Ways to manage High School- Club Conflicts

Whether you’re a coach or a parent, below are items to think about when it comes to handling the high school- club conflict.
1. Unnecessary running- The kids are playing everyday-they’re already in shape. You don’t need them to run sprints to win the next game, or worse-threaten them with running if they don’t win. You need them to be rested, so they have the energy to perform when it counts. Let them use a ball in practice.
2. Shorter Practices- If the pros can accomplish in 90 minutes what they need to do, so can you. Be more efficient in your training time and allow more time for the players with their homework and other things.
3. Manage Playing Time- All coaches like their best players on the field, however, you need to manage their minutes. A 2 goal lead in the second half is enough to give the best players a rest. Also, down 3 goals to a superior team in the second half, you can rest players.
4. Injury Recovery- All coaches have some players with a high threshold of pain and some who want an ambulance with a hang nail, and, the trick is to know them and listen to the trainer and a Dr., if one is involved. Also, err on the side of caution.
5. Team Tactics- Players need to learn how to rest on the field and pressure at the proper times and sit at the proper times. Keeping team shape and all players on the same page will breed success.
6. Too Many Rules- Have a few rules, however, not too many and use common sense. You want the players at your training session, but if they came from a demanding high school practice, have them there for the mental part, not the physical part. Maybe, if they’re playing in the school everyday, have them attend the club practice one or two times a week instead of three or four times.
7. Overscheduled- Team building is a must for a successful team, however, once again, use common sense. Do what you can as coach for a good team chemistry- not too much. Remember, these players don’t have much time as it is with school and club.
8. Rest and Recovery- Next time your fields are closed due to rain- cancel practice. As the high school coach your players had two club games over the week-end and your next game is Wed. Give them off on Monday.
9. Nutrition- Don’t ignore proper nutrition and hydration for your players. Encourage proper usage of foods and water and as a coach set the example with information and discussion before and after matches. Make nutrition an important part of your overall training.
10. Injury Prevention- Be aware of good nutrition and proper warm up techniques to prevent injuries. Run to get the muscles warm, then stretch them actively in motions utilized in the match. You need active warm-ups so you have your players play at optimum levels and they can’t perform because they’re injured. Keep in mind to train smart rather than hard.