Family Update:
My girls, Jae and Bailee, are moving right along in school. They are doing well with all their tests and projects. It is making Jenn and me study up on our basic history, math, and other subjects. I actually really like study History and Social Studies with my daughters. Jae is going over the government organization now. In the evening, I help her with assignments and it is really testing me to recall the basics-fun stuff. Bailee is starting to do some bigger projects on reading and spelling. Thank God it is only 3rd grade stuff. It makes me feel smart because I can answer her question now... Brennen is crawling like he has somewhere important to be in 5 minutes. He is like a buzz-saw. He is at the stage where he gets himself in positions he can't get out of, so he cries to let us know he is stuck. He is loving grabbing after our food during lunch and dinner. The other day I was holding him and eating a salad while at my computer (don't normally do this) and he grabbed my salad and nearly dumped it on my computer-whew! Jenn and I are having fun running around doing everything we can to keep everyone's schedule organized- and doing a pretty good job.
They Learn So Fast!
As you propbly already know by now. I coach my daughters at the YMCA and I will be coaching intramurals at their school starting this week. This is great for me because I able to be with my girls but I am also helping other young kids develop.
Last week at myYMCA practice, I pulled out a quick foot ladder to use as part of the warm up. I wanted the kids to experience the coordination it takes to negotiate the ladder using different footwork patterns. Other than my daughters, none of the other girls had ever used one before.
I had them do the simple patterns of one step or two steps in each and a simple hop scotch pattern of jumping and hopping through the ladder. Let me tell ya, they struggled big time the first week. All of them stepped all over the ladder and could not get their feet int he box. They loved it though. I only had them do it for about 5-6 minutes, then we moved on in the practice.
Yesterday, I had practice and brought the ladder out again. It was like night and day. I gave them the same patterns I did last week. They were like pros. It is amazing how the body adapts and learns after the fact.
The first time I used the ladder the girls had trouble with controlling their speed and staying balanced so they could accurately hit the center of the box with their feet. I just kept giving them cues to slow down, relax, and stay on the balls of the feet. So, yesterday they did all of that. They were under control (for the most part), they stayed off the ladder and where in the boxes.
This proved to me once again that pre-adolescent kids nervous systems are like sponges. They processed the information they received the first time we did the ladder and was able to correctly apply it the second time. Granted I gave them simple exercises for them to improve on- but even if I gave them more difficult exercises they would have learned them quickly as well.
My younger daughter could barely get 1 serve over the net the entire game last year(she was 7 years old). This year she hardly misses a serve and in one game served 5 in a row during the same possession. She likes for me to practice with her in our yard and it has paid off. The cool thing is she is reproducing the correct patterns I have been showing her. I make games out of it or tell her how far or high to hit it, but we keep reproducing the same mechanics each time.
It is so fun to watch kids learn and develop. Hey, don't blink- you might miss one of your children or young athletes develop before your eyes.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: If you want to stay connected to the world of athletic development and all the fascinating strategies, skills, and techniques you want to become a Speed Insiders Member go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to sign up for 2 FREE months right now. Join the movement.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Saturday Blog Tip- Retreating With Strong Shoulder Position
In any sport that requires the athletes to have to retreat (move backwards) to keep field or court positioning and still stay oriented with an opponents- the shoulders need to be in a strong position.
It doesn't matter if the athlete is using a straight backpedal, retreating shuffle or crossover, or a retreating continuous hip turn the athlete must keep the shoulders low and forward.
Basically the athlete needs to maintain a good athletic stance while retreating. The hips are back, the shoulders are forward out over the feet and the back is strong and "flat."
When the shoulders get high- all heck breaks loose! the hips start to tuck under the balance goes back on the heels and not on the balls of the feet. The athlete looses control of stopping and starting.
So, if the athlete wants to stop quickly and run forwards, having the shoulders forward allows the athlete to do so quickly. They want to be able to accelerate quickly out of the backpedal. If they are going to open up turn and run out of the retreating skill, having the shoulders forward allow them to immediately be in an acceleration position rather than having to re-adjust the shoulders and hips to be in a better acceleration position.
Start looking at the influence the shoulders are having on your athletes movement- especially retreating movements.
