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Water Polo Coaches Association Conference December 14, 2013 Jason Lynch. High School Club VS Club Pros and Cons. The High School Club. PROS. CONS. Players may be forced to play out of natural position. Little opportunity for players to be exposed to other high level players.
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Water Polo Coaches Association Conference December 14, 2013 Jason Lynch High School Club VS ClubPros and Cons
The High School Club PROS CONS Players may be forced to play out of natural position. Little opportunity for players to be exposed to other high level players. High School Coach may be inexperienced or lack motivation to work and grow as a coach. Players being exposed to only one “Coaching Voice.” Athletes may need to seek outside sources in specific areas of training if not provided. • Train team for future HS competitions. • Builds team unity. • Learn teammate tendencies. • Coach can control and coordinate all facets of training. NO CONFLICTS. • Athlete only needing to meet the demands of one coach. • Players can have an important role and a better chance to develop with fewer players to compete against.
CLUB PROS CONS Coaches putting athletes in conflict. (Non supportive of HS Coaching) Difficulty in creating cohesive team with all-star player mentality. Difficulty with player commitment. Inconsistent/unfair team standards to favor a Club Coach’s HS players. Recruitment of all star players. Large clubs may not fit the needs of developmental level players. • Athlete exposure and adjustment to multiple coaching styles and techniques and tactics. • Exposure to high level competition and high level players for opportunities to improve and compete for playing time. • More likely to provide players opportunities to travel and to see and be seen. • Allows HS coach a break and to focus on aspects of training (fitness and strength) not typically provided by the water polo club.
Further Considerations • What is best for the athlete must be the deciding factor in all decisions. As a profession, do not put young people in conflict. • HS Coach to Club Coach Communication and cooperation as well and Athlete to Coach communication is essential to minimize conflicts. • Playing sports as part of an academic institution is unique to the U.S. and should be viewed as a valuable and meaningful experience. The goal of most athletes involved in club sports is to improve to play on their HS team and possibly in college. • The off- season for HS (Jan-May in CA) is a very demanding time for the athlete looking to play club and meet his or her HS responsibilities. • To create a high-level HS Club training program, the HS coach must be willing to work year-round in all aspects of training (weights, swimming, water polo and character/leadership development) and have full access to all facilities necessary as well as entering the HS Club team in high-level competitions. • Playing for the same Club during an athlete’s entire developmental career (10-18 years) provides a meaningful experience, especially coming up with the same athletes as well as a great sense of club pride.