Attending SoccerPlus Goalkeeper School this summer will benefit any soccer player who is looking to
improve their game. It is an experience unlike any other which will change your life on
and off the field. However, to make the most of your camp experience, you need to be fully
prepared. Here's some tips that will help.
Be
Physically Prepared
Try to go into camp in your best physical condition. Every moment at camp is a valuable
learning experience. You want to be able to be able to seize every opportunity to practice
and learn. We all know that our ability to pay attention decreases when we are tired, our
ability to train with a pulled muscle is reduced. The bottom line is that to take full
advantage of everything that is offered at camp you must be in good physical shape.
Bring The
Right Equipment
Bringing the right equipment is crucial to having a successful camp. Of course you will
need to bring your usual goalkeeper gear; jersey, gloves, shorts. socks, shinguards
and
shoes. However, there are plenty of other things to think about.
Be Sure to
Bring the Following:
|
\\\ |
Cleats that are already broken in. Don't buy a new pair of
shoes to wear at camp unless you have enough time to break them in. New shoes can give you
blisters. |
|
\\\ |
For Goalkeepers:
An extra goalkeeper jersey. During the hot summer months
you will need a fresh jersey for each session. If you wash your jerseys at night they will
be fresh for the next day. |
|
\\\ |
Indoor shoes for possible indoor sessions and casual
evening wear. Sometimes because of bad weather sessions will be conducted indoors. |
|
\\\ |
A warm-up suit and/or rain gear |
|
\\\ |
For
Goalkeepers: Long goalkeeper pants or sweatpants for breakaway sessions. |
|
\\\ |
Plenty of tee shirts and shorts |
|
\\\ |
Linens, blankets, pillow and towels. |
|
\\\ |
Sandals for the showers |
|
\\\ |
Bathroom items e.g. soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste
deodorant |
|
\\\ |
A fan. Not all rooms are air-conditioned. |
|
\\\ |
Laundry detergent. You will need to wash your dirty gear |
|
\\\ |
An alarm clock. You don't want to miss breakfast! |
|
\\\ |
A calling card or change so you can call home and tell
everyone that you are doing great. |
|
\\\ |
Bug-spray and sun-screen. Ouch! |
|
\\\ |
Spending money for evening snacks, laundry or the camp
store. |
|
\\\ |
Athletic tape and wraps if you need them. There will be a
certified athletic trainer (A.T.C.) on hand to assist you. |
|
\\\ |
A notebook and pen for evening classroom sessions. |
|
\\\ |
A ball! You cannot play without one. |
|
\\\ |
A water bottle. You don't want to get dehydrated. |
|
\\\ |
An address book. The friendships you make can last a lifetime. |
|
\\\ |
A disposable camera if you want a "Kodak moment"
with your new friends. |
|
\\\ |
There may be some other things you can think of but if you bring all of the above you
will be in good shape. Don't forget there will be a camp store at each site with a full
selection of equipment. |
Take Good
Notes
Evening classrooms are designed to present students with information which time does
not permit during the day. Most students are pretty tired by the end of the day but this
is not the time to zone out or doze off. If you take good notes it will help you to pay
attention and you will have a valuable asset to review when camp is over. It is also a
good idea to jot down some of the exercises you did during the day. By the end of the week
it will be hard to remember all that you have done.
Talk to
the Coaches
Most coaches were students at some time in the past. They can relate to a lot of issues
which concern you. Never be shy about talking with coaches. They are thereto help you.
Many students develop lifelong relationships with their staff coaches. Exchange phone
numbers and addresses so you can stay in touch during the season.
Stay
Positive
A week can be a long time when you are training with intensity. There will be some high
and low points. It is important that you minimize your low points and get back on track
quickly. Ultimately, you will learn more and have more successes with a positive state of
mind.
Be A
Sponge
Probably the most important thing you can bring to camp is an open mind. You are about
to be inundated with all types of technical, tactical, psychological and physiological
information. No matter how good you are or how many successes you have enjoyed remember
why you decided to go to camp... to get better by learning from the best. Camp is a
learning environment like school. You are presented with a whole lot of information and
then it is up to you to decide what to do with it. Your goal should be to absorb as much
information as possible and then fit what you can into your game. You may not agree with
everything but you owe it to yourself to open your mind and try new things. Remember why
you signed up for camp.
The Never
Ending Camp
Camp does not end at the end of the week. The improvement will continue throughout the
year if you continue to apply what you learned at camp. Remember the exercises you did (hope you took good notes), the intensity level at which you worked, the discipline you
showed on and off the field and the words of wisdom you picked up from the staff. Every
time you step on the practice field you should relive your week at camp. You have been
given the tools to make yourself a better keeper. By the end of the week you will be a
better keeper, but why should the improvement stop there.
Enjoy your time at camp this summer. Strive to make the most of it as humanly possible
and you will reap the rewards for the rest of your life.
Good Luck!
|
