videos to help you out. Until then….juggle, dribble, quick touches, 1v1 moves and ball mastery are all easy to do and WILL have a MAJOR impact on your skills and future performance. It will make you a BETTER player. Give it a shot, trust me, it works!
You don’t need much space. Check it out. Fast feet will pay off big time when you get back out on the field. Wow, those are some quick feet, nice!!
And here is some motivation for you. The Juggle Challenge. Here is some video of a U13 players crushing the juggle challenge. I counted 79. This is a pretty impressive display. Juggling will give you confidence on the field, it will benefit you in multiple ways on the field when trying to trap balls, win 50/50 balls, while trying to get shots off in a tight space. Ball control is the name of the game.
And not to be outdone, here is another video of the juggle challenge, 1v1 style for more pressure. A U13 player vs. the coach for a little fun. I think I counted 79 again, crazy and crazy impressive. Takes a little confidence to take on the coach and WIN!!
Here is the challenge. Take a video of yourself juggling and send it to me. Text the video to 715.379.7733 and I’ll load it onto my you tube account and drop it onto the blog. Anyone out there think they can beat 79. Challenge delivered! But ‘ll take a video of 20 or 30. It’s not about perfection…it’s about progress. Can’t wait to get the first video!
And here is a little more fun for you. If you need a little more motivation, check this out. Top players from across the world juggling toilt paper tolls. You have got to watch this. They are amazing and I couldn’t stop watching. Thierry Henry with the amazing pick up! Oh man. Could you get 10 juggles with a roll of toilet paper? Challenge delivered! Let’s get those videos coming!
Stay Safe and we will connect soon!