To learn more check out this link, http://sportsspeedetc.com/groundbreaking2.shtml
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: http://www.speedinsiders.com/ is the best membership out there so you can stay plugged in monthly to top quality information sent directly to your mailbox and inbox. You will get golden nuggets of information each month- Huge value!
It doesn't matter if the athlete is using a straight backpedal, retreating shuffle or crossover, or a retreating continuous hip turn the athlete must keep the shoulders low and forward.
Basically the athlete needs to maintain a good athletic stance while retreating. The hips are back, the shoulders are forward out over the feet and the back is strong and "flat."
When the shoulders get high- all heck breaks loose! the hips start to tuck under the balance goes back on the heels and not on the balls of the feet. The athlete looses control of stopping and starting.
So, if the athlete wants to stop quickly and run forwards, having the shoulders forward allows the athlete to do so quickly. They want to be able to accelerate quickly out of the backpedal. If they are going to open up turn and run out of the retreating skill, having the shoulders forward allow them to immediately be in an acceleration position rather than having to re-adjust the shoulders and hips to be in a better acceleration position.
Start looking at the influence the shoulders are having on your athletes movement- especially retreating movements.
To learn more check out this link, http://sportsspeedetc.com/groundbreaking2.shtml
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: http://www.speedinsiders.com/ is the best membership out there so you can stay plugged in monthly to top quality information sent directly to your mailbox and inbox. You will get golden nuggets of information each month- Huge value!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Organize For Productivity
Big Tele-seminar Tonight!
Don't forget to attend my tele-seminar tonight at 8 pm EST, "5 Essential Program Design Concepts for Coaching Speed." I am going to share some important information that will hopefully clear up some confusion. Plus- I have a BIG announcement. You have a few hours left to sign up.... www.thespeedguy.com/Sept25.htm.
Are You Organized for Success?
I have purchased so many of the organizational programs on the market today. I've had some success with a few of them; however, with most of them I eventually end up un-organized with my organization! What?
Let me explain. I think anyone who coaches, trains clients, runs a business, or has multiple tasks each day to complete should have a simple easy to reproduce daily plan of how to get things done. Like I said, I have used many systems over the years only to get frustrated trying to stay organized while organizing. So here is what I have come up with...
First- I only plan to do 3 major things each day. Doesn't matter what they are, but I only shoot for 3 things per day. Why 3? I know I can complete them. Just the act of completing all my written tasks for the day is empowering. It gives me a sense of completion and accomplishment. I write these 3 things on an index card and them rip it up and toss it when I am finished. It feels great! I am not saying I won't do more than 3 things on a given day, it is just I have to get those 3 major tasks done, then I am free to work on what ever else I choose.
Let me give you an example of what 3 of my tasks might be on a given day. Lets use today as example. First, I have a meeting at 9:30 with my business coach. Second, I need to complete this blog today. Third, I have to organize and prepare for tonight's tele-seminar. Once these tasks are finished I have completed my 3 big things. I then rip up the card and I am free to do what ever else I want. Because I will have free time I will work on a short sales copy flyer for a basketball clinic I am going to put on with the local YMCA.
Secondly, (this could have been first but I usually write my 3 things the night before so I suppose it would go first, anyway...)-I always start the day by looking at my big sheet of paper on the wall next to my desk. It is broken down into the different businesses or responsibilities I have. I have dates for the Speed Guy Blog, dates for the http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/ weekly journal article, Speed Insiders tasks, Mastermind and coaching group task, and my soon to be released Basketball Program. Each one of these categories have the dates written by them as to when I have to have things done and submitted to my staff. By having a big "chart" of dates and tasks, I simply check it out everyday and know what needs to be done. Simple.
Thirdl, any time I have a new idea or want to expand on a current project I take out a big paper and Mindmap it. I will put down the central idea in the middle of the paper and draw legs out from it with different aspects to the central idea. I have used this with every new business or project. It allows me to see everything in front of me rather than having to flip from page to page. Keep in mind- I only write bullet points and not long sentences under each leg. It is about getting thoughts on paper and then seeing the entire picture unfold in front of you. This can be also be used if you are a coach of a soccer team, a fitness professional planning out a new fitness class, or a business person creating a new product. Try it, you will love how it works. You can purchase fancy computer programs that do this for you, however I perfer pencil and paper.
