Thoughts on the E License

[coachrefparent]

I was given WAY more training (not that I needed it, but I did on the GK stuff) on techniques when I took all of the AYSO coaching classes. I think they assume a much lower level of soccer experience for AYSO coaches (tend to have lots of dads and moms who are thrown into the positions) thus the extra attention given to proper passing and trapping techniques. But still any of these AYSO dads/moms could apply, pay for and get an E license and never get the proper training on the basic soccer skills.

I have noticed when watching club soccer teams (good ones even) practice that the coaches spend little to no time on correcting basic skills mistakes on the individual level. Sometimes it is frustrating to see a player not properly shoot with their instep or to continually place their plant foot too far from the ball etc... and I get the feeling that the coaches are more concentrated on the team aspect of the session. It would probably take away too much of the coaches time to keep stopping practices to correct form if it is just from a handful of kids. Without an assistant coach I can see it being difficult but I think a session on improving kicking form with both feet (proper striking technique, proper plant foot, proper follow through) could help everyone. A good motivated player will be doing this on their own or in private training though. Wayyyy back in the AYSO days, I would have an assistant coach help out and I would take two players away at a time to make sure their passing (side of the foot), instep kick and trap were the proper technique. The best coach I ever had as a youth player was a real jerk but he showed me the proper way to shoot a ball with my instep and it raised my game up a couple of levels. So the little things do make a big difference and the good coaches work in a way to correct mistakes on technique within the framework of the team sessions (which is what the E license on field session test did exactly).

A lot of the difference is the philosophy (that is taught in the E license course and espoused by competitive coaches), that you can't just line players up and have them do static training, like is taught in AYSO (and often in expensive competitive "privates".) You'll see posts here from people making fun of a coach for teaching throw-ins, for example. As if its better if your players don't know how to properly perform a throw in, both technically and tactically.

Dribbling around cones is banned, but if you use flat discs, or tall rods you're brilliant. Lining up players to practice passing back and forth, or crossing to each other is verboten, but if you put them on a diagonal and keep them running in circles its great.

The idea that a team coach can't teach specific techniques on player-by-player basis is absurd. This can be incorporated into warm-ups, or a dedicated session where you focus on a particular technique or issue that the team lacks as a whole. The idea that every training session has to follow the progressive model of warm-up to expanded, to small side game is also silly.

 

[Marco Marquez]

Yes, that is why it is called a team sport. Practices are meant to focus on team building and tactical aspects. Instead of focusing on the individual player's needs to grow and improve, the coach is usually focused on the team. In this kind of environment it is up to the player to stay in top form to maintain his spot on the team and keep playing competitively.

 

[coachrefparent]

Yes, that is why it is called a team sport. Practices are meant to focus on team building and tactical aspects. Instead of focusing on the individual player's needs to grow and improve, the coach is usually focused on the team. In this kind of environment it is up to the player to stay in top form to maintain his spot on the team and keep playing competitively.

Apparently football, volleyball, and baseball are not team sports, based on how they practice.

 

[timbuck]

Imagine a basketball team at 11 years old that runs a perfect pick and roll, but can't hit a layup. Or runs a perfect fast break but can't dribbble the ball without bouncing it off of their knee.

 

[Dargle]

You use to have to have the E license and coach card from club to coach a CSL game. I believe it was two years ago they loosened it and now allow a team manager who has done the 'Live Scan' to do it with a manager card. I am sure each gaming circuit has (or has had) different rules regarding this... but it definitely "use to" be required in CSL (not too long ago).

Not quite true. Here is the new rule (with emphasis added):

In an EMERGENCY, any Cal South Administrator/Coach of any Cal South League/Club who holds at least a USSF “F” license with a current approved Risk Management designation may coach the Team.

They don't define "emergency," but presumably you would need an E or higher coach assigned to the team and you couldn't pull the "emergency" thing too often without getting caught. It is really meant to allow teams without assistant coaches to continue the game if the coach is thrown out by the ref or gets stuck in traffic etc. It's effectively pro-kids because it basically says that as long as we're covered from a liability perspective (risk management + a little bit of coaching and concussion safety instruction), we might as well let the kids play and deal with the adults later.

