Who are the best coaches in the area?

[Anonymous]

Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

I go with reputation and recommendations from friends you trust.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

I go with reputation and recommendations from friends you trust.

When you pay 14K a year for your daughter to play DA soccer (including travel) it is a legitimate question. You don't want a parent coach, like yourself. You want someone who has:
1. PLAYED the game at a college level or above (unlike many ECNL or DA coaches - sad but true)
2. Has positive coaching experience. Not book or class experience.
3. Has been checked for abuse or mental illness.

Not a lot to ask for over $500/month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

I go with reputation and recommendations from friends you trust.

When you pay 14K a year for your daughter to play DA soccer (including travel) it is a legitimate question. You don't want a parent coach, like yourself. You want someone who has:
1. PLAYED the game at a college level or above (unlike many ECNL or DA coaches - sad but true)
2. Has positive coaching experience. Not book or class experience.
3. Has been checked for abuse or mental illness.

Not a lot to ask for over $500/month.

You’re number 1 is comical. How about someone who actually knows something about kids. I’d take an experienced Coach who is a parent over some 20 something year old new coach who played and therefore thinks they know something about coaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

I go with reputation and recommendations from friends you trust.

When you pay 14K a year for your daughter to play DA soccer (including travel) it is a legitimate question. You don't want a parent coach, like yourself. You want someone who has:
1. PLAYED the game at a college level or above (unlike many ECNL or DA coaches - sad but true)
2. Has positive coaching experience. Not book or class experience.
3. Has been checked for abuse or mental illness.

Not a lot to ask for over $500/month.

You’re number 1 is comical. How about someone who actually knows something about kids. I’d take an experienced Coach who is a parent over some 20 something year old new coach who played and therefore thinks they know something about coaching.

All due respect, but no, no parent can understand the game at that high enough level to adequately prepare the players or set up appropriate sessions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

You’re an idiot then. You are paying good money without knowing anything about a coach’s soccer experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

You’re an idiot then. You are paying good money without knowing anything about a coach’s soccer experience.

If you have a cursory understanding of the game, you can get a sense for a coach’s ability from a few minutes of discussion and observing the coach during a practice. Of the coaches my kids have had, the coach who had the most playing experience was actually the worst coach because his experience was far in the past and very much removed from the modern game and, more significantly, he didn’t give a s- about the team or kids he was coaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

Long time coach here. Here is my perspective.

First we have to define what a good coach is. In my opinion it is someone who helps your child get closer to their goals and potential as a soccer player. It is also someone who isn't a determent to your child's passion for the game, and ideally someone who helps foster it. There is a LOT more to it, but this is a good foundation for our conversation I think.

With that out of the way, lets go through your examples and then perhaps a few of my own.

- Former college/pro player; Player experience can help in some ways, but certainly isn't an end all be all. Good coaches will use this experience to help relate to how players think and feel. It can also be a great tool to be able to properly demonstrate technique a bit better than those without the experience as a player (assuming the coach was a technical player to begin with). Downside can be they try to train your youth player like a college / pro player - which depending on age/personalities can be a disaster.

- Years of coaching experience; Experience can be a great teacher, I would say if I had to pick a coach solely based on how many years of coaching they have had, I'd obviously go with one who's been doing it longer (isn't that most professions?) But again this doesn't guarantee a good coach, just a better chance of one. Downsides can be some coaches are just stuck in their ways and entrenched to the point they would never get fired from their club, even if they are doing a poor job.

- Level of coaching license; Again, generally a net positive. I always try to further my coaching education, whether it's through courses, books , videos etc. I will say I'm not a big fan of the US Soccer coaching classes (especially the new format...) I'd probably rank the license itself the lowest out of your list, aside from country of origin - but education itself is important (it doesn't always come with a fancy diploma)

- Originally from Europe/South America, etc.; Generally all this gives you is a cool accent (haha! only mostly joking). What I find is most of the guys who come over here to coach from outside the US are young guys looking to get started in their career, generally because their country of origin is so saturated or so corrupt that they'd never get a chance. So while they aren't necessarily bad coaches and have a lot of passion for the game - it doesn't make them good coaches just cause they are from another place. Upsides are generally a passion for the sport, and perhaps a longer history with it (e.g. grew up with it). Downsides can be a strict adherence to a particular play style that is generally what is played by their country of origin.

- Level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth); I'd say this probably applies more to what age group my DD or DS is compared to the experience of the coach I'm getting. I know coaches who are great with older kids, who do horribly with U9s, 10s etc (and vice versa). Experience certainly helps, doesn't guarantee anything, but ideally I'd want a coach who has some experience within a few years of the team my child plays for them on.

Now for my big disclaimer. The best way to tell is to do your own research. Go to some of their games. Attend some training sessions. Talk to parents - hell talk to the coach! Everyone is always so scared, you shouldn't be. I will talk soccer for hours for those who want to engage in discussion. My club and parents know that I don't sugar coat anything and I don't play politics. Things are MUCH easier this way.

Coaches who truly develop players generally have a reputation of doing so. That being said not every "good" coach is for your child! Do your homework. You pay too much money and invest too much time to make choices based off of what is on a piece of paper or website, put in the extra time to find the best fit for your child.