Lastly, I will break my day into 3 segments. Early in the morning I do things that help make money for the business (products ideas, marketing, emails/blogs...). I try to finish this by noon. Afternoon is organization. Anything I need to have to follow up on, contacts, scheduling appointments. The reason I work on the money ideas in the morning is because my mind is fresh and ideas are flowing. I try to complete everything by 3:30. The last section of the day is family/kids time. The kids are out of school at 3:30 and we usually play something outside or in the garage. Plus. I also coach them at the YMCA and I will be coaching them even more at their intramural program at school. Occassionally, things run over but for the most part I stay on that path.
If my kids have events after school with friends or school related, I will work a little longer. When they go to bed I can even work a little more if I choose to. I am really learning to do more quality things in shorter time spans so I can have options to play with my kids and do other fun activities.
I would like to hear your thoughts. Send to info@sportsspeedetc.com so I can get your feedback on organization.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: I often present organizational ideas and business improvement strategies to my exclusive Speed Insiders Members http://www.speedinsiders.com/. Give it a try for 2 months absolutely FREE.
I would like to thank Lee for all the information given in his speed insiders program. Since I attended Lee's athletic speed formula last October I have been hooked on his knowledge and enthusiasm for speed training. Watching, listening and reading the way he conducts his training and teaching has become infectious. I use his techniques in my sessions, I use his cues in my coaching and I try to use his experience to guide me through my own progression as a coach. Not just the training but the business information he has given has also been a great motivator for my own career and given me the kick up the rear needed to pursue my goals. Since becoming a speed insider I have launched my own website (www.saqsoccer.com), with many of the ideas coming from Lee Taft's work and guidance. With all the expertise and information I continually receive from Lee and his numerous guest speakers and colleagues I am hoping that SAQSoccer can become a great resource to help young athletes get better educated while training for soccer and speed, and help other people like he has helped me.
Thanks,
Garry Lee Powell
http://www.saqsoccer.com/
soccer and speed coach
Augusta, Georgia
Don't forget to attend my tele-seminar tonight at 8 pm EST, "5 Essential Program Design Concepts for Coaching Speed." I am going to share some important information that will hopefully clear up some confusion. Plus- I have a BIG announcement. You have a few hours left to sign up.... www.thespeedguy.com/Sept25.htm.
Are You Organized for Success?
I have purchased so many of the organizational programs on the market today. I've had some success with a few of them; however, with most of them I eventually end up un-organized with my organization! What?
Let me explain. I think anyone who coaches, trains clients, runs a business, or has multiple tasks each day to complete should have a simple easy to reproduce daily plan of how to get things done. Like I said, I have used many systems over the years only to get frustrated trying to stay organized while organizing. So here is what I have come up with...
First- I only plan to do 3 major things each day. Doesn't matter what they are, but I only shoot for 3 things per day. Why 3? I know I can complete them. Just the act of completing all my written tasks for the day is empowering. It gives me a sense of completion and accomplishment. I write these 3 things on an index card and them rip it up and toss it when I am finished. It feels great! I am not saying I won't do more than 3 things on a given day, it is just I have to get those 3 major tasks done, then I am free to work on what ever else I choose.
Let me give you an example of what 3 of my tasks might be on a given day. Lets use today as example. First, I have a meeting at 9:30 with my business coach. Second, I need to complete this blog today. Third, I have to organize and prepare for tonight's tele-seminar. Once these tasks are finished I have completed my 3 big things. I then rip up the card and I am free to do what ever else I want. Because I will have free time I will work on a short sales copy flyer for a basketball clinic I am going to put on with the local YMCA.
Secondly, (this could have been first but I usually write my 3 things the night before so I suppose it would go first, anyway...)-I always start the day by looking at my big sheet of paper on the wall next to my desk. It is broken down into the different businesses or responsibilities I have. I have dates for the Speed Guy Blog, dates for the http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/ weekly journal article, Speed Insiders tasks, Mastermind and coaching group task, and my soon to be released Basketball Program. Each one of these categories have the dates written by them as to when I have to have things done and submitted to my staff. By having a big "chart" of dates and tasks, I simply check it out everyday and know what needs to be done. Simple.
