Are these kids on the road to athletic success?

In my never ending quest for new information that can be applied to sports, kids fitness, parenting, coaching, teaching or business, I read a book called “The Talent Code”

It’s a great read and recently I discovered the author, Daniel Coyle’s, website. The blog posts are very interesting and go into some detail about various institutions that are using deep practice to enhance their programs.

One such program is  the KIPP-Heartwood School in San Jose. This is interesting because I come from San Jose and never heard of it. I have heard of the area of town they come from. And it’s not good.

In the article Coyle talks about the three traits that the school does extremely well:

Continually creating and reinforcing the ultimate goal. In this case to go to college.

Coherent program. Everything in the program works together for the common goal.

Stop and fix. If there is a problem in the program or with a student’s behavior they stop and fix the behavior. Even little things.

They find that doing these three things all the times is the key to a successful school and student.

The take away is what can you do with your coaching or your program to incorporate these three traits? What would it look like?

What is the ultimate goal? And is it communicated to the team, the parents, the coaches and even the community? What methods do you use to communicate the goal?

Is there coherency in your soccer program? Are the drills the same or use the same terminology? Is the strategy and athlete development consistent throughout the program.

Do you stop and correct frequently? It’s tough to do with soccer and it can be difficult to do with a lot of kids…yet it can be done. What do you need to have to do it? More coaches, more individual time?

Maybe enlisting the help of the parents?

Interesting ideas for soccer coaches and all youth coaches.

If you want to have the parents on your side, working with the kids to develop their athletic skills such as balance, strength, agility and speed, then encourage them to pick up the Athletic Skills for Soccer program.