Coaching at Tournaments Don Gemmell Director of Coaching Education Michigan State Youth Soccer Association US Youth Soccer Coaches Workshop Boston 2004

2 Success in tournament play can depend on your preparation before the first ball is ever kicked off! Club philosophy affects how each club/team approaches a tournament. Coaching at Tournaments “Failing to plan, is planning to fail”

3 Coaching at Tournaments Pre-Tournament Tournament Post Tournament

4 Logistics… Purpose of specific tournaments? Is it a… Showcase Team building (new team) Coaching at Tournaments Pre-Tournament Style of play of the teams Climate Level of difficulty Festivals

5 Coaching at Tournaments Who is responsible for … Application to tournaments Flight/ Hotel arrangements Car rental if applicable Meal reservations Injury action plan

6 Coaching at Tournaments What determines success? Results Equal playing time Individual/team improvement FUN!

7 Coaching at Tournaments It may be important to put together an itinerary for the weekend prior to departure. Itinerary should include items such as: Nutritional information Team rules Maps Player/Parent/Coach contact information – cell phone list Schedule

Further thoughts on Pre-Tournament? Coaching at Tournaments

Tournament Managing the Environment Coaching at Tournaments

10 Review logistics/schedule Number of games and game times Tournament Rules Advancement process – points, tie-breakers, overtime, etc Player line up each game Arrival time prior to game Penalty takers Depart as team or individually? Uniform color for each game Coaching at Tournaments

11 Meetings with Players Secure meeting room Rooming list Expectations of behavior- on and off the field Schedule for the day Environment updates Line up and tactical discussions Nutrition Rest and Recovery Coaching at Tournaments

12 Parent- Coach Meeting Meeting times to leave for games/restaurants/off site activities Directions to fields Importance of Punctuality Accountability for supervision of players- coaches vs. parents Soccer sideline ethics Responsibility of water, ice, snacks etc. during tournament Other details Coaching at Tournaments

Nutrition and Meal Schedules Tournaments present unique opportunities and challenges for the individual soccer player and the team as a whole. One of the most important challenges is supplying adequate fluid and food to fuel the athlete participating in multiple matches throughout the tournament period. Coaching at Tournaments

14 Multiple matches mean increased demand for energy: During a tournament matches may be scheduled so that there is little time between matches to rebuild fuel stores. Consequently, fatigue sets in sooner and the risk of dehydration increases. In warm environments, the degree of dehydration and its associated dangers are even higher. Coaching at Tournaments

15 Planning ahead will ensure an adequate supply of “sport-friendly” foods: It is important immediately after matches to replenish the body with carbohydrates and sufficient fluids. When traveling bring a supply of portable foods and liquids that meet the high-energy demands of soccer tournaments. Coaching at Tournaments

Beverages and Carbohydrate-rich foods that fuel soccer players and travel well Coaching at Tournaments

17 Beverages Choose a sports drink- before, during and after the match Water alone doesn’t cut it Skip the soda Cut the caffeine

18 Carbohydrate-rich Foods Pre-game meals should be eaten 2 to 3 hours before a match. To quickly restore lost muscle glycogen, soccer players should consume carbohydrate rich foods within the first 2 hours after a match.

19 Carbohydrate-rich Foods When games leave limited time to recover try to combine several of the items below: Energy or fruit bars. Fresh fruit. Fruited yogurt. Bagels, muffins, cereal mixes with dried fruit and nuts.

20 Coaching at tournaments Do you have someone assigned to making meal reservations? What types of restaurants? Food suggestions or limitations?

If a soccer team can meet the challenge of supplying enough fluid and nutrition throughout the tournament, the opportunities for success dramatically increases. At the higher levels of play it is all about the details!

22 Rest and Recovery What is the plan for recovery? What food and drinks to expedite recovery?

23 Injuries Injury plan with parents First Aid Kit R.I.C.E.

24 Coaching at Tournaments Game Management Warm up- 1 st game vs. 3 rd game Playing time by position Tournament Advancement Clock management during the match Substitutions Cool down and stretching

Further thoughts on tournament phase?

Coaching at Tournaments Post Tournament

27 Coaching at Tournaments How did we do (results)? How did the players perform? Do you provide verbal or written feedback to players? What was the standard of the facilities/fields? What was the quality of the competition? Review of hotel, restaurants,etc? Would we return to this tournament?

28 Coaching at Tournaments An important question to ask: “ Did my coaching effect the outcome of this tournament”?