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Welcome to The Technical Area – February 11, 2009
Welcome to the 170th issue of The Technical Area. Inside you'll find information on the NSCAA and its educational offerings. Each biweekly issue offers the latest news and information from the NSCAA and its partners.
In this issue:
- 2009 Convention Award Photos Now Available for Purchase
- All-America Luncheon Available on DVD
- 2009 NSCAA Board of Directors Election Results Announced
- Performance Conditioning Offers New Newsletter
- Take the Fundamentals of Soccer Coaching Course
- Featured Residential Courses – Spartanburg, S.C.
- March Director of Coaching Course Offered in California
- Refresh Your On-The-Field Thinking with NSCAA’s Quizzies
- MLS Teams Prepare for 2009 Campaign
- Upcoming Non-Residential Courses
- US Youth Soccer National League Wraps Up This Spring
- NSCAA at Upcoming Soccer Shows
- ESPN Coaches Fundraising
- Coaches Corner: Crossing to Near- and Far-Post Spaces
As a reminder, we welcome your feedback. If you have any ideas or suggestions for The Technical Area or have any coaching tips that you would like to share, please send them to feedback@nscaa.com.
2009 Convention Award Photos Now Available for Purchase
Photos of various awards presented at the 2009 NSCAA Convention now are available for purchase.
Included thus far are the presentation photos of the 2008 long-term service awards and National Coaches of the Year from the Friday evening Awards Banquet.
Group photos of the teams presented at the 2009 NSCAA/adidas All-America Luncheon are also available for purchase online. To view the photos and purchase options, CLICK HERE.
All-America Luncheon Available on DVD
The 2009 NSCAA All-America Luncheon is available for purchase on DVD. Featuring the presentation of each All-America team and the message from Honorary All-America Dr. Sandra Magnus from the International Space Station, it's an excellent way to remember a special day. Cost of the DVD is only $25 (includes shipping and handling). To download an order form as an editable PDF, CLICK HERE.
2009 NSCAA Board of Directors Election Results Announced
The NSCAA conducted its election of members of its Board of Directors prior to the annual meeting of the members in conjunction with the annual Convention. CLICK HERE for the full results.
Performance Conditioning Offers New Newsletter
An officially licensed publication of the NSCAA, this newsletter is designed for the soccer coach responsible for conditioning. The latest soccer specific information is provided in an easy-to-use newsletter published seven times a year. Charts and illustrations cover all 14 critical areas of soccer conditioning. Among the topics are improving the seven speeds of soccer, explosive power and endurance and combining technical and tactical with physical development.
The Performance Conditioning Soccer Newsletter can be ordered through the Members Only section of NSCAA.com. CLICK HERE to access the section.
Take the Fundamentals of Soccer Coaching Course
The NSCAA and the National Federation of High School Associations have teamed up to create an online course titled the Fundamentals of Coaching Soccer. This introductory course is perfect for high school and youth coaches who want to establish a solid foundation for their coaching knowledge.
The interactive course features an engaging multimedia interface that incorporates audio, video and text to teach essential soccer coaching techniques and methods.
To learn more or to enroll in the course, go to NFHSLearn.com.
Featured Residential Courses – Spartanburg, S.C.
What: National and Advanced National Diplomas
When: June 1-7, 2009
Where: Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C.
General Information
FEES: Course fees for the residential academies are $950 for NSCAA members and $1,050 for non-members. The non-member fee includes a one-year NSCAA membership. You must be a member prior to registering for the course or you will be billed as a non-member. Fees include six (6) nights lodging (double occupancy), meals, course materials and instructions. Commuter fees are $750 for members and $850 for non-members. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $75 is required at the time of application.
TRAVEL: Transportation to and from Wofford College is the responsibility of each candidate.
LODGING: Academy lodging will be in Greene Hall located on the Wofford College campus. Rooms will be assigned by the NSCAA based on double occupancy with another attendee. Requests for roommates will be honored, if possible, but must be made no later than May 1. Candidates requesting single occupancy will be charged an additional $200 by the NSCAA and must request their single room no later than May 1.
ACADEMY STAFFING: The on-site director for the academy will be John Blair, Director of Conference Services at Wofford College. Wofford will also provide an athletic trainer for all sessions for the care and prevention of any injuries as well as emergency first aid.
