Kerala football news

The Art of Coaching | Social Corner (Part-II)

Hello everyone and it’s good to be back over here. The news has been broke that the AIFF has decided to sack the Indian national football team coach Mr. Bob Houghton with immediate effect. If the news is true, it’s surely a sad day for Indian football. I admire and have loads of respect for Bob Houghton, for the passion and courage he showed to push Indian football forward. But at the end of the day, he was always fighting a lost battle against the unprofessional attitude towards football in India.

Only time will tell, if the sacking of Bob Houghton was the way forward or backwards for Indian football. All I can say is, Thank you Bob.

My players have slipped into the exams mode, which leaves me some spare time to start writing again. In this article I will share about the Social Corner (Part-2) of the Long Term Player Development System (LTPD).

Social Corner (Part-2)

Coaching Tips on STEP Principle

The coach needs to create a series of progressive learning activities that allow every player access to the practice.

Space – Alter the space.

Task – Give different players different tasks.

Equipment – Use different equipment to help players of different abilities access learning.

People – Different numbers within practice.

Remember:

• Allow as much free play as possible.

• Don’t keep stepping in to correct faults.

• Encourage players to try and practice.

• Don’t be technical.

• Let players play and let the game be the teacher.

• Don’t be critical.

• Players learn from mistakes – create an environment where this can happen.

• Try to make the practices as close to real game situations, with emphasize on decision making and game pressure.

RESPECT – Codes of Conduct

As coaches we all have a responsibility to promote high standards of behavior in the game.

On and off the field, I will:

• Show respect to others involved in the game including match officials, opposition players, coaches, managers, officials and spectators.

• Adhere to the laws and spirit of the game.

• Promote fair play and high standards of behavior.

• Always respect the match official’s decisions.

• Never enter the field of play without the referee’s permission.

• Never engage in public criticism of the match officials.

• Never engage in, or tolerate, offensive, insulting or abusive language or behavior.

When working with players, I will:

• Place the well-being, safety and enjoyment of each player above everything, including winning.

• Explain exactly what I expect of players and what they can expect from me.

• Ensure all parents / carers of all players under the age of 18 understand these expectations.

• Never engage in or tolerate any form of bullying.

• Develop mutual trust and respect with every player to build their self-esteem.

• Encourage each player to accept responsibility of their own behavior and performance.

• Ensure all activities I organize are appropriate for the players’ ability level, age and maturity.

• Co-operate with others in football for each player’s best interests.

The Coach’s Responsibility to Referees:

As coaches, we have a responsibility to support and encourage referees. We need to set an example for our players and supporters and also be able to challenge inappropriate behavior. You and your players should treat referees with respect. All referees are football fans; they are like you because they love this great game.

They will, like you and your players, make mistakes during a game, but again, like you and your players, theirs are honest mistakes. And just as it is not acceptable to shout at a player who makes a mistake, it is not acceptable to do it to a referee. The reason most referees give for leaving the game is dissent from players, coaches and parents. Do your part in ensuring good behavior from your team.

Always remember that your players learn a lot from you, and you need to be a role model for them.

The ‘STEP Principle’ and ‘Respect – Codes of Conduct’ is courtesy of the English FA Coaching License.

The continuing support from you readers has been amazing and would like to say thank you to all. Please leave your feedback and suggestions in the comments section.

Justin Jose writes for FootballKerala.com