I love talking to former players, especially when they are also fellow coaches. I had the opportunity to sit down for a few minutes with an assistant coach at an NCAA Division I program that just happened to play for me during his club days. The conversation soon turned to talent and the translation to the collegiate game.
"What is one thing I, as a club coach, can do for our players to better help them prepare for collegiate soccer?" I asked.
His response was simple and to the point. "Give me 20 hours."
The NCAA allows college soccer programs to work with their athletes *20 hours a week. This includes practice, games, film, strength training, and other soccer related activities. However, this does not include any mandatory medical or academic commitments.
Most club teams are training 3-4 times a week plus 1-2 games on the weekend. 4 x 90 minutes = 6 hours; 2 x 2hours (games) = 4 hours. You are looking at about 10 hours, on average, a week. Are you prepared to double that time commitment. IMPORTANT!!! This is required time to be a part of the program. This is not counting the extra time that you will need to put in to separate yourself at your position, or time you spend studying film to become the best.
"Give me 20 hours. There are so many players with immense talent that never see the field because they can't cope with the 20 hours." stated my former player. "If you can get your players to understand that doing the minimum is not enough, you will be making a huge impact on their college careers."
TYPICAL COLLEGE SOCCER WEEK
Monday | Training - 2 hours; Strength - 1 hour
Tuesday | Training - 2 hours; Film/Scout - 1 hour
Wednesday | Match Day - 3 hours
Thursday | Recovery - 1.5 hours; Match Review/Film - 1 hour
Friday | Training - 2 hours; Strength - .5 hour
Saturday | Match Day - 3 hours
Sunday | Off Day
Individual Meetings/Workouts throughout week | 3 hours
OTHER MANDATORY THINGS That do no count against the 20 hours
Study Tables | 4-10 hours (depending on grades)
Medical - Rehab/Prevention/Tape | 1-3 hours
Extra Training on own | 1-2 hours
Please remember you are also attending SCHOOL, so you will have 12-16 hours a week of class plus any studying or homework you need above and beyond Study Tables.
So what can you do as a club player? Add a strength program to your routine (we can discuss this at another time, but it doesn't mean you have to lift weights), watch film (your games, college, or professional), and fall in love with individual training to improve your game. I suggest that at least 50% of your time is spent on the ball improving your technique and skills.
Those of you headed to college and those that think they want to play collegiate soccer - GIVE ME 20 HOURS!
*During the off-season NCAA allows 8 hours a week. The off-season normally runs from the end of the fall campaign until about February.