WEATHER AND MATERIALS: The June weather in South Carolina can range from warm to hot – typically low- to mid-80s with some humidity. You should always be prepared for rain and we highly recommend bringing sunscreen and caps. It is important that you bring shin guards (required), notebook, paper, pens/pencils, practice gear, training suit, rain suit, soccer shoes and flats.
COLLEGE CREDIT: The NSCAA offers an opportunity for candidates to receive three semester hours of college credit through the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs for completing the National and Advanced National Diploma courses. The cost is $200.
SUMMARY: The NSCAA Coaching Academy is a highly intensive, physically demanding week of instruction dedicated to fulfilling the important NSCAA mission of education. Candidates should be in top physical condition and plan to participate in an enjoyable week of enhancing your soccer knowledge. The NSCAA Academy does not discriminate based on any physical limitations to perform. Candidates that have any disability or health concern which might limit their participation in some of the academy activities should notify a staff member early in the week. You will find the academy staff very dedicated and ready to help you. We hope your participation is beneficial in your continuing education as a soccer coach.
To determine which course is right for you, CLICK HERE to visit our residential course information page. For more detailed information on the Spartanburg courses, CLICK HERE. To download an application for the Spartanburg courses, CLICK HERE. If you’d like to apply online, CLICK HERE.
Contact Allison Pronske at 800-458-0678 or at apronske@nscaa.com if you have further questions regarding these academies.
March Director of Coaching Course Offered in California
Sign up now for the Director of Coaching Diploma course in Santa Clara, Calif., March 20-22. The course will take place at Santa Clara University. Cost is $300.
Refresh Your On-The-Field Thinking with NSCAA's Quizzies
The change of seasons is right around the corner, and for many players and coaches, that means it’s time to be thinking ahead to and making preparations for spring seasons. Although the physical aspects of training are likely not to be overlooked, the mental part of the game may be neglected. Help your players sharpen their minds and their decision-making skills on the pitch be encouraging them to take part in the NSCAA’s Tactical Situations Tests (“Quizzies”) on NSCAA.com. These interactive web-based tests encourage quick thinking skills that potentially translate into positive game management habits. Why not have your team try all 16 sessions? It could pay off next season!
MLS Teams Prepare for 2009 Campaign
With the MLS season just a few weeks away, teams have begun their preseason training to ready themselves for MLS First Kick 2009. The preseason is essential to getting players tuned up, creating team chemistry and integrating new faces into the squad. To keep up with your team’s preseason schedule and the latest transfer updates, check www.mlsnet.com for the most up-to-date news.
Upcoming Non-Residential Courses
Although most parts of the country are still in winter’s cold grip, don’t let the weather keep you from updating your coaching methodologies. Attend an NSCAA Coaching Education course. Keep checking NSCAA.com for the latest list. If you don't see a course near you, contact the State Technical Coordinator or Regional Technical Director for your area to schedule one. A complete list can be found HERE.
State Diploma
Brunnerville, Pa. – Feb. 14
Austin, Texas – Feb. 21
Fremont. Calif. – Feb. 21
New Braunfels, Texas – Feb. 21
Royal Palm Beach, Fla. – Feb. 21
Tyler, Texas – Feb. 21
Marietta, Pa. – Feb. 22
Carlyle, Pa. – Feb. 22
Newnan, Ga. – Feb. 28
McPherson, Kan. – Feb. 28
Schertz, Texas – Feb. 28
Clermont, Fla. – Feb. 28
Moyock, N.C. – Feb. 28
Ephrata, Pa. – Feb. 28
Westminster, Colo. – March 7
Regional Diploma
Traverse City, Mich. – Feb. 20-21
Bowie, Md. – March 20-22
Sykesville, Md – Feb. 27-28
San Ramon, Calif. – Feb. 27-28
Clermont, Fla. – Feb. 27-March 1
Moyock, N.C. – Feb. 28–March 1
Lakeville, Minn. – March 6-7
Advanced Regional Diploma
Lawrence, Kan. – Feb. 20-22
Traverse City, Mich. – Feb. 20-22
Bowie, Md. – Feb. 20-22
Port St. Lucie, Fla. – Feb. 20-22
El Cajon, Calif. – Feb. 27-March 1
Greeley, Colo. – Feb. 27-March 1
Milford, Mass. – Feb. 27-March 1
Sykesville, Md. – March 1
Salina, Kan. – March 1; March 8
Advanced Regional Supplement
Lakeville, Minn. – March 21
Billings, Mont. – March 22
National Diploma