Thirdl, any time I have a new idea or want to expand on a current project I take out a big paper and Mindmap it. I will put down the central idea in the middle of the paper and draw legs out from it with different aspects to the central idea. I have used this with every new business or project. It allows me to see everything in front of me rather than having to flip from page to page. Keep in mind- I only write bullet points and not long sentences under each leg. It is about getting thoughts on paper and then seeing the entire picture unfold in front of you. This can be also be used if you are a coach of a soccer team, a fitness professional planning out a new fitness class, or a business person creating a new product. Try it, you will love how it works. You can purchase fancy computer programs that do this for you, however I perfer pencil and paper.
Lastly, I will break my day into 3 segments. Early in the morning I do things that help make money for the business (products ideas, marketing, emails/blogs...). I try to finish this by noon. Afternoon is organization. Anything I need to have to follow up on, contacts, scheduling appointments. The reason I work on the money ideas in the morning is because my mind is fresh and ideas are flowing. I try to complete everything by 3:30. The last section of the day is family/kids time. The kids are out of school at 3:30 and we usually play something outside or in the garage. Plus. I also coach them at the YMCA and I will be coaching them even more at their intramural program at school. Occassionally, things run over but for the most part I stay on that path.
If my kids have events after school with friends or school related, I will work a little longer. When they go to bed I can even work a little more if I choose to. I am really learning to do more quality things in shorter time spans so I can have options to play with my kids and do other fun activities.
I would like to hear your thoughts. Send to info@sportsspeedetc.com so I can get your feedback on organization.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: I often present organizational ideas and business improvement strategies to my exclusive Speed Insiders Members http://www.speedinsiders.com/. Give it a try for 2 months absolutely FREE.
I would like to thank Lee for all the information given in his speed insiders program. Since I attended Lee's athletic speed formula last October I have been hooked on his knowledge and enthusiasm for speed training. Watching, listening and reading the way he conducts his training and teaching has become infectious. I use his techniques in my sessions, I use his cues in my coaching and I try to use his experience to guide me through my own progression as a coach. Not just the training but the business information he has given has also been a great motivator for my own career and given me the kick up the rear needed to pursue my goals. Since becoming a speed insider I have launched my own website (www.saqsoccer.com), with many of the ideas coming from Lee Taft's work and guidance. With all the expertise and information I continually receive from Lee and his numerous guest speakers and colleagues I am hoping that SAQSoccer can become a great resource to help young athletes get better educated while training for soccer and speed, and help other people like he has helped me.
Thanks,
Garry Lee Powell
http://www.saqsoccer.com/
soccer and speed coach
Augusta, Georgia
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Lessons Learned From 8 and 9 year olds
As you may alrady know, I coach my daughter's volleyball team at the YMCA. It is a team made up of primarily 8 and 9 year olds. I have coached them now for almost 4 weeks. It is a real low key program to introduce them to sports, yet it gives them some quality instruction.
Even though these girls are mostly new comers to the sport and some may never play the sport when they become older, I take it as my responsibility to give them the best instruction I can.
What amazes me every time I work with youngsters like these girls, is if you set expectations for them and keep them motivated they will rise to the occasion.
Let me give you an example; it is so common at this level for volleyball players to pretty much stay in their spot on the court and not move much to get to a ball hit near them. I tell my girls when they serve, aim for the middle where no one is standing. Most of the time the ball will hit the floor before anyone takes a step towards it. The first thing I did on day one is talk about moving to the ball all the time. The exercises I gave them in practice were geared toward chasing the ball down before it hit the ground. Yesterday, I had the girls perform a drill where I threw the ball off the net and one partner had to move up quickly to bump it into the air so the other partner could hit it over. It was a fun drill that put them in a position they will see in the games.
I continuely try to make it into a game or low competition. Why?eBcause they ask for it. They like to see how many they can get compared to their teammates. I put very little into who wins or losses but I do keep track of points, speed in doing something, or who hit it best. It is all about fun with an underlying message that I want them to move and play each point well.
