Course Tour Coaching Methodology Team Management Skill Development Health and Safety Laws of the Game           ICA Bronze Course The International Bronze Course is directed towards coaches who are training youth players ages 5 through 9 years. This is an introductory level course, however it does exceed the requirements of many national schools and academies introductory certificates worldwide.   This online course is FREE with membership to The ICA.                                   learn more >                                       Module 1 - Methodology The Coaching Methodology section of the Bronze License covers the following areas: What you will Learn in Module 1      Organization of your practice sessions Organization of the practice session is one of the most important responsibilities of the coach. It covers many aspects, from securing a field, to preparing a written plan for the practice. You should plan ahead of time and always prepare for the unexpected. Never arrive at a practice or a game without considering all the elements of organization. Players will recognize immediately when a coach is unprepared.  Good planning and thorough organization translates into confidence. If you have a well thought out plan and you are certain about how your objectives are to be achieved your players will respond appropriately.    Facilities - Where are you going to practice? Equipment - What equipment do you need? Number of Players – How many for practice? Realistic Practices – Does it happen in the game? Injured Players Policy – How to keep them involved.    The Coaching Formula   Introduction – Coaching the practice. Step One – What’s the topic? Step Two – Stand back and observe. Step Three – Correct the mistakes. Step Four – Progress to the next level. Step Five – Relating the topic to the game.     When to Progress   Introduction – Going from simple to complex. Step One – Starting with the basics. Step Two – Striking a moving ball. Step Three – Passive resistance. Step Four – Introduction of pressure. Step Five – Relate to the game. Step Six – The big picture.   Communication   Introduction – A coach can communicate in two ways, by showing or by speaking. Do it by Showing – A picture tells a thousand words Do it by Speaking – Keeping it simple and clear.   How Young Players Learn   Introduction – How do young players learn? Profile of an Under 6 player – Love to run, jump, roll and hop. Profile of an Under 8 player – The puddle is still too tempting. Profile of an Under 10 player – Skills are emerging. Profile of an Under 12 player – They are openly competitive.  Qualities of a Good Coach Good coaches possess some fundamental qualities. It is not all about your win, loss record. Ironically, you can do a great job coaching and still not win. Conversely, you can have a successful record by just having the fortune of better players. Regardless of the level you are coaching, the game should be a fun and learning experience for your players. This section illustrates the qualities of a good coach.