Simple, Proven, and Timeless Lesson for Coaches of All Ages
Wow! Time Flies…I can’t believe that over 21 years ago, I stepped into a coaching clinic at San Jose State University with a group of fellow soccer coaches. We were there for the CYSA/USSF National D & CA State D licensing clinic, organized and taught by Karl Dewazien and his outstanding staff. The four-day, live-in course was packed with classroom sessions, field activities, and practical coaching wisdom.
Little did I know that one simple lesson from those days would still be a cornerstone of my coaching philosophy two decades later. That lesson? Something called “The Serve.” It’s simple, timeless, and has worked for every team and player I’ve coached since then—whether they were six years old, high schoolers, college players, or goalkeepers.
The Moment It All Clicked
The clinic was centered around the FUNdamental SOCCER 9-Step Lesson Plan, a structured approach to coaching that’s as relevant now as it was then. During one session, Coach Jan Eric Nordmo introduced “The Serve” as part of Step 3: One + One Cooperative Play.
Here’s what made it special:
- Coach Nordmo showed ONE player how to set up ‘The Serve’.
- That player taught the next, who then taught another until the entire team was set up for ‘The Serve’.
- The best part? Coach Nordmo didn’t speak after showing the first player what to do. The kids figured it out, learned from each other, and took ownership of the process.
Step 3: Quickly transitioned into Step 4: 1v1 Competitive Play, turning the cooperative setup into a dynamic, game-like challenge.
It was a lightbulb moment for me. This wasn’t just about teaching soccer skills—it was about empowering players to think for themselves, communicate, and lead.
Why “The Serve” Works
I’ve used “The Serve” for 21 years, adapting it for all kinds of teams, players, and scenarios. Why has it lasted so long? Because it’s:
- Simple and Player-Led: Kids teach each other, which deepens their understanding and builds teamwork.
- Versatile: It works for cooperative small-sided, competitive play, and even specialized goalkeeper training.
- Engaging: Players are active, involved, and having fun while learning.
- Timeless: Soccer changes, but the FUNdamentals don’t—and ‘the Serve’ is built on solid FUNdamentals.
Lessons That Go Beyond Soccer
As coaches, it’s easy to overcomplicate things, especially when working with younger players. But I’ve learned that simple, structured lessons like “The Serve” teach more than just soccer.
They teach kids how to:
- Communicate effectively.
- Solve problems on their own.
- Take pride in learning and teaching others.
Over the years, I’ve taught this approach to thousands of coaches through CYSA Pre-F, F, E, and E/D courses. Time and time again, I’ve seen how it works for players of all ages—and I’m still using it today.
Takeaways for Coaches
If you’re a coach—whether you’re working with 6-year-olds or teens—here are a few things to keep in mind:
- 📋 Keep It Simple: Kids learn best when the activities are straightforward and structured. The 9-Step Lesson Plan is a great starting point.
- 🔄 Let Players Lead: Give kids the chance to teach each other. It builds confidence, leadership, and teamwork.
- ⚽ Make It Fun and Game-Like: Transition from cooperative play (like setting up the playing environment) to competitive challenges to keep players engaged.
- 🕰️ Stick to What Works: Timeless principles like “The Serve” last because they focus on the FUNdamentals that every player needs.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how one simple idea can stay with you for so long. For me, “The Serve” wasn’t just an activity—it was a reminder that great coaching is about creating an environment where players can thrive.
So, if you’re looking for a way to simplify your sessions while still building skills and confidence, try incorporating player-led lessons like this one. They’ve worked for me for 21 years—and I’m sure they’ll work for you too.
To learn more about the Fundamental Soccer 9-Step Lesson Plan and other proven coaching tools, check out Fundamental Soccer. It’s a resource that changed my coaching journey, and it might just change yours, too!
Koach Karl’s Komments
Thank you, Coach Chapman, for sharing your reflection and for continuing to apply the 9-step methodology from the FUNdamental SOCCER lesson plan. It is inspiring to see how these timeless concepts still shape how we should coach today.
Your story about Coach Nordmo’s silent demonstration of cooperative play is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of excellent teaching. All the coaches and players you’ve inspired, and I truly appreciate your dedication. Thank you for your continued advocacy and mentorship in improving soccer for our children!
