How Objective Data Changed UNC Women’s Soccer Player-Coach Dynamic

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There are 28 different categories for which a women’s soccer player at the University of North Carolina receives a score – every day, in practice and in games.

It’s part of an effort by head coach Anson Dorrance to develop what he has labeled a “competitive cauldron,” a developmental environment which encourages – even demands – competition between teammates.

“The main thrust of the competitive cauldron is to drive competition in practice,” says Dorrance, who has led the Tar Heels to 21 NCAA Championships and was the architect of the U.S. Women’s National team program. “If everyone knows that every part of practice is recorded, we are going to get a greater focus and a more competitive spirit to try to win at every aspect of practice.

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Four Things Coaches Say That Make Me Cringe

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I coach girls’ soccer and have for about 20 years. I’ve always had a good understanding of the game, and over the years I’ve learned how to teach it adequately.

The girls I’ve been coaching for the past five or six years are 11, 12 and 13 years old, and those may be my favorite ages. They want to learn and they will try to do whatever you ask of them. That’s the rewarding part. The fun part is that, contrary to popular teachings at coaching schools, sarcasm and less-than-truthful statements work. [Read more…]

A Lesson in Injuries From USWNT Pros

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So, one of your players is injured. You ask the same question every time you see them. “How’s the injury?” You get the same answer every time – “I’m okay.”

Let’s face it. Your athletes need some good advice on how to deal with an injury. And they need to hear it from someone they will pay attention to, meaning someone other than you.

Do you think they’d listen to a pair of U.S. women’s national team players – Carli Lloyd and Crystal Dunn? [Read more…]