Wolverine Coaching Philosophy

Coaching Philosophy

The statement “Playing time is earned, not given” is one of the foundation of the coaching philosophy. Most teams have starters and role players. However, starters should not receive any special treatment. Everyone on the team is expected to put the best interest of the team first, before any thought is given to individual accomplishments. No individual, coach or player, is more important than the team.

What specifically does “Playing time is earned, not given” mean? The amount of playing time each player receives will depend on his/her attitude, skill level, commitment to the team, absences, injuries and game/tournament situations.

Team pride is another cornerstone of a competitive athletic program. Winning builds pride, but so does hard work and commitment to individual and team goals. Coaches will instill in each player the belief that hard work pays off, and the harder he/she works, the more he/she will achieve. While winning is a goal for everyone, at the same time each player should focus on his/her effort - not the outcome. A team can always control effort but seldom the outcome of a game.

Teaching and repetition are two of the tools used to prepare each player to be the best soccer player he/she can be. We will begin with fundamentals, work on techniques and individual skills, and teach team defense in depth. We take every opportunity to teach and demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship and respect for everyone, starting with the coaches. Believing that "perfect practice makes perfect players" and they should properly practice the skills being taught, on a repetitive basis, so that these skills become as natural as walking and talking.

Players should set goals for themselves and the team. These goals should be challenging enough to require each player to extend beyond their present skill level. Each player should have the opportunity to achieve success and/or failure in game situations. When they succeed, we give positive feedback in terms of recognition and approval. When they do not succeed, we give feedback in terms of advice or instruction.

Each player’s primary competition should be on his/her team, not on the opposing team. We strive for constant competition among strikers, wings, midfielders, and defenders. By practicing often with excellent players, each player will have the opportunity to become the best they can be. The underlying philosophy is this: players compete with other players or teams rather than against other players or teams.

Mental preparation is as much a part of a coaching philosophy as physical preparation. Try to accomplish through mental preparation:
Imagination: Visualizing yourself succeeding in every situation.
Intensity:Exhibit an exceptional focus and concentration giving 100% in every situation
Composure: Keep cool under pressure.
Enthusiasm: Have fun, enjoy the game.