If you have ever watched any youngsters sports programs from youth soccer, volleyball, basketball, or softball, it can sometimes be like watching paint dry. To prevent this, I simply gave the little girls fun games that taught them how to compete for every point.
Here are some fun cues I use and some fun things I do to encourage effort. I always tell them to not let the ball hit the floor on our side. When the other team serves the ball, it can't hit the ground without one of the player moving to hit it. I don't care if it goes back over, I just want them moving to hit it. The other concept they understand now is when I say "Fill the Hole in". The volleyball rules for this age group is to play 4 on 4, so there is a natural hole in the middle of the 4 players. But, I make them adjust so there is not such a big opening. The girls now yell from the bench to their teammates with out me saying a thing..I love it. The other thing I do is to encourage them to "give some love" to their teammates when the serve well or make a good play. What I mean by this is to clap for each other. They get such a kick out of that but it encourages them to do well so they "get some love" from their teammates- fun stuff!
The biggest things they have to do is call "MINE" if they are going to hit the ball. This again encourages them to move and communicate. We do it during our practice warm ups, therefore it naturally carries over in the games.
I tell you what, it is amazing what 8 and 9 years olds will do to raise to a higher level if you make it fun and just part of the expectations. I never yell or even get upset with them. I simply tell them this is what I want and get excited each practice to motivate them to do it all the time.
We have a great time in practice and the games are the icing on the cake. I know each girl now understands they can accomplish anything if they work for it. The best thing is everything we do has "FUN" attached to it.
I would love to hear from you on the cool things you are doing with your athletes to keep them motivated. Send to info@LeeTaft.com
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: I have so much fun hearing success stories of people who have invested in their knowledge and improvement by joining the Speed Insiders membership http://www.speedinsiders.com/
“Coach Lee's techniques and speaking to him over the last couple of years, it was a no brainer to become a Speed Insider. I believe in his teachings and use them with all of my athletes in every sport. For someone like me who lives in Hawaii, it is not easy to go to a live seminar, so being able to communicate with Coach Lee on a regular basis is priceless. I encourage anyone who wants the best for their athletes to subscribe.
He offers a FREE trial for those of us who are unsure of joining. Through the first 6 weeks he held a tele-seminar and would answer any questions that we had. I'm not sure if anyone else would offer this kind of bonus. We are also able to contact Coach through a special e-mail with any questions or concerns that we may have and he responds quickly.”
-Michael Labuanan
Even though these girls are mostly new comers to the sport and some may never play the sport when they become older, I take it as my responsibility to give them the best instruction I can.
What amazes me every time I work with youngsters like these girls, is if you set expectations for them and keep them motivated they will rise to the occasion.
Let me give you an example; it is so common at this level for volleyball players to pretty much stay in their spot on the court and not move much to get to a ball hit near them. I tell my girls when they serve, aim for the middle where no one is standing. Most of the time the ball will hit the floor before anyone takes a step towards it. The first thing I did on day one is talk about moving to the ball all the time. The exercises I gave them in practice were geared toward chasing the ball down before it hit the ground. Yesterday, I had the girls perform a drill where I threw the ball off the net and one partner had to move up quickly to bump it into the air so the other partner could hit it over. It was a fun drill that put them in a position they will see in the games.
I continuely try to make it into a game or low competition. Why?eBcause they ask for it. They like to see how many they can get compared to their teammates. I put very little into who wins or losses but I do keep track of points, speed in doing something, or who hit it best. It is all about fun with an underlying message that I want them to move and play each point well.
If you have ever watched any youngsters sports programs from youth soccer, volleyball, basketball, or softball, it can sometimes be like watching paint dry. To prevent this, I simply gave the little girls fun games that taught them how to compete for every point.
Here are some fun cues I use and some fun things I do to encourage effort. I always tell them to not let the ball hit the floor on our side. When the other team serves the ball, it can't hit the ground without one of the player moving to hit it. I don't care if it goes back over, I just want them moving to hit it. The other concept they understand now is when I say "Fill the Hole in". The volleyball rules for this age group is to play 4 on 4, so there is a natural hole in the middle of the 4 players. But, I make them adjust so there is not such a big opening. The girls now yell from the bench to their teammates with out me saying a thing..I love it. The other thing I do is to encourage them to "give some love" to their teammates when the serve well or make a good play. What I mean by this is to clap for each other. They get such a kick out of that but it encourages them to do well so they "get some love" from their teammates- fun stuff!
