Coaching Education Weekend 2013 Video Chat

The NSCAA celebrated "Coaching Education Weekend," the weekend of June 14-16. This celebration was meant to draw attention to the importance of getting educated and to recognize coaches for participating around the country.

This live chat was a kickoff to Coaching Education Weekend, talking about the types of courses happening during the weekend and how you can participate. The panelists included Academy Staff members Laura Kerrigan and Giovanni Pacini.

Here are extra questions submitted by viewers we weren't able to address during the live show.

Laura's an awesome coach! So what would you suggest to a coach who strives to move into the collegiate level particularly? ~@CoachCW33

Laura Kerrigan: Thank you! Breaking into the college game requires college coaches getting to know who you are and how well you coach. Obviously, apply for paid positions as you see them advertised, but also look to volunteer with a college. There are some limitations on how many coaches colleges at certain levels can keep on staff, but many college coaches would welcome a volunteer. You can also work at college camps to let the coaches know who you are, see you coach, and evaluate you.  Working with the O.D.P. program can also introduce you to

What should I expect in my Level III GK course this weekend? #CEW2013 ~@100Broncoholic

Giovanni Pacini: This is fairly comprehensive course that addresses tactical decision making and the technical implications of said decisions. It is designed for the team coach and goalkeeping specialist. The candidates can expect to do some practice coaching as well.

LK: It will be a fantastic course. Bill Steffen has immeasurable experience as a goalkeeping coach and instructor, as well as having been a Div. I head coach. The facilities will also be amazing at WakeMed Park in Cary, N.C. Keith Jenkins, who is our site director, who is also an NSCAA regional instructor is top notch and the fields themselves are phenomenal. Bill will take you through the intricacies of the goalkeeping position with advanced skills and tactics. If I was not teaching a course myself this weekend, I would be there, as I ALWAYS learn from seeing Bill instruct courses.  Let me know what you think after the course!

If there was one focus you would want coaches to be teaching young players (U9) what would it be. ~@MarcuzValdez

GP: Ball control. Ball control. Ball control. A good coach at this level can and does create an environment whereby the players are challenged to maintain control of the ball through activities that are fun and challenging. These activities, when created properly, can also "teach" the player what decision to make when in possession of the ball. Changing the space, adding defenders or obstacles, or making a game more competitive are but a few of the ways we can heighten the ball handling experience. Also, encourage creativity! Let the players be daring and bold! Applaud their efforts to try something creative!

LK: I'll give you three...technical, technical, technical. The technical skill development of players at a young age should be the key focus.  Repetition through activities that challenge them will enhance the development of their technical skills. Now, that being said, tactical development should begin at this age, but the main focus should be on technical skills (dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting, and tackling at this age).

I have been a coach for over 25 years, USSF B, NSCAA DOC diploma, GKer diplomas...so with my experience how do I get involved with NSCAA to teach courses? ~Don Maples

GP: Typically, NSCAA Staff coaches are identified in our academy courses. When a candidate has performed well and has been graded at a particular level, they are often referred to the national office as a potential staff candidate. Another path, albeit less traveled, is to be endorsed by a State Director who is knowledgeable of that person's capability and feels that they could serve the NSCAA at a high standard. It is more effective however to have gone through NSCAA courses so that a potential staff person becomes "trained" so to speak as to the methods, philosophy, and approach that is the trademark of the organization.