Advice For Coaching

Dear Anson,

I'm compelled as an interfering parent  to offer you some advice concerning your coaching.

1.  You're the youngest major university soccer head coach in the U.S.  That fact must have been a source of concern to the coaches in the A.C.C., as youth today seems to be riding the crest of the wave of success.  Playing UNC this year, those coaches must have been surprised to be playing a suddenly inexperienced Dr. Allen rather than an experienced Anson Dorance.  Moral-Be yourself.

2.  You have one thing going for you that none of your competing coaches has- recent game experience and demonstratively peak skills.  These things should be the basis of what and how you should teach.  Other coaches can teach only from memory and "the book."

3.  Sports are a pleasure for the player because of the comradeship developed.  You should encourage a close, almost exclusive, feeling within the team by making the team a distinctive unit within the student body.  How?  The uniform is an obvious unifying symbol on the field.  What can you develop that would carry out that important family feeling off the field?

4.  Sports need leadership.  A leader is not a lonely, distant figure sitting isolated on a bench.  You should participate in the game-patting butts, murmuring to players, encouraging the disappointed, vocalizing praise.  You won't lose face or encourage familiarity.  You'll develop friends and be a part of the team.  They'll be playing for your effusive praise.

5.  Lastly- think out your game plan.  Prepare mentally for the unexpected.  What will you do if you're down 3 at the half?  Change radically or continue as you were doing?  Prepare your team to cope with the unexpected by not allowing anything unexpected to happen.  If they have considered the possibility of playing without their best goalie or center half, they won't be surprised if it happens.

With Love and respect,

Dad

Pg 51 The Man Watching