October 29, 2015
WYC 060 – Youth Soccer – Creed Larrucea talks The only rule you need and PCA’s ELM tree of success
What does it take to be a winning youth coach? Listen in as Creed Larrucea shares stories and discusses his journey to becoming a successful youth sports coach.
Creed is a physical therapist in Sacramento, California by day, and a stud youth soccer coach by night. He coaches youth teams and the local high school team. He is married and has 2 daughters ages 12 and 10.
Listen Now:
Listen in ITunes: Itunes link
Listen in Stitcher: Stitcher link
Quote
‘Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out’ – John Wooden
Coaching your own kids
- The first key is open communication – ask your kids – ‘Do you want me to coach your team?’
My Cringe & ‘Ah-Ha’ Moments
- Inaction – could have started 2 teams since he had great demand for his team – but he didn’t have the confidence that he could pull it off (he since has done this.)
Teaching Children & Keeping it Fun
- Patience and understanding the age-level you are at are key
- Say less, have them do more – make it fun and have ‘hidden’ teaching in there
- Soccer shooting drills:
- Knockout
- Bring out different style balls – tennis ball, big huge ball
Self-Confidence and teaching kids to achieve peak performance
- Positive Coaching Alliance’s ELM tree of success:
- Effort – is one of the main things you can control
- Learning – is what we’re here for
- Mistakes – are normal and part of growth
Culture – Discipline/Rewards/Teambuilding
Discipline
HUGE IDEA #1
- One rule: ‘Don’t let your teammates down’ – this one universal rule can apply to almost any situation
- Have fun games right at the beginning of practice – this is a great way to encourage kids to get to practice on time
Rewards
- Set team goals
HUGE IDEA #2
- Coach Creed gives effort scores – scores based according to their effort capability
The One that Got Away
- Writing down mistakes is one of the best ways to not let history repeat itself
- Creed had one girl on his team who had a family member able to attend one of her games for the first time – so he tried to get her extra opportunities – but he didn’t really put her in the best position to succeed and probably added pressure to her.
Best Stolen Idea
When teaching skills – 3 steps:
- Show how to do it
- Let them practice with slight opposition
- Let them practice in game-type setting
Using this you can see progress every practice, not just at the end of the year
Best Quote/Book
- Quote: ‘Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out’ – John Wooden
- Book: The Double Goal Coach – Jim Thompson from Positive Coaching Alliance
Parting Advice
- Make sure you’re winning twice
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