Since this rule was enacted, I've advised all team administrators to take the online F course. It's 2 hours, it's relatively inexpensive and very convenient, and it provides some extra protection for the team.

 

[Mystery Train]

This is a great thread, Grace. All of the input here from folks who have done the training really opens my eyes to some of the basic problems with developing good coaches and players in the US. And answers MANY of the questions I've had in my mind about what is going on with the quality of coaching in youth soccer as I watch from the sidelines.

 

[Grace T.]

This is a great thread, Grace. All of the input here from folks who have done the training really opens my eyes to some of the basic problems with developing good coaches and players in the US. And answers MANY of the questions I've had in my mind about what is going on with the quality of coaching in youth soccer as I watch from the sidelines.

Thanks. It's been eye opening for me too so thanks to everyone for the responses. Just to give you guys an idea: my assigned topic was passing from the wide. My son has a really lovely cross his trainer worked with him on so I made that my session topic. For the warmup I had them get into two groups (no lines) and cross the ball back and forth to teach them the skill and work on that first touch and elevation. For the stage 2 I added a keeper receiver and one defender on a run down the line (once they got this I added a second defender). Didn't want too much pressure as my refined topic for the 8 year olds was how to cross with elevation and I know only about 1/2 our squad can do it with any regularity let alone under pressure. Stage 3 was 4 v 4 with keeper. Stage 4 was the scrimmage. The criticism of my stage 2 was that it wasn't realistic even for u9 and my stage 2 should be the warmup. My stage 2 should be 3 v 4 with fullbacks in the box and playing with offside rule in effect. I responded there's no way most 8 year olds on anything but a gold team can cross with control under that much pressure. I have yet to see it from any team in our flight in an actual game make a proper elevated cross. I asked if I move my stage 2 to the warmup when does the kid actually learn how to do the cross? I didn't really get a good answer to it. The only one I could think of was either I have to teach my kid or personal trainer. On the Younger's I think the curriculum could have more technique like AYSO. The AYSO curriculum would be great except many their volunteers don't have the knowledge to teach it for a numbers of reasons but chiefly because they are volunteers. There also is a lot to be said for the small sided game but it isn't the end all.

 

[soloyosh]

Have an E... Getting a D.

Learned FAR more getting an NSCAA membership and going to a convention. The convention is like drinking from a fire hose. Focus less on diagramming what they are doing and take notes on HOW they are doing it. Then order the videos and watch them to see what you missed. I've watched Dick Bate's defending early/defending late session 4 times and am still picking up stuff.

Plus its cool when you meet Malory Pugh and she addresses you as "Coach."

 

[TangoCity]

Not quite true. Here is the new rule (with emphasis added):



They don't define "emergency," but presumably you would need an E or higher coach assigned to the team and you couldn't pull the "emergency" thing too often without getting caught. It is really meant to allow teams without assistant coaches to continue the game if the coach is thrown out by the ref or gets stuck in traffic etc. It's effectively pro-kids because it basically says that as long as we're covered from a liability perspective (risk management + a little bit of coaching and concussion safety instruction), we might as well let the kids play and deal with the adults later.

Since this rule was enacted, I've advised all team administrators to take the online F course. It's 2 hours, it's relatively inexpensive and very convenient, and it provides some extra protection for the team.

I said that is the way it USE to be. It is different now. The F license is something new too. It is basically an online course that takes you one hour.

 

[Dargle]

I said that is the way it USE to be. It is different now. The F license is something new too. It is basically an online course that takes you one hour.

The part that I was saying is not quite true is this sentence in your post:

I believe it was two years ago they loosened it and now allow a team manager who has done the 'Live Scan' to do it with a manager card.

The two conditions you have to add to that sentence to make it accurate "now" is that the TA has to have an F license and they can only step in and coach in an emergency.

Just didn't want to mislead someone who thought they could now coach without any coaching license and at any time.

 

[Eagle33]

You use to have to have the E license and coach card from club to coach a CSL game. I believe it was two years ago they loosened it and now allow a team manager who has done the 'Live Scan' to do it with a manager card. I am sure each gaming circuit has (or has had) different rules regarding this... but it definitely "use to" be required in CSL (not too long ago).