Landisville, Pa. – March 20; April 5
State Goalkeeping Diploma
Draper, Utah – Feb. 27-28
San Ramon, Calif. – March 1
Hiawatha, Iowa – March 22
Columbus, Ohio – March 22
Regional Goalkeeping Diploma
Columbus, Ohio – Feb. 28–March 1
National Goalkeeping Diploma
Allentown, Pa. – March 6-8
Parent Coach Diploma
Boerne, Texas – Feb. 15
Fremont, Calif. – Feb. 20
Schertz, Texas – Feb. 28
Clermont, Fla. – Feb. 28
Advanced Youth Diploma
Palo Alto, Calif. – Feb. 20-22
US Youth Soccer National League Wraps Up This Spring
The US Youth Soccer National League, the organization’s latest offering for players seeking to advance their college, professional and U.S. National Team aspirations, continues with the boys playing in Atlanta Feb. 27-March 1 and the girls competing in Las Vegas March 13-15. The season concludes in Detroit with the Under-15 boys March 20-22.
Top teams from US Youth Soccer Regional Leagues earn their way into the National League. In addition to meaningful matches, development and identification, the league creates a direct path to the annual US Youth Soccer National Championships.
The Dallas Texans Red 92 Under-17 Girls are the first team to capture the title for their age group and advance to the US Youth Soccer National Championships. Upcoming events will decided who else will advance. Follow all of the National League action this spring at www.usyouthsoccer.org/national_league/index.asp.
NSCAA at Upcoming Soccer Shows
The NSCAA will have a presence at the Cal South Soccer Nation Expo, Feb. 21-22, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the SAY Annual General Membership National Convention, Feb. 21-22, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Convington, Ky. We will be there to answer questions about the NSCAA, offer a special discount for new members and much more. If you’re attending, stop by the NSCAA booth and say hello if you’re a member, or bring a friend who’s interested in joining the NSCAA. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet National Office staff members and get others involved in the NSCAA.
ESPN Coaches Fundraising
The ESPN Coaches Fundraising Program is a grassroots magazine fundraising program targeting sports associations and teams across the United States, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Established in 2000, the program has helped teams raise funds for travel, equipment, uniforms and more. Through the ESPN Coaches Fundraising Program teams and organizations have raised more than $15 million by selling magazine subscriptions.
The ESPN Coaches Fundraising Program is as easy as the players selling a few subscriptions to ESPN The Magazine. Every time a 2-year subscription is sold for $40, the team keeps $30 from that order. 75% of the total sale goes directly to the team. Each $30 raised from every order really adds up. If just 20 players sell five subscriptions each, the team will earn $3,000.
It’s a Win-Win situation!
When the team has completed the program, they just return $10 per order with the order forms. It’s that simple.
Coaching Corner: Crossing to Near- and Far-Post Spaces
This installment of the Coaching Corner comes from the NSCAA book Soccer Skills and Drills, published by Human Kinetics. It comes from Chapter 8: Applying Techniques Tactically. For information on how to order a copy of Soccer Skills and Drills, CLICK HERE.
Purpose: To practice quality strikes to near-post and far-post spaces.
Procedure: This drill becomes more specific for the crosser, as a near-space and a far-post space are marked on the field (in addition to the second six-yard box). The coach may use cones or vests to make a visual representation of the general size and location of the near- and far-post spaces. The far-post space is larger and located diagonally behind the near-post space (depth). The crosser will dribble the ball diagonally from the touchline cones toward the goal-line cone. As the crosser nears the goal line, he or she makes a long preparation prior to striking the cross. Attackers 1 and 2 make their runs and read the body language and position of the crosser to know when to arrive in their respective spaces. Timing of the runs is essential!
Coaching Points: The attackers must time their runs so that they arrive in the near- or far-post space at the same time as the ball. Split-second timing will give the attacker the advantage of being a step ahead of the defender. This exercise should be done from both flanks.
For more information on TactFOOT discounts for NSCAA members, CLICK HERE.
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