Kelly Lawrence She/her/hers

Someone made a mistake… An Englishman once asked me how I create a program? —————— I told him (and warned him this may seem crazy) that I try to craft a Shakespearean play. I think as a playwright. ✔️Our experience has a prologue which sets a script of how we will interact and where we are going. ✔️Our play must address the inherent conflicts in a character’s life. ✔️ Our training must test the will of the protagonists as they reflect upon the relationships they maintain with others and themselves. ✔️ Our character must find inspiration from mentors or a collective beyond themselves to thrive. ✔️ There must be trial and error as well as a wise fool (Falstaff) to ensure we feel the benefits of laughter and frivolity. ✔️ That the protagonist journeys toward extraordinary with courage not perfection. ✔️ That the curtain closes with the praise of others who have witnessed a profound transformation. ✔️ That all actors and audience cannot wait for the next production. “Learning is but an adjunct to ourself.” (Shakespeare) —————— And believe me, the Englishman was sorry he asked. 🤔😳🤣 #TOVO #intelligentfootbal

Coach Questions 🙋‍♀️ 🙋‍♂️ 1. Do you want to draw out drills? Or… 2. Do you want to design learning? ✔️ Consider building relationships & guