With Jürgen Klinsmann at the helm of the US Men’s National Soccer Team, it’s not surprising that American coaches are looking to learn more about the German coaching strategies.

That can be done at this year’s NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, specifically on Saturday, Jan. 14, when Frank Wormuth, head of DFB Pro Licensing and coach of the U-20 German Men's National Team, will conduct a session entitled “The Hot Seat – An Efficient Strategy to Develop Coaches.” Wormuth will co-present the session with Daniel Niedzkowski, DFB Pro-License Staff and an assistant coach of the U-20 German Men's National Team. The session will start at 12:45 p.m.

The NSCAA conducted an online interview with Wormuth to learn more about him and his session at the NSCAA Convention.

NSCAA:  To begin, please share with us your background as a player.
WORMUTH: I got started in soccer as everyone: on the street and then in clubs when I was six years old. My father was a (great) soccer player, my brother plays soccer .... my kids play soccer as well. So we all are a soccer family.  I was a professional player in the second division (Freiburg, Hertha BSC Berlin) and the rest of my career I played in the third division.  Then I went into coaching.  I was a coach up through the second division.

NCAAA:  What are some key moments that stand out for you as a coach?
WORMUTH:  I have more than 16 years experience as a coach in different situations, so it is somewhat difficult to tell you one special moment, but when I was assistant coach for Jogi (Joachim) Löw, our current National Team Coach, in Fenerbahce, Istanbul, I got the feeling that I could work with great national players.  After that one-year experience, I started my own career as a head coach in professional leagues.

NSCAA: What is your role with the Germany Youth National Team?
WORMUTH: I have been the German U-20 coach for the last two years.  However, I do this job in addition to my main task as the head instructor of our Hennes-Weisweiler-Academy,  where we teach the highest license - the UEFA Pro License. The main goal for the U-20 team is to look for players for the U-21 team.  At the moment, the U-21 team plays for titles (European Championship).  Perhaps in 2013, we will have the chance to go to the U-20 World Cup in Turkey, but first the U-19 has to qualify next year. I have players in all of the leagues - from the Bundesliga through the fourth league. A key highlight was last year: We defeated Italy in Italy by a score of 2-1 and we were outnumbered from the 33rd minute.

NSCAA:  How did you get connected with the NSCAA?
WORMUTH: The DFB in Germany and NSCAA have a relationship because of knowing each other and we want to improve our connections in the future. So we were at the last NSCAA Convention in Baltimore and we had a booth there. (NSCAA CEO and Executive Director) Joe Cummings asked us if we could give a presentation or more in Kansas City. And we will do it.  We are looking forward to it.

NSCAA: “The Hot Seat” is an interesting choice for the name of your coaching lecture and field session, especially in this business.  Can you tell us more about your lecture and field session?
WORMUTH:  This is true.  My lecture (in Kansas City) is called “The Hot Seat – An Efficient Strategy to Develop Coaches.” I believe that nearly all coaches try to improve their players, but who improves the coaches?  That is the question.  With the tool "hot seat" we have in our Hennes-Weisweiler-Academy, there is a possibility to develop our coaches.  And, we want the (NSCAA members) to use that tool in their club as well.

My field session more specifically is about “Coaching the Details – Techniques in Tactical Training and the Example of Build-up and Vertical Play.” A lot of (soccer coaching) experts talk about match philosophy or systems of play, but the real reason to develop our game is to teach the details in a practical session. We have to improve our players by teaching the basics of soccer.  I will try and show that in Kansas City, too.

NSCAA:  What do do you want the coaches to take away from the field session and lecture?
WORMUTH:  For the field session: The exercise is not important but the coaching within the exercise and how you can coach the details within a tactical subject is what the focus should be on. For the lecture: Try to analyze your coach as a coach and by explanation of his work from the outside view you will get an inside view (internal and external reflection). And finally, the easy answer for the coaches attending my session in Kansas City interested in applying what we teach is they have to understand the principles of the sessions and to transfer it into their own work.

Other coaches conducting sessions in Kansas City include: Tom Byer, Jim Cassell, Robbie Church, Mike Curry, Theresa Echtermeyer, Jill Ellis, April Heinrichs, Schellas Hyndman, John Kerr, Jr., Vanessa Martinez Lagunas, Kevin McGreskin, Tom Sermanni, Sam Snow, Taylor Twellman, Peter Vermes, Mark Verstegen, and Eric Wynalda. 

Today is your last chance to register early and save $100 on the 2012 NSCAA Convention in Kansas City. Early registration closes on midnight PT on Sunday, Dec. 18. Take advantage of Early Registration and sign up today.
 

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