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FROM THE DESK OF BARRY KAPLAN, DIRECTOR OF COACHING
October 2009


Dear Nighthawk Community,

 

            On the heels of this weekends very successful Palm Harbor Fall Classic Tournament I wanted to address some of my observations for both this weekend and my first several months as Director of Coaching.

First of all, THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament. It was a real example of people's selfless commitment to the club. Not only did all of the volunteers work tirelessly, I was very pleased at the hospitality shown to our guests from other clubs. More than one person remarked to me "how nice everyone at this club has been".

Our players continually showed a resilience and strength of character under pressure that is a foundation we can surely continue to build upon. Whether winning the match or not, Nighthawk Soccer Players NEVER GIVE UP! For that I am very proud.

Parents were generally enthusiastic and positive in their support. (some a bit over enthusiastic but I can live with that) ;)

Our Coaches went about their business with dedication and professionalism.

Do we have things we need to work on as a club? ABSOLUTELY!

Some who were supposed to fulfill their volunteer responsibilities did not do so and thus placed an added burden on those who were already giving significant time and energy. One of the strengths of our club is our diversity of backgrounds, experiences and views. These diverse contributions are needed from everyone in order for us to continue our successful growth.

While I am pleased with how hard our players work, it is clearly evident that as a club there are some deficiencies. Our Technical Staff had opportunities to observe and evaluate each of our teams this weekend and a couple of trends were clear.                  1. We need to improve on our "technical speed". That means being able to execute skills (dribbling/passing/receiving/etc…) at the speed of play.

2. The other clear trend was the need to improve "positional awareness" on the field. That means understanding where you are (and where you should be) as a player in relation to the play.

These two components of the game will be factored into our upcoming training sessions.

Parents, I do love and appreciate your enthusiasm and support but please remember that ALL decisions about training, tactics, strategy, lineups, etc… are to be made by the coaches. Continue to cheer and support your players but please try to refrain from sideline coaching (either at a game or practice). It is very confusing to the players. If you have a "soccer related" issue, please feel free to discuss it with me. I am happy to discuss your child's soccer experience with you at any time.

Our coaches are a very dedicated and committed group and I have total trust that they are looking out for the development and well-being of each of our kids. However, I would like to remind our coaches that communication with parents is critical, either directly or through the team manager. While coaches make the soccer decisions, parents need to know (and understand) issues that affect their child. The better we all communicate, the greater understanding we all have about the decisions we make.

One final group that I don't want to forget is our Team Managers. They have done and continue to do a remarkable job making sure everyone gets registered, uniforms, player passes, gets to games, etc… The job of the team manager is to ensure that coaches can coach, players can play and parents can enjoy seeing their kids perform. Please take a moment to let your manager know that you appreciate their level of dedication and commitment as well.

Thank you again to everyone for continuing to help us grow as a Soccer Club and a Community.

 

Sincerely,

Barry Kaplan

Director of Coaching

Palm Harbor Soccer Club.

Coach Kaplan Earns Silver at Maccabiah Games

Palm Harbor Soccer Club Director of Coaching Barry Kaplan led the US Maccabi U17 Girls to a Silver Medal in the 18th World Maccabiah Games in Israel.

Read Coach Kaplans Blog from Israel at: http://barry-kaplan.blogspot.com

Read about all about the Maccabiah via the official web site: http://www.maccabiah.com/

Read the full press release here: www.maccabiusa.com/content/view/291/176/

 

 

 

Statement of Club Philosophy on Coaching & Player Development

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

The Palm Harbor Nighthawks Soccer Club is committed to the continued development of its youth soccer players by providing an environment of soccer education, fun and safety. Within this environment the concept of “winning” is not directly linked with success. Success is to be measured according to the progressive development of the players as it relates to the learning and executing of soccer skills and strategies at appropriate age levels.  These general levels are as follows:

 

Under the age of 12 technical development is paramount! The focus is not on winning. Rather, training sessions are geared to skill development, familiarization with game situations and FUN. Fostering the “love of the game” is very important.

 

U12 – U14 year olds continue focus on technical development but with regard to execution of technical skills “under pressure.” Pressure, meaning limiting time, space or opponents. Players are taught how to apply the technical skills in small-sided tactical situations. Coaches apply the concept of winning to the preparation for the immediate upcoming match. Competition focus is game to game.

 

U15 and older players also continue concentration on the further development and execution of technical skills under pressure but with the introduction and development of situational decision-making. Increased competition at the league, state and national level is included. Coaches prepare their teams with regard to competition over the course of a season as well as tournament play. At this level players are exposed to the possibility of soccer as it relates to their future, whether that future is on the professional level, collegiate level or adult recreational.

 

Players are assigned to teams based upon age and ability according to club assessment by the technical staff under the direction of the Director of Coaching. Those determinations are made at the oldest levels based upon appropriateness and participation numbers.


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