The biggest things they have to do is call "MINE" if they are going to hit the ball. This again encourages them to move and communicate. We do it during our practice warm ups, therefore it naturally carries over in the games.
I tell you what, it is amazing what 8 and 9 years olds will do to raise to a higher level if you make it fun and just part of the expectations. I never yell or even get upset with them. I simply tell them this is what I want and get excited each practice to motivate them to do it all the time.
We have a great time in practice and the games are the icing on the cake. I know each girl now understands they can accomplish anything if they work for it. The best thing is everything we do has "FUN" attached to it.
I would love to hear from you on the cool things you are doing with your athletes to keep them motivated. Send to info@LeeTaft.com
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: I have so much fun hearing success stories of people who have invested in their knowledge and improvement by joining the Speed Insiders membership http://www.speedinsiders.com/
“Coach Lee's techniques and speaking to him over the last couple of years, it was a no brainer to become a Speed Insider. I believe in his teachings and use them with all of my athletes in every sport. For someone like me who lives in Hawaii, it is not easy to go to a live seminar, so being able to communicate with Coach Lee on a regular basis is priceless. I encourage anyone who wants the best for their athletes to subscribe.
He offers a FREE trial for those of us who are unsure of joining. Through the first 6 weeks he held a tele-seminar and would answer any questions that we had. I'm not sure if anyone else would offer this kind of bonus. We are also able to contact Coach through a special e-mail with any questions or concerns that we may have and he responds quickly.”
-Michael Labuanan
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Here's Your Weekly Speed Guy Blog Top
Tip-Don't wear those pants with those shoes (ha ha- just a little Speed Guy humor. I know very little humor- I'll move on...)
How To Get Greater Success With Varsity and Higher Level Athletes In Sport
I am a huge fan of fundamentals. They make great athletes even better. The key is to focus deeply on fundamentals when athletes are young, during the developmental stages of pre-puberty and post-puberty early stages. Having worked hard on developing the fundamentals of sports skills, as well as athleticism, there will be a huge foundation. This foundation allows the athlete to use all the skills needed during play or game settings.
Here is the secret to real success...
The goal at the varsity level and higher is to win. The coach now needs to coach the fundamentals of winning. What is this?
Fundamentals of winning is when you teach athletes how to compete and make plays that allow them to be successful in sport. Let me give you an example:
The offensive system you run needs to be set up so each player on the field or court can use their talents to the fullest. I might have a soccer player with great quickness and toughness but lacks an offensive mindset. You need to play this player on defensive and let his or her talents shine. This give him or her and the team a chance to win.
Yet, this same athlete would have been taught the same offensive skills as the best offensive player during their developmental period. One developed more of an offensive mindset and the other defensive mindset. Plus, their physical skills brought them to their current positions.
The goal of a higher level coach is to create successful situation. This is the fundamentals of winning.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: You have heard me speak and write about how important the Speed Insiders program is http://www.speedinsiders.com/ however, don't just take my word for it, read what one Speed Insider had to say:
"I would like to thank Lee for all the information given in his speed insiders program. Since I attended Lee's athletic speed formula last October I have been hooked on his knowledge and enthusiasm for speed training. Watching, listening and reading the way he conducts his training and teaching has become infectious. I use his techniques in my sessions, I use his cues in my coaching and I try to use his experience to guide me through my own progression as a coach. Not just the training but the business information he has given has also been a great motivator for my own career and given me the kick up the rear needed to pursue my goals. Since becoming a speed insider I have launched my own website (www.saqsoccer.com), with many of the ideas coming from Lee Taft's work and guidance. With all the expertise and information I continually receive from Lee and his numerous guest speakers and colleagues I am hoping that SAQSoccer can become a great resource to help young athletes get better educated while training for soccer and speed, and help other people like he has helped me."