I have also seen tournaments (Legends for example) where you had to have a carded coach present at the game for the game to start (you can't get coach card without license). This was approximately three years ago. So again, things may have changed or it may depend on the venue. Always best to check the rules so there are no surprises.

Yes, manager with a life scan can coach in CSL game now.
SCDSL still require licensed coach or a manager with a coaching license.

 

[Not_that_Serious]

I agree with your assessment. I took the E a few years ago. It teaches you how to run a session. And you'll pick up on a few things along the way. But it does NOTHING to show someone how to teach proper technique to a 9 year old. There were some impressive recent college players that were fun to watch during the field sessions. They made my old self look silly on a few occassions. It seems that the E license takes for granted that all kids from 8-12 know how to properly trap a ball, execute a proper push pass, how to do an instep drive kick, how to defend properly, have mastered all of the various turns and feints and understand basic tactics. There is no discussion on building out of the back, possession, playing between the lines.
A fresh out of college player might be amazing at doing all of the above. But that doesn't mean they can break down the parts to teach them to a new player. I've taken all of the AYSO courses (u6, u8, u10, u12, Intermediate and Advanced). The AYSO courses actually teach someone how to teach things to kids. I think there needs to be some sort of combination. If the E license course added some of the Coerver stuff, it would really be improved.
I'll be getting my D this summer (if they would finally publish some dates that fit my dang schedule). I'm not expecting that I'll learn a ton. I'm expecting the course to be a test of what I already know and how well that fits withing the guidelines of what US Soccer/Cal-South want to see.

The issue is US Soccer seems to push this coursework to sell the other licenses. They also focus on Club vs Rec IMO - which is the real bread better for them. Given that it seems Club focused, they dont worry about trying to teach you techniques - almost like they assume you know how to do it. If Club practices were constructed to be at least 3x a week (even for those not being keepers) we would have more skilled kids - coaches could focus an entire day on skill (coerver type drills), one on tactics, one on actually playing implementing some lessons. Much has to do with pay, which is another story. Coaches take this license system and weigh cost/benefit and most will say "not worth going past X license". Think majority I see is D with some teetering if they will benefit from C. Most I speak to think its just $ grab. How I see it unless they totally revamp what they are doing at some point.

 

[Grace T.]

The issue is US Soccer seems to push this coursework to sell the other licenses. They also focus on Club vs Rec IMO - which is the real bread better for them. Given that it seems Club focused, they dont worry about trying to teach you techniques - almost like they assume you know how to do it. If Club practices were constructed to be at least 3x a week (even for those not being keepers) we would have more skilled kids - coaches could focus an entire day on skill (coerver type drills), one on tactics, one on actually playing implementing some lessons. Much has to do with pay, which is another story. Coaches take this license system and weigh cost/benefit and most will say "not worth going past X license". Think majority I see is D with some teetering if they will benefit from C. Most I speak to think its just $ grab. How I see it unless they totally revamp what they are doing at some point.

It's not just the licenses they are trying to sell, but also the online planning tool (which after your initial free months with the E license requires a subscription)....it's probably why they also try and force you to do it online (even if your hotel has rowboat slow wifi) so that they can get you to try it. As for rec, others can correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think AYSO for example recognizes the E license....only rec leagues affiliated with a club soccer program (like WVSL or SimiVSL) and for those you just need the F at the lower levels. Even, however, if practices were to be constructed at least 3x a week, though, they are actively discouraging coaches for taking an entire day on skill (e.g. coerver type drills) or one on one tactics....the philosophy seems to be focused on guided self-learning (with the coach issuing periodic, limited corrections) in realistic game-like situations....to the extent there is technical training, it's supposed to be built into the "warm up" initial stage (which isn't so much really a warm up as a technical training session, but given that it's only 10 minutes or so leaves very little time for technical instruction and needs to avoid lines and more often than not boils down to some version of one v one exercises).

