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As I’m sure everybody’s noticed from the clinic videos, Brian uses a whistle to direct players during the sessions. Do any of you use whistles as well? It’s something I’ve been considering, and it’s something my college coach did only occasionally, but it seems to be easier to gain attention than yelling “freeze!” and having only half the group hear you.
I also saw Jason Kreis use a whistle when I watched Real Salt Lake train for a week, but I’ve noticed Sigi Schmid doesn’t use one, and neither does Jürgen Klinsmann. What are your thoughts? I’m leaning toward trying it with my high school team in the spring.
One obvious benefit is that is saves your voice, especially if you have more than one team to coach. Second, Brian is addressing 3 or 4 groups at a time over a large area and the whistle makes sense for more volume. Third, he obviously has a 3 or 4 tone whistle that means something other than a 1 whistle burst. My guess is that it means stop and get your butt in here on the double. I have seen another coach use a code word for the same effect.
Based on the good behavior of the students in the clinic, I would guess that there are other coaching techniques Brian uses that he may have set up before the videos start. I am wondering if he lays out a few ground rules like when I am talking, you’re not, eyes on me, and your ball is still (this happens). He also does not hesitate to demand focus of the group when it lapses. I would also guess that violating these conventions comes with consequences. Brian, can you shed some light on this?
I think it depends on the group you are working with. If you’re with a small group that can easily hear and see you, then it might not be necessary (as long as you can speak in a way that demands attention). For a large group, it’s probably easier to have it instead of having to yell “freeze” several times before everyone gets the message. I don’t use one, but we usually get 8-10 players at a practice which I can handle.
I’ve never used a whistle.
For me it generally depends on size of the group If there are 12 or less I don’t use a whistle but over 12 I find it useful
I would forget to bring it out with me, so dont bother. Really does not make any difference and sometimes I use my fingers to whistle, but mainly just talk.
I started using a whistle after watching Brian use it during a coaching clinic he put on for us here last year. I am also a PE teacher by day, so it was not a completely foreign concept to me.
Can’t speak for Brian regarding “why” he uses it, but for me it is simply a way to get the players’ attention and facilitate transitions without expending the energy of yelling “freeze!” or “Stop!” . I think it has been a positive addition to my coaching, though it is a very minor detail, and probably not vital.
I can speak towards Brian’s management of player expectations during a clinic. When he ran the clinic here he set very clear guidelines for the player behavior during all sessions. I believe you see it in effect in the videos.Christopher – would you care to elaborate a bit more? what were the guidelines for player behavior during the Seattle sessions? those “ground rules” would be interesting if you wouldn’t mind sharing. and more specifically, what are the consequences of non-compliance? how did Brian go about discipling the player (or the team) if they were NOT focused and engaged? please advise.
Christopher – would you care to elaborate a bit more? what were the guidelines for player behavior during the Seattle sessions? those “ground rules” would be interesting if you wouldn’t mind sharing. and more specifically, what are the consequences of non-compliance? how did Brian go about disciplining the player (or the team) if they were NOT focused and engaged? please advise.
Terry, spot on!!! My voice had been dying coaching multiple teams over the years and I really needed to do something about it. It really reached a boiling point when I was DOC at Barcelona USA. I’d run from field to field, game to game and my voice was fading fast. Someone suggested the whistle approach and I’ve stuck to it ever since (only a year ago).
Nothing out of the norm with regards to player behavior. When I start a clinic or get started with any new team I’m working with I lay out the 2 ground rules that are non-negotiable. They are both key components to improving as a player and are things that each player has complete control over.
1. FOCUS
2. Work RateWhen the session starts, 100% focus at all times. I have zero time or tolerance if the player thinks they came to training for social hour. If I need to remind a player more then once and they aren’t on task, get off the field.
Work rate is key! You can give a bad pass, miss 10,000 goals, and be spared from my doghouse. You don’t want to work hard? That player is toast!!! haha.
If you echo on these things enough, the message becomes loud and clear. Delivery of the message is obviously critical. Hope this help.
What’s up Cramer??? I agree, the whistle has worked wonders for me over the last year, plus my voice is in much better shape at the end of the day. I save the LOUD version for the demands of intensity in each exercise.
Hope all is well in Portland dude! Looking fw to catching up and hearing how the coaches and teams are doing.
Simon,
Replied on those specific things to Terry up top on this page. Hope that helps.
Brian,
Great to see you on here now! Things are going well here in Portland. Definitely need to catch up soon.
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