US Youth Soccer National Workshop Coaching TOPSoccer Athletes Coaching TOPSoccer Athletes Presented by: Michael Singleton, M.S. Mass Youth Soccer State Dir. of Coaching Mass Youth Soccer State Dir. of Coaching US Youth Soccer National Staff Coach US Youth Soccer National Staff Coach

Coaching Ideals Personal Connection Personal Connection Fun Fun The 3 L’s The 3 L’s Inclusion Activities Inclusion Activities Simple to Complex Simple to Complex

Mosston’s Slanty Line Challenge each player to a level that is commensurate with his/her ability Challenge each player to a level that is commensurate with his/her ability

Understanding Children Fundamental task of being a coach/teacher Fundamental task of being a coach/teacher Communication is imperative Communication is imperative Understanding is only way to make us better coaches Understanding is only way to make us better coaches GROUP TASK  what are likes/dislikes?

Common Characteristics Autism Autism -difficulty with communication, socialization -difficulty with communication, socialization -often easily distracted, have restricted interest -generalization and sequencing can be challenging -nonverbal skills are often a strength Down Syndrome Down Syndrome -vision and/or hearing problems are common -varying degrees of mental retardation -may see attention deficit symptoms or temper ---often frustration -often understand much better than express -often very social—social skills and empathy are typically strengths!

Common Characteristics Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy -motor control impairment (non-progressive) -motor control impairment (non-progressive) -may have balance and coordination struggles -occasionally see speech impairment -socially/cognitively strong Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -limited attention span -excessive fidgeting -impulsive behavior -cognitively strong

Successful Coaching Methods No waiting, players should be actively involved always No waiting, players should be actively involved always Provide immediate positive reinforcement Provide immediate positive reinforcement Repetition is key Repetition is key Build on success Build on success

Successful Coaching Methods Simple and concise directions Simple and concise directions Use visual cues (keep stable over time) Use visual cues (keep stable over time) One skill at a time One skill at a time Use their strengths!!! Use their strengths!!!

Successful Coaching Methods Be flexible! Be flexible! Challenge positively and enthusiastically Challenge positively and enthusiastically Ask for parental guidance Ask for parental guidance Stretch your boundaries Stretch your boundaries Watch and learn Watch and learn

Particular Hints With Autistic Players With Autistic Players -Instead of pointing at things (goals) touch them (realize joint attention is difficult) -Keep visual cues stable over time -Repetition is comfort (new situations can sometimes create worry) -Be expressive but reduce visual and verbal cues when player is upset -avoid over-stimulating and activities with a lot of contact With Cerebral Palsy Players With Cerebral Palsy Players -teach one skill at a time -build sequential motor movements one at a time depending on strengths -repetition/review is key -immediate praise

Particular Hints Down Syndrome Down Syndrome -understand that comprehension is typically much better than speech -pay attention to muscle strength/weakness (short activities) -typically learn quite well through imitation -build small steps -build decision-making into games as comfortable ADHD ADHD -use the energy in a positive way -pay attention to learning styles -high energy activities -set up nonverbal cues

Practice Sessions Group Task #2: -think of strengths and weaknesses -think of world through their eyes -develop a practice session per diagnosis Homework: -how mesh these into one session?

Further Questions Michael Singleton, M.S. Michael Singleton, M.S. Massachusetts Youth Soccer Assoc. Director of Coaching