Things You'll Need:
- Whistle
- Orange cones
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Step 1
Help your new soccer recruits get adjusted to the college game with summer camps. There are dozens of specialized camps that help young college players prepare to jump from the high school game to the next level. The Ralph Lundy Soccer Academy is typical of summer soccer camps appropriate for new members on your team (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Create an in-season training program that focuses more on flexibility and endurance than strength. Soccer players need to endure 90 minutes of play over several months, including practices and scrimmages. Use extended stretching sessions and distance running after practices to develop these skills while building character in your team.
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Step 3
Change goalkeepers on a regular basis to keep your last line of defense fresh. You should have at least one backup keeper who can fill in during an extended series of road games or a week-long tournament.
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Step 4
Use part of each practice to coach your team on corner kick alignment. Corner kicks can be used as a catalyst for your offense if your team is aligned correctly and the kicker knows where to place the ball.
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Step 5
Send graduate assistants and coaches to scout opposing teams for at least 1 month. Advanced scouting allows you to determine a team's strategy and incorporate new game plans well in advance of playing scouted teams. If your school has a limited budget, request video from opposing schools when possible.
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Step 6
Cultivate connections to high school coaches and other soccer professionals to develop a strong recruiting network. Successful college soccer programs are able to find recruits from the same geographic area on a regular basis. As a coach, you should make regular calls to these contacts and develop partnerships for joint summer camps or tournaments.
