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- The Huddle - Edition 9
The Huddle - Edition 9
A weekly newsletter from The Coaching Dad.
The Coaching Dad
August 15, 2024
Intro
Welcome!
This week’s focus is on managing tryouts—a critical process for forming a team while maintaining fairness and fun. Tryouts can be stressful for both athletes and coaches, but with the right approach, you can create an environment that brings out the best in every player while keeping things positive and engaging.
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Lets dig in!
Insight of the week
Creating a Fair and Effective Tryout
As a parent-coach, organizing tryouts can be one of the most challenging tasks. Balancing skill evaluation with creating a positive experience for all participants is key. When done right, tryouts not only help you build a strong team but also set the tone for the season ahead.
Key Stat: According to a study by the Aspen Institute's Project Play, nearly 40% of youth athletes quit sports by age 13 due to stress and anxiety, often tied to competitive environments like tryouts. So doing anything we can as coaches to make the tryout less stressful is a good thing.
Strategies for Managing Successful Tryouts:
Clearly Define Evaluation Criteria: Establish specific skills you want to evaluate (e.g., dribbling, passing, positioning). Share this with players beforehand to set expectations.
Use Stations to Evaluate Multiple Skills: Organize drills at different stations to assess various aspects of the game, allowing for comprehensive evaluation.
Create a Positive Environment: Keep the atmosphere encouraging. Recognize effort, hustle, and teamwork just as much as skill level.
Drill of the week
4-Corner Possession Under Pressure
Sport: Soccer
Drill: Agility and Passing Relay
Objective: Evaluate passing, decision-making, and teamwork under pressure.
Setup:
Mark out a 20x20 yard square with cones.
Place four smaller 5x5 yard squares in each corner of the larger square.
Divide players into two teams (4v4 or 5v5).
Instructions:
The goal is for the team in possession to maintain control of the ball and successfully move it into one of the four corner squares.
Points are scored each time the ball is passed into a corner square and controlled by a teammate.
Defenders try to intercept the ball and gain possession.
Rotate teams frequently, giving all players opportunities in both offense and defense.
Advanced Version:
Increase the size of the grid and add more players for a higher-pressure environment.
Introduce a “one-touch” rule in the corners to emphasize quick decision-making.
Tip: This drill allows coaches to observe players' ability to make quick decisions, maintain composure under pressure, and work together as a team.
Coaching tip of the week
Making Tryouts a Positive Experience
Tryouts can be nerve-wracking for young athletes, but you can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some tips to keep things positive:
Warm-Up with a Fun Game:
Example: Start tryouts with a quick, fun game like a 3v3 small-sided match to get players relaxed and ready to compete.
Tip: Use this time to observe how players communicate and interact with one another.
Focus on Effort and Attitude:
Example: During tryouts, praise players who show hustle, encouragement, and determination, even if their technical skills aren’t perfect.
Tip: Recognize players who help their teammates or display great sportsmanship.
Keep the Atmosphere Light:
Example: Use positive language and humor to keep the mood upbeat.
Tip: Remind players that they’re there to have fun and do their best, not just to impress.
Provide Constructive Feedback:
Example: After each session, offer individual feedback focusing on both strengths and areas for growth.
Tip: Encourage self-improvement by setting small, achievable goals for players to work on during and after tryouts.
Involve Parents:
Example: Communicate openly with parents about the tryout process, criteria, and how they can best support their child.
Tip: Suggest that parents focus on supporting their child’s effort and enjoying the experience rather than stressing about the outcome.
Impact of Positive Tryouts: By prioritizing fairness, effort, and enjoyment, tryouts can become a positive learning experience for all participants. This approach not only helps you select the best team but also sets a supportive tone for the entire season.
Blog highlight
Tips to Help Manage Your First Tryout
Managing tryouts for a youth sports team can be a daunting task, especially if it's your first time. The pressure to select the best team while being fair and transparent can be overwhelming. However, with the right approach, you can ensure that the tryout process is organized, effective, and as stress-free as possible for both you and the athletes. This blog will provide you with practical tips and strategies to help you manage tryouts successfully.
Equipment highlight
ATTENTION SOCCER COACHES
I use these nets every season. They’re fantastic. They go together quick and breakdown really easily. They also provide multiple widths that you can. I set up the smaller size option with these nets for use with younger athletes and expand them for the larger size option for older athletes. I highly recommend these as a great option for mobile nets.
Content
Free Content
You might be new to coaching a team or sport. You may be a grizzled coaching veteran. Either way, check out the content section of thecoachingdad.com linked below. You’ll find resources that cover a large number of sports including game refreshers, position breakdowns, injury management, practice ideas and more.
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