Mother Nature compelled Len Oliver, DC Stoddert's Director of Coaching, to reschedule his usual pre-winter USSF E course this year, bringing back 26 of 34 enrolled coaches on Saturday, December 12, for the long day of field work. Of the 34 coaches, 18 were DC Stoddert coaches, indicating a renewed interest on the part of our coaches for USSF Certification. Along with their certificate, each DC Stoddert coach also received an attractive Nike polo shirt with the emblem, "USSF  E Coach," emblazoned on the vest.
 
Coaches were introduced to the USSF course with Len's admonitions that "the game teaches you," "the magic is in the ball," and "let them play." In addition to being exposed to modern soccer coaching philosophies and techniques, coaches were also exposed to the subtleties of the FIFA Laws, Care & Prevention of Injuries, and team management, which includes ideas on how to manage their sidelines and parents.

USSF E Course coaches "learn from the game" at Jelleff Dec. 12, 2009

Coaches were also asked to prepare a 20-minute practice using fellow coaches, and had to work through a "take-home" exam at the end of the day.
 
Field work brought exposure to the "techniques" of soccer--dribbling, passing, shooting, receiving, and heading, along with how to train young goalkeepers, the many uses of small-sided games, attacking and defensive tactics, and use of restarts ("set plays").  Craig Jones, DC Stoddert's  U9-U10 technical director, assisted Len in the field sessions.
 
Coaches, being good natured and wanting to learn, braved the high 30's weather on Saturday, with most joining in the playing.  Some thought the actual playing was the most rewarding aspect of the E  course, with one commenting, "Learning by actually playing sure beats looking at  videos and reading books."
 
DC Stoddert coaches are encouraged to participate in the upcoming 2010 Winter Indoor Sessions at the Wilson H.S. Gym starting Sunday, January 10 at 9 am.  Len and fellow instructors will provide instruction as well as conduct a "Coaches' Game" every Sunday through January and February.
 
DC Stoddert has scheduled USSF F modules for early March and mid-April, along with another E Course in mid-June.
 
Sample comments from the Dec. 2009 E Course participants:
 
    "Thank you for your efforts to teach and enlighten  us about soccer
coaching.  Yesterday, I had a great  time."                                     
                                                   --Jake Avedissian

"I wanted to thank you for the E Course this past weekend.   All the
coaching was very helpful and will help us become a better coach for our  teams. 
I recognize that this takes a lot of dedication on your part and  would like
to extend my gratitude for your time and  teaching."           --Sevag Balian
 
    "Thank you for teaching a great course.  Your  efforts were much
appreciated."  -- Sharon Coleman Staier

Text and photos by Len Oliver.  Posted by MCL 12.28.2009  All rights reserved.