i disagree with the supposition that athletes at public AA-A schools are not able to compete with athletes from AA-A private school members of the SCHSL. Rather than seeking to lessen the level of competition by eliminating the private schools, perhaps there are lessons to be learned from their programs that can be constructively applied to currently non-competitive programs.
Historically, the Bishop England girls' have been successful even during the years when the SCHSL championship was open to all classifications (including 4-A and 3-A)and they have been successful against the largest programs in Georgia (5-A) and North Carolina. We can benefit from adopting some of the very basic approaches that have been the real reason for their success. i offer a few of their approaches:
1. Fitness: You can not compete well if you are not fit. A comprehensive twelve month fitness program is essential and simple to design. There should be an established minimum fitness level documented by a test at the start of each season. It has the added benefit of limiting injuries.
2. Skill acquisition: Most my age did not learn this game on fancy fields, in fancy uniforms, and traveling to expensive locations. We learned on beaches or on dusty fields from others who learned the same way. The key is developing touch; comfort with the ball. This takes hours of daily training by individual players who are simply shown how to train.
3. Knowledge of the game: Watching the game being played at a high level is essential. This is now relatively easy to accomplish. FSN broadcasts daily matches from the EPL. Players should watch and study with their coach providing commentary.
4. Planned training sessions: Each session should be planned and there should be a progression to the daily training. There should be a season-long coaching plan that is intended to establish the style most suited to the team. For example today we will work on possession against high pressure by starting with simple 2 v 1 possession drills and building gradually to full sided keep away.
5. Seek challanges: Do not worry about wins; look to play the best teams available to you. We have all experienced the "scar building" period...do not avoid it. When the wins come and they will, success will be earned not legislated.
One final suggestion: if you need help ask for it. There are many of us in every community who are quite willing to pass on our knowledge...free of charge. If you need help with training design or finding a trainer post and we will try to help you. Good luck and best wishes.
