The high school view (Part 2): How coaches can raise their game during the pandemic interruption

Spring high school soccer seasons are over before they began. Fall seasons seem increasingly imperiled – at least the way we’re used to. What’s a high school soccer coach to do?

Plenty.

Although the loss of high school soccer has devastated coaches and players around the country, COVID-19 provides a few opportunities for coaches to raise their game. In a world filledwith loss – jobs, income, daily interactions, and tens of thousands of human lives – it may seem counterintuitive, even disrespectful to talk of silver linings. Yet soccer coaches areadept at turning the toughest times into learning experiences. And times don’t get tougher than this.

The “learning” part of this experience is important. An ocean of onlineresources – and time at home to surf them — offers coaches the chance to do real professional development. United Soccer Coaches, for example, provides “Match Day Webinars” that range from the pros and cons of different formations and howto evaluate games, to sports psychology. There’s also a “Coaching ThroughCOVID” series, and an extensive online resource library on attacking, defending, training, and every other topic imaginable. Videos and documents are accessible only by members, but afree 30-day membership is available now.

America Scores is in the midst of an innovative SoccerSummit. Online sessions include how to teach heading and third-man runs, handling concussions and preparing for game day.

YouTube is a terrific source of information too. Search bysubject (“3-4-3 formation,” say, or “2-v-1 soccer drills”), or type in “Anson Dorrance” or “Liverpool training.” You’ll find more videos (and more rabbit holes to wander down) than you ever dreamed of.

YouTube is also the go-to source for game videos.From classics like the France-West Germany 1982 World Cup semifinal to LeoMessi’s most amazing goals, there’s enough thereto keep you entertained for several pandemics.

Our current pandemic is a good opportunity for coaches to work onlong-term projects. Perhaps you’ve never had time to learn about coaching goalkeepers. Maybe you’ve always meant to clean out, organize and update your training session files. These days,you’ve got time to plan your entire season. Or you might have always wanted to create a team website. You won’t do it all in one day – but there are enough days ahead to tackle thatlong to-do list.

Of course, high school coaching is all about the connections with players. This is a great time to reach out to everyone. Some coaches are conducting Zoom conferences withtheir teams. That’s a great way to keep everyone together, reinforce goals, and trade training and fitness tips.

But individual conversations are important too. Texting each player letsthem know you’re still there, in a profound and impactful way. “Just checking in … how are you doing?” sends a strong message of care and concern. Some players will respondquickly, or at length. You’ll get insights into their lives you’d otherwise miss. Others won’t text back. Yet all will be grateful.

One of the joys of coaching is the chanceto build relationships with former players and colleagues. In the frenzy of our pre-coronavirus lives, it was tough to nurture those relationships. Now we’re able to connect with the men andwomen in the soccer world who mean so much to us. Choose one person a day to text, or even call. You’ll have meaningful conversations. And don’t forget the mentors who helped you get youwhere you are today.

In the end, all of these acts – professional development, watching matches, planning for the future, reaching back to the past – are part of the surprisinggift of the current crisis. Despite so many horrors, the pandemic gives coaches a chance to sit back and reflect on the things that really matter.

In the end, what matters most are notreferees’ calls, shots that go in or miss, or even wins or losses. Instead it’s the chance to play with teammates and against worthy opponents; to set lofty goals, and try to reach them,and to have as much fun as possible in the process.

High school coaches are privileged to help their players learn many life lessons from “the beautiful game.” At some point,we’ll all be back doing it. Until then, there’s a lot to do to stay ready.

• The high school view (Part 1):Some COVID-19 consequences are clear, many others are not

(Dan Woog is the boys soccer head coach at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, and chair of United Soccer Coaches’ LGBT & Allies advocacy group.)