WYC 148 – Youth Soccer – John Adair talks Constraints-based Coaching

2018 will mark John Adair's fourth year at Coerver Coaching. Adair is the Regional Director for all of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, overseeing player development and coaching education. Prior to joining the Coerver Coaching staff, he has enjoyed success at both the club and high school levels in the South Jersey area. Instagram: coachjohnadair Twitter: @coachjohnadair   Listen Now: Listen on iTunes: iTunes link Listen on Stitcher: Stitcher link Listen on Google Play Music: Google Play link- - Cringe moment Early on John did a lot of cone drills and isolated movements without decision-making and learning the game through their own mistakes Creativity and problem-solving Instead of cones, set up small area games in confined spaces. 2 v 1's. 3 v 2's. Training better individuals vs just winning as a team Instead of 11 v 11, break the game into corridors and small area games Use this mentality to create mini-goals so each unit has accountability and measurements to look at after games, not just wins/losses as a team Constraints based coaching Create games where players have a variety of choices, they learn skills while making decisions Self-confidence for players Focus on the process - so it's different for each player. Don't compare them with other kids. Use guided discovery through side conversations with players for them to uncover solutions to what they need to improve. Team Culture Involve the kids to get buy-in. Have the kids write down what they thing a good player on this team will do. Great teambuilder Have play days. The kids run the day, play mini-tournaments. Kids make all the decisions. 5 for 5 Spend at least 5 minutes talking to 5 different kids about something other than sports Connecting with and Impacting Kids John coached a kid who had the physical tools but not the technical and mental tools needed. The kid approached John and worked his butt off over the summer and went on to play college soccer. The one that got away Coaching a state playoff game, they played the underdog role too much, changed their tactics too much, and went away from what got them there. This led to a lack of confidence. Best learned/stolen idea Constraints based coaching. Make everything in practice relate back to the game and involve decision-making. Don't be reactive in practice-planning - set objectives and have a plan that you stick to. Great resource: Youtube channel: Opposite Direction Coaching - Task constraints; Environmental constraints Favorite Quote/Book Quote: 'If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room' Book: Leading by Sir Alex Ferguson Parting Advice Value the experience over winning, and the results will follow -- Reviews are the lifeblood of the podcast!- If you like the podcast- please take 2 minutes to write a review! Click here - Ready to be an Awesome Youth Coach? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter: SaveSave