Thanks,Garry Lee Powell
http://www.saqsoccer.com/
soccer and speed coach, Augusta, Georgia
How To Get Greater Success With Varsity and Higher Level Athletes In Sport
I am a huge fan of fundamentals. They make great athletes even better. The key is to focus deeply on fundamentals when athletes are young, during the developmental stages of pre-puberty and post-puberty early stages. Having worked hard on developing the fundamentals of sports skills, as well as athleticism, there will be a huge foundation. This foundation allows the athlete to use all the skills needed during play or game settings.
Here is the secret to real success...
The goal at the varsity level and higher is to win. The coach now needs to coach the fundamentals of winning. What is this?
Fundamentals of winning is when you teach athletes how to compete and make plays that allow them to be successful in sport. Let me give you an example:
The offensive system you run needs to be set up so each player on the field or court can use their talents to the fullest. I might have a soccer player with great quickness and toughness but lacks an offensive mindset. You need to play this player on defensive and let his or her talents shine. This give him or her and the team a chance to win.
Yet, this same athlete would have been taught the same offensive skills as the best offensive player during their developmental period. One developed more of an offensive mindset and the other defensive mindset. Plus, their physical skills brought them to their current positions.
The goal of a higher level coach is to create successful situation. This is the fundamentals of winning.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: You have heard me speak and write about how important the Speed Insiders program is http://www.speedinsiders.com/ however, don't just take my word for it, read what one Speed Insider had to say:
"I would like to thank Lee for all the information given in his speed insiders program. Since I attended Lee's athletic speed formula last October I have been hooked on his knowledge and enthusiasm for speed training. Watching, listening and reading the way he conducts his training and teaching has become infectious. I use his techniques in my sessions, I use his cues in my coaching and I try to use his experience to guide me through my own progression as a coach. Not just the training but the business information he has given has also been a great motivator for my own career and given me the kick up the rear needed to pursue my goals. Since becoming a speed insider I have launched my own website (www.saqsoccer.com), with many of the ideas coming from Lee Taft's work and guidance. With all the expertise and information I continually receive from Lee and his numerous guest speakers and colleagues I am hoping that SAQSoccer can become a great resource to help young athletes get better educated while training for soccer and speed, and help other people like he has helped me."
Thanks,Garry Lee Powell
http://www.saqsoccer.com/
soccer and speed coach, Augusta, Georgia
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?
Before I go any further I want to send out well wishes to all the people that have been effected by the hurricanes. It really has been a difficult time. The people of gulf region and inland are strong people but I can't help but think how much pain they are going through having lost homes, vehicles, many personal valuables, and in some cases life. I am praying for your fast recovery so you can move on with your life.
Playing Ball Again and Being Coached By My Daughter
The other night I went to the YMCA and joined the 3 on 3 league. The last time I played in this league was 2 years ago. Since that time ,I opened my speed academy in NY and have been unable to play, but I am back at it.
My first game was this past Tuesday night and my oldest daughter, Jae, watched my game. She loves basketball. I am on a team with a bunch of young bucks. They are really good players and mostly in their mid 20's. When they asked me to play I explained to them I will miss every now and again due to my travel schedule, so I am more of a sub at this point. However, because the games are lone, everyone plays a lot.
I have to say, I played pretty well considering I have not played much basketball the last two years. I had a lot of rust to work off but not too bad. When I came out of the game and went over to be next to my daughter and drink some water, she began coaching me. She said I needed to play harder defense and make more shots. So I said, "what did I do well? " She thought for a second and said, "I like the steal you had" (which was basically a loose ball I got to first).
What a cool thing. My daughter, a 5th grader, is in to the game enough to critique me. I have been given a worse assessment of play before, so hers wasn't too difficult to take. And you know what, she was right. I did miss some easy shots I normally would make and I was not moving my feet too well on defense.
The thing that amazed me is that these are the same type of things she hears me saying about other players when I am coaching. It is funny how what we think is not being absorbed by young people is really sinking in. Jae, if she chooses to, will make a great coach someday.
Why Assess Your Team
We talk a lot about assessments and how they build a foundation for us to work from. I don't think enough coaches put enough importance on using an assessment period (could be one or two weeks) to watch their team play, work together, see the chemistry, see their skill level, see what each player brings to the team, and more. After the assessment period take the information gained and then put a game plan together. In other words, how can you say for sure what type of offense or defense you want to run without actually seeing what your team can do.
