Good:
Players who ask questions when they don't understand something. Don't ever think it's a stupid question, or that I will think less of you for asking it. If I ever say something that confuses you or doesn't make sense, stop me and make me explain it.
Not Good:
Players who ask questions they already know the answer to, because they want me to see how dedicated they are. I can spot this kind of thing a mile away. The best way to demonstrate your dedication is to come to training and work hard.
Good:
Players who let me know when they need a sub. I know everyone wants to play, but if you're exhausted and we have rested players on the bench, staying on the pitch hurts the team.
Not Good:
Fouling opponents who have their back to goal. If you have forced a player to turn away from goal, you've already done your job. Don't ruin it by giving away a free kick that lets their entire team come forward for a ball into our box. Remember that the laws of the game prohibit you from tackling from behind, even if you win the ball. If you give away one of these fouls, you'll probably want to try to avoid eye contact with the bench area for a few minutes.
Good:
Positive, encouraging communication. Bad things happen in almost every game. Leaders help their teammates forget mistakes (since you will make them too), move on, and keep playing.
Not Good:
Negative, dismissive, or demeaning communication. Don't. Failure is a part of competition. You have to be able to handle it.
Good:
Taking risks. Outside backs have to overlap and get forward. Midfielders have to run ahead of the strikers. Strikers have to try to beat people in a crowded penalty area. And everyone has to be willing to shoot. Teams that never take risks don't win trophies. Safe is death.
Not Good:
Wide players being offside. This is simple: if you are in a wide position, it is very easy to look across the pitch to see the last defender. Usually, you can do this and watch the ball at the same time - so there is no excuse for a player in a wide position to be offside. Ever.
Good:
Having an open mind. Any time you get a new coach, it's natural to compare them to previous coaches. When I say or do something different, or that contradicts what a previous coach might have told you, don't dismiss it offhand. Every coach has their own methods and ideas.
Not Good:
Arguing with or complaining about the referees. Referees are a variable beyond your control, just like the weather or the condition of the field. There WILL be bad calls this season - probably a lot of them. We will also benefit from bad call. It usually evens out. Take your cue from me: I don't yell at referees, so you don't yell at referees.
Good:
Energy. By the time training comes around, we've all had a long day. You will have been in school all day, I will have already done a high-intensity 7:30 AM session at NC State. You're not always going to feel your best, but letting yourself drag through a session is not only a waste of your time and mine, it can actually make you worse as a player. Don't let that happen, even if you have to fake it.
That's enough for now. I'll hit you with more later, but this gives you a few ideas. I'm looking forward to getting started!
Justin
