How to Pass a USSF Coaching Course
by Ken Gamble

       Some of these are my own observations and others are gleaned from the Soccer-Coach-L mailing list - specifically including John Peachey and Stephen McNabb. They are based on observations from courses from the USSF "G" to the USSF "A" course.

Here are some hints which should allow you to pass your coaching course with flying colors:

• Use the same terms that the instructor does. If the instructor calls them exercises then don't call them drills or games - call them exercises. Some instructors are very critical when you use what they consider antiquated terms.
   
• Go into the course with an open mind. It may not be the way you coach and you certainly don't have to "buy" into the whole USSF system but go in with an open mind and you might be surprised just how much you learn. At the very least don't get into an argument with the instructor. In the courses I have taken it never fails to amaze me how many coaches want to argue over the smallest minutiae. If you feel that you just can not let an instructor's statement go with commenting on it, make your point quickly and diplomatically and move on.
   
• Accept criticism. There's going to be a lot. Don't argue points even when you know you are correct - that's a sure way to fail.
   
• Wear appropriate clothing. Don't show up in a business suit and dress shoes. Shorts and a tee-shirt are okay. A warm-up is better. A knit shirt WITH A COLLAR is even better. The way you present yourself is important to a lot of instructors. They don't have a lot of time to get to know you personally so appearance is one aspect where you can gain some easy points.
   
• Participate in the exercises as asked but don't volunteer for every demonstration. Part of an instructor's job is to involve every participant and they won't like anyone who tries to be the center of attention.
   
• Don't ask questions just to be asking them. Instructors can easily see through false questions and sense a "brown nose" a mile away.
   
• Don't try to "show up" the instructor. You may be coaching your 20th team and he may appear young enough for his first shave, but he is the instructor and has likely taken more courses than you. And he's grading you - not vice versa.
   
• Study. Don't show up for class without opening a book. Read a few articles. The principle portion of the course that you must pass is the practical teaching portion (on "D" courses and higher) - which is somewhat subjective. You can help yourself by scoring very high on the qualitative portions of the course (the written test and game analysis). Even the game analysis can be subjective so try to be flexible with your opinions.
   
• Be in the best physical shape possible. While you aren't graded on playing performance, there is a lot of playing, which can lead to physical exhaustion which is not the best state of mind for absorbing knowledge.  On USSF "B" and "A" courses you must be able to demonstrate moves and skills and the ability to play is graded in some manner.
   
• Know the Laws of the Game. You don't have to be a referee but knowledge of the rules will help in analysis and keep you from making a silly mistake when discussing tactics. An extreme example would be a coach instructing his player to guard a throw-in in a similar manner to the way the a basketball player would by waving his hands around to impede the throw-in which is prohibited by the laws of soccer. Remember that the rules of soccer are called "Laws" not rules - some people are sensitive about calling them rules.
   
• A similar rule is "Don't suggest cheating."  Some coaches like to tell tales and war stories about how they were able to outsmart a referee or how they teach their players to grab shirts on breakaways. Some instructors will take offense to such suggestions and label you as a cheat in their minds.  They may feel it is their duty to fail you just so you don't "soil the fraternity of coaches".
   
• Know your Instructor.  It's good to know a bit about the instructor to give yourself a bit of an edge. Most are college coaches earning a little extra money. Know what team he/she coaches and something about the way his/her team plays and you'll have an advantage - maybe just a small advantage - but an advantage, none the less. For example, if he coaches a 4-4-2 team you're not likely to gain any points by declaring that the 4-4-2 is passé.  If he is a "Flat Back Four" man you'll not help your case by stating that a sweeper/stopper system is infinitely better.  Some are state Director of Coaching, ODP coaches or Regional or National USYS coaches.  It helps to know what his/her area of expertise is.
   
• YOUR COACHING SESSION: You can fail everything else in the course but if you pass your coaching session(s) you can get your license. However, if you fail your coaching session(s) you will fail the course - no matter how well you did on everything else.
   
  • Organize your session over and over. It is extremely important that it run smoothly. Be sure that grids are laid out before you begin your practice session. Be sure the size of the grids match the ages/numbers of players and don't be afraid to change the size as your exercises develop.
     
  • Your session should progress from warm-up to fundamental to match related to match condition. That is the USSF method. It's important to know the differences in the four stages.
     
  • Don't become part of your session by taking part or playing in it. You are there to observe and make corrections.
     
  • Practice recognizing "breakdowns". They are looking for you to find "Coachable Moments". Those moments should be brief (10 to 20 seconds) and then play should resume immediately. This is probably the most important point! You must find those "Coachable Moments" to pass!
     
  • Be sure your coaching session progresses from warm-ups to fundamental to match related to match condition and includes a cool-down (on paper at least). Have your coaching points laid out before beginning your session so you not only know what to look for but also what the correction should be. A sure way to fail is to find a good coachable moment and then not be able to provide a quick correction.
     
  • If you never played soccer and have less than perfect technique then just demonstrate a move once or better yet have a proficient player demonstrate for the exercise.
    
    Ken Gamble
    
     

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