Too often we find a really cool offense or we want to run the defensive scheme that Duke runs in basketball, or North Carolina runs in soccer, or use the offense the Colts run in football. The bottom line is what works well for one team may be disastrous for another. It is our job as coaches to evaluate and implement according to what we have.
Don't forget the number role of a coach. It is to set up our teams for success. If you put them in a system that fits what they do well as individuals and a team success can be achieved. But, if you try a system that doesn't fit, then failure will be lurking.
Do yourself and your teams a favor, evaluate them before you implement.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: The Speed Insiders Membership offers key coaching advice to help you grow as a coach. Remember the principle of Slight Edge. All you need is one idea to be the best coach you can be, the best business person you can be, or have the best athletes they can be. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to be a member for two FREE months.
Playing Ball Again and Being Coached By My Daughter
The other night I went to the YMCA and joined the 3 on 3 league. The last time I played in this league was 2 years ago. Since that time ,I opened my speed academy in NY and have been unable to play, but I am back at it.
My first game was this past Tuesday night and my oldest daughter, Jae, watched my game. She loves basketball. I am on a team with a bunch of young bucks. They are really good players and mostly in their mid 20's. When they asked me to play I explained to them I will miss every now and again due to my travel schedule, so I am more of a sub at this point. However, because the games are lone, everyone plays a lot.
I have to say, I played pretty well considering I have not played much basketball the last two years. I had a lot of rust to work off but not too bad. When I came out of the game and went over to be next to my daughter and drink some water, she began coaching me. She said I needed to play harder defense and make more shots. So I said, "what did I do well? " She thought for a second and said, "I like the steal you had" (which was basically a loose ball I got to first).
What a cool thing. My daughter, a 5th grader, is in to the game enough to critique me. I have been given a worse assessment of play before, so hers wasn't too difficult to take. And you know what, she was right. I did miss some easy shots I normally would make and I was not moving my feet too well on defense.
The thing that amazed me is that these are the same type of things she hears me saying about other players when I am coaching. It is funny how what we think is not being absorbed by young people is really sinking in. Jae, if she chooses to, will make a great coach someday.
Why Assess Your Team
We talk a lot about assessments and how they build a foundation for us to work from. I don't think enough coaches put enough importance on using an assessment period (could be one or two weeks) to watch their team play, work together, see the chemistry, see their skill level, see what each player brings to the team, and more. After the assessment period take the information gained and then put a game plan together. In other words, how can you say for sure what type of offense or defense you want to run without actually seeing what your team can do.
Too often we find a really cool offense or we want to run the defensive scheme that Duke runs in basketball, or North Carolina runs in soccer, or use the offense the Colts run in football. The bottom line is what works well for one team may be disastrous for another. It is our job as coaches to evaluate and implement according to what we have.
Don't forget the number role of a coach. It is to set up our teams for success. If you put them in a system that fits what they do well as individuals and a team success can be achieved. But, if you try a system that doesn't fit, then failure will be lurking.
Do yourself and your teams a favor, evaluate them before you implement.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: The Speed Insiders Membership offers key coaching advice to help you grow as a coach. Remember the principle of Slight Edge. All you need is one idea to be the best coach you can be, the best business person you can be, or have the best athletes they can be. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to be a member for two FREE months.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Watch This....
Hey, I wanted to share with you my new blog video. Watch me explain coaching and understanding the "real" message.
Sometimes when we teach and assess a skill, we really need to know what the issue is. It is easy to throw terms and coaching cues out there but not ever get to the real issue.
Watch this video as I outline an example.
Sometimes when we teach and assess a skill, we really need to know what the issue is. It is easy to throw terms and coaching cues out there but not ever get to the real issue.
Watch this video as I outline an example.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: By the way members, of the http://www.speedinsiders.com/ club are sent video's like this every month. You can test drive my Speed Insider Membership FREE for 2 months... see what your missing.
Lee
PS: By the way members, of the http://www.speedinsiders.com/ club are sent video's like this every month. You can test drive my Speed Insider Membership FREE for 2 months... see what your missing.
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