Sometimes, it seems that all we are doing is prolonging the inevitable. Our kids have been going through practice just getting by, when conditioning arises 12 player are over on the sidelines and say they can not condition due to certain reasons, but one kid even with a dislocated shoulder still conditioned. Then these kids expect to play. Our Coach likes these high numbers, but I feel if they are slacking and letting down there teamates they shouldn't even be on the field. I did tell almost all of the kids sitting out they will not play in this weeks game. Let me know your thoughts and opinions.

I've been practicing my research skills using ERIC.  While searching for journal articles related to the effectiveness  of stretching prior to activity (in minimizing injury) in young athletes, I located this article.  I thought some of the coaches who have commented on discipline of athletes may find this recent Quest article informative:

ERIC #: EJ803619

Title: Examining Punishment and Discipline: Defending the Use of Punishment by Coaches  

Author(s): Seifred, Chad

Source: Quest, v60 n3 p370-386 Aug 2008

Pub Date: 2008-08-00

Peer-Reviewed:  Yes

Descriptors: Discipline; Child Rearing; Punishment; Anxiety; Athletic Coaches; Behavior Change; Athletics; Team Sports; Athletes Read more »

I think both as an athlete and a future coach this class has really changed my perspective towards coaching and how much is involved in truly becoming a good quality coach,

For me, I really understand now, that coaching is more about being a good teacher and not a coach, because you truly have the chance to have an impact on your athlete outside the athletic venture. My coach is such an amazing example of it, and I never realized the impact and the power of this until I started working through this class and could point out so many examples of the concepts that NFHS talked about that he actually used with me. Read more »

I mentioned this in a comment, but I just wanted to reiterate it for all to see.  I wanted to thank everyone who submitted work, ideas, comments, advice, etc.  This was a great way to really be as part of the learning experience.  Ive been in so many classes where you are given information to regurgitate on a test for a grade.  I felt with all of our different backgrounds and experiences, combined with the ability to comment on and discuss our ideas, we really created something special this semester.  I learned a tremendous amount, but probably more important was the ability to see ideas from someone elses eyes.  I read somewhere that good coaches take something from each good coach they come in contact with.  I can honestly say that I have taken somet Read more »

In my motor development class we have a discussion about the fitnessgram and activitygram program that has been developed for younger students by the Cooper Institue. When I was reading on the website for it I found it very interesting and thought that people in this class could benefit from it. The topics they teach are important and as coaches we might even consider teaching our players about them a little as well. The cooper institute has a great site for PE major's and I would suggest looking at that. It's cooperinstitute.org  and the fitnessgram/activity gram is a great program that I wish would have be implemented in my schools growing up. It teaches about aerobic capacity, body composition, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Read more »

For another class I created a proposal for a hypothetical soccer tournament/fundraiser. The idea was my own, and I wanted to share it with everyone to see what you thought about the idea of it.

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/cz2MI608XI1C8L

I would appreciate feedback. Thanks!

Grace Freiheit

Coaching Philosophy

            As a coach you must be able to do more than just teach the skills of soccer. You must motivate, discipline, encourage, create team unity, set goals (other than winning), interact with parents, handle wins and losses, teach sportsmanship and respect, and inspire a love for the sport of soccer. There are many different ways of accomplishing these things, but the following is my personal coaching philosophy. Read more »

Every coach has concerns about the nutritional habits of their athletes, especially females.  Our state web page provides example of good habits for athletes, pregame.  I often stress nutrition to our athletes, maybe the health/science background again, but feel it is so very important. The link follows:

http://www.mhsaa.com/Schools/HealthSafetyResources/NutritionandPregamePrep.aspx

Coaching is much more than just a profession, it is a calling.  A good coach has to love being a teacher.  A good teacher knows that we never stop learning in life, so he must be willing to continue to improve as a coach.  A good teacher will motivate his students to want to learn and improve.  One of the most important lessons that can be taught is that winning means nothing if it comes as a result of cheating.  Cheating includes any dishonest or unprincipled shortcuts that are taken to give an athlete an advantage.   Another important lesson, which is related to the first lesson, is that success comes from hard work.  Success is not something that comes instantly, but it will come in time with perseverance.  If a student works hard at pract Read more »