 

[Not_that_Serious]

If your kids coach isn't teaching them individual technique at u8-12, you need to find a new coach. With a good coach at the younger ages, privates are unnecessary.

I disagree. Private lessons in group atmosphere OUTSIDE of club environment is where I believe kids improve the most. You practice 2x a week at 1.5hrs - when you suppose to mix in working on bringing down a ball, foot drills, sprint drills, etc? Coaches dont have much time for that. Most clubs even have it written you are suppose to train outside club on skills. At club I want my kid learning how to play for game situations and practicing against kids at his level or better. kids are sponges at younger ages. Easier to get them to do something over and over. If a kid hasnt been getting foot skill training, learning to bring a ball down at an early age, going to be extremely hard to get him to do it at age 13+. At around 13 or 14 they should start focusing on tactics/game play. No time to coach kids up at high school age. way behind the curve at that point unless the kid is a freak athlete and the coach plays punt and chase. If you have the time to help your kid for a couple hours (and you think you know how to teach the skill), then maybe you dont need to get private lessons. Most kids dont want to do specific training with parents - hell even Jackie Chan couldnt train his own kid. Boys are harder after awhile as they age as well - blasted testosterone and troublesome peers. The hour or sometimes 2hrs he gets with a private group has been where my kid's technical skills have flourished. The C-Note I pay for the month I believe is more than reasonable given my child's technical progression - also since its prolonged his life due to me not wanting to strangle him when I practice with him.

 

[Not_that_Serious]

It's not just the licenses they are trying to sell, but also the online planning tool (which after your initial free months with the E license requires a subscription)....it's probably why they also try and force you to do it online (even if your hotel has rowboat slow wifi) so that they can get you to try it. As for rec, others can correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think AYSO for example recognizes the E license....only rec leagues affiliated with a club soccer program (like WVSL or SimiVSL) and for those you just need the F at the lower levels. Even, however, if practices were to be constructed at least 3x a week, though, they are actively discouraging coaches for taking an entire day on skill (e.g. coerver type drills) or one on one tactics....the philosophy seems to be focused on guided self-learning (with the coach issuing periodic, limited corrections) in realistic game-like situations....to the extent there is technical training, it's supposed to be built into the "warm up" initial stage (which isn't so much really a warm up as a technical training session, but given that it's only 10 minutes or so leaves very little time for technical instruction and needs to avoid lines and more often than not boils down to some version of one v one exercises).

This is part of the reason US Soccer has over $100 Million in the bank at the moment. Many positive things they can do with the money, but will they? Depends if they are only looking at the system from a business standpoint. If so, no reason to change anything - if only to make more money.

 

[Not_that_Serious]

Imagine a basketball team at 11 years old that runs a perfect pick and roll, but can't hit a layup. Or runs a perfect fast break but can't dribbble the ball without bouncing it off of their knee.

i agree if you have a group of 6-9 year olds, then improving the tech skills will probably get you a dramatic change of results on the field. Older groups might not have such a great effect at club level ( it would at Rec level, but not as dramatic as younger ages) since these kids have been working on those skills for years - these kids already starting to figure out speed of play and tactics. really dependent on the group. My kid plays/played on both rec level and club teams - good to get out and play less stress free and play with other friends. It is also frustrating at the same time when you see a 12 year old running away from the ball, but his rec level coach (played soocer entire life, pro dad) knows he has to adjust coaching style/lessons depending on group skills. Some coaches, even at pro level dont even get that concept. although, i do believe their should be a general/basic level of teaching ALL kids should get Rec/Signature/Plus/Club or what have you. until then, going to continue as we are.

 

[Dargle]

As for rec, others can correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think AYSO for example recognizes the E license....only rec leagues affiliated with a club soccer program (like WVSL or SimiVSL) and for those you just need the F at the lower levels.

There's technically no reciprocity agreement between AYSO and USSF coaching licenses, but AYSO does have a policy of recognizing those licenses as long as you do safe haven and the AYSO online course and get approval. F gets you up through U12 AYSO certification, E gets you intermediate, and D and above get you advanced.

http://www.ayso.org/Assets/For+Volu...ts/ayso_reciprocity_equivalency_agreement.pdf