Synopses & Reviews
When Tony DiCicco first became head coach of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, his star player, Mia Hamm, gave him this piece of advice: "Coach us like men, but treat us like women." Now the most successful coach in American international soccer history shows coaches and parents how to get the most out of young female players.
Catch Them Being Good provides an outline for how to build a team-from selecting players and setting team goals to giving instructional feedback, dealing with wins and losses, and building chemistry. The book also offers exercises and drills that any coach can implement, along with invaluable advice on the differences in coaching males and females. In addition, this book is an important tool for parents, as DiCicco and Hacker answer some of their most common questions: How can I tell if the coach is doing a good job? What if I have a problem with the coach? What should I do if my child wants to quit? Abounding with stories about the personalities of the championship teams, Catch Them Being Good is the ultimate soccer book for parents, coaches, and athletes-from America's soccer authority.
About the Author
Tony DiCicco coached the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team to the Gold Medal in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and the World Cup Championship in 1999. The winningest national team coach in U.S. history, he is the commissioner of the Women's United Soccer Association.
Dr. Colleen Hacker is the sport psychology consultant for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and a professor at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments · vii
Introduction · xiii
Chapter 1. My Coaching Philosophy, 1
Chapter 2. Girls Sweat Too: The New Model of the Champion, 11
Chapter 3. Coaching the Young Athlete, 25
Chapter 4. Tryouts: Creating Your Team, 43
Chapter 5. "Chemistry" Is a Verb, 59
Chapter 6. Eyes on the Prize, 73
Chapter 7. Catch Them Being Good, 97
Chapter 8. Inner Winner, Outer Champion: Developing Self-esteem, 109
Chapter 9. Feedback Is the Breakfast of Champions: Communicating with Your Team, 119
Chapter 10. From Survive to Thrive, 139
Chapter 11. Failure as Fertilizer, 151
Chapter 12. Act As If, 167
Chapter 13. Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing, 177
Chapter 14. Is It Pressure or Is It Opportunity? 189
Chapter 15. The Power of One, 197
Chapter 16. Players', Parents' and Coaches' Boot Camp: What to Do in the Off-season, 207