Against my better judgment, I've signed up to try for my US Soccer D coaching license. I actually think I'm pretty well prepared, but it does involve committing my next two full weekends to dorking around with soccer drills. Most people only do this because their association (or employer) is leaning on them but I'm doing it for the pure love of the game. Well, and so that I don't have to do it later and really inconvenience myself. I did my "E" level last year, which is a certificate, and requires you to teach a lesson, but it's not graded and you can't really fail. The D is graded and you can fail and have to retake it. So, ummmm, the pressure is on.
I'm kind of very introverted by nature, though I've learned to move outside that barrier, and have taught adults in the classroom and on skis. I was actually a certified ski instructor upon a time, but my strength there was in my physical ability, rather than my pure teaching ability, which proved to be the yoke around my neck that prevented me for reaching the highest level of certification (despite three attempts.) You can kinda see why my anxiety level is rising.
So basically, I'm headed for a fall. I know I can do this but I'm expecting the worst. Which is as it should be.
Well, good luck. I'm sure you'll do fine! Loving the game is probably the best qualification. (Now it finally dawns why I may have failed as a geography "coach"...)
ReplyDeleteYou'll do great, especially if you internalize and then express the fact you're doing it for love of the game and not for you snivelling weaselly snot-nosed girlie-girls! When I say kick I mean KICK god DAMN it!
ReplyDeleteSoccer, the world game. Always wondered what banging the ball in mid-flight does to one's brains. Well, it's not made of concrete, after all...
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Interesting thing about heading. You have to hit the ball, rather than letting the ball hit you. Concussions occurs when something hits your head and bounces your brain around inside your skull, but if your skull proceeds through the ball, there's no brain bouncing.
ReplyDeleteSo I teach my kids to hit the ball.
I've reviewed the course materials and I think the key to passing is to make corrections to the students during the drills and to not talk too much.
No worries, Bob.
ReplyDeleteAussie football is pretty brutal. I mean I appreciate it and all, but it's not a sport I would play myself.
I loved soccer. Using my head as a club against a hurtling ball felt good most of the time, because as you say when you drive into it no damage is done, you can aim it pretty well, and getting it to the right place feels great.
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