-Coach

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

You’re an idiot then. You are paying good money without knowing anything about a coach’s soccer experience.

If you have a cursory understanding of the game, you can get a sense for a coach’s ability from a few minutes of discussion and observing the coach during a practice. Of the coaches my kids have had, the coach who had the most playing experience was actually the worst coach because his experience was far in the past and very much removed from the modern game and, more significantly, he didn’t give a s- about the team or kids he was coaching.

LOL. This must be the biggest loaded crap I’ve ever read.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

Long time coach here. Here is my perspective.

First we have to define what a good coach is. In my opinion it is someone who helps your child get closer to their goals and potential as a soccer player. It is also someone who isn't a determent to your child's passion for the game, and ideally someone who helps foster it. There is a LOT more to it, but this is a good foundation for our conversation I think.

With that out of the way, lets go through your examples and then perhaps a few of my own.

- Former college/pro player; Player experience can help in some ways, but certainly isn't an end all be all. Good coaches will use this experience to help relate to how players think and feel. It can also be a great tool to be able to properly demonstrate technique a bit better than those without the experience as a player (assuming the coach was a technical player to begin with). Downside can be they try to train your youth player like a college / pro player - which depending on age/personalities can be a disaster.

- Years of coaching experience; Experience can be a great teacher, I would say if I had to pick a coach solely based on how many years of coaching they have had, I'd obviously go with one who's been doing it longer (isn't that most professions?) But again this doesn't guarantee a good coach, just a better chance of one. Downsides can be some coaches are just stuck in their ways and entrenched to the point they would never get fired from their club, even if they are doing a poor job.

- Level of coaching license; Again, generally a net positive. I always try to further my coaching education, whether it's through courses, books , videos etc. I will say I'm not a big fan of the US Soccer coaching classes (especially the new format...) I'd probably rank the license itself the lowest out of your list, aside from country of origin - but education itself is important (it doesn't always come with a fancy diploma)

- Originally from Europe/South America, etc.; Generally all this gives you is a cool accent (haha! only mostly joking). What I find is most of the guys who come over here to coach from outside the US are young guys looking to get started in their career, generally because their country of origin is so saturated or so corrupt that they'd never get a chance. So while they aren't necessarily bad coaches and have a lot of passion for the game - it doesn't make them good coaches just cause they are from another place. Upsides are generally a passion for the sport, and perhaps a longer history with it (e.g. grew up with it). Downsides can be a strict adherence to a particular play style that is generally what is played by their country of origin.

- Level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth); I'd say this probably applies more to what age group my DD or DS is compared to the experience of the coach I'm getting. I know coaches who are great with older kids, who do horribly with U9s, 10s etc (and vice versa). Experience certainly helps, doesn't guarantee anything, but ideally I'd want a coach who has some experience within a few years of the team my child plays for them on.

Now for my big disclaimer. The best way to tell is to do your own research. Go to some of their games. Attend some training sessions. Talk to parents - hell talk to the coach! Everyone is always so scared, you shouldn't be. I will talk soccer for hours for those who want to engage in discussion. My club and parents know that I don't sugar coat anything and I don't play politics. Things are MUCH easier this way.

Coaches who truly develop players generally have a reputation of doing so. That being said not every "good" coach is for your child! Do your homework. You pay too much money and invest too much time to make choices based off of what is on a piece of paper or website, put in the extra time to find the best fit for your child.

-Coach

Very nice reading. Thank you for your keen insight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

You’re an idiot then. You are paying good money without knowing anything about a coach’s soccer experience.

If you have a cursory understanding of the game, you can get a sense for a coach’s ability from a few minutes of discussion and observing the coach during a practice. Of the coaches my kids have had, the coach who had the most playing experience was actually the worst coach because his experience was far in the past and very much removed from the modern game and, more significantly, he didn’t give a s- about the team or kids he was coaching.

LOL. This must be the biggest loaded crap I’ve ever read.

Considering that you’re basically illiterate, I doubt you understood what was written.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a common criteria on a coach’s resume that typically indicates that he/she would be a good coach such as:

- former college/pro player;
- years of coaching experience;
- level of coaching license:
- originally from Europe/South America, etc.;
- level of coaching experience (HS, MS, youth)

You people are so insufferable.

Why? Cause the PP asked a legitimate question about what’s most important in a coach’s resume?

Because you speak of "resumes" for youth coaches. You deserve to continue to get served up coaches who are like the tennis instructor from Seinfeld.

I go with reputation and recommendations from friends you trust.

When you pay 14K a year for your daughter to play DA soccer (including travel) it is a legitimate question. You don't want a parent coach, like yourself. You want someone who has:
1. PLAYED the game at a college level or above (unlike many ECNL or DA coaches - sad but true)
2. Has positive coaching experience. Not book or class experience.
3. Has been checked for abuse or mental illness.

Not a lot to ask for over $500/month.

You’re number 1 is comical. How about someone who actually knows something about kids. I’d take an experienced Coach who is a parent over some 20 something year old new coach who played and therefore thinks they know something about coaching.

As much as I value playing experience, I agree that no.1 is absurd. Wenger and Villas-Boas would have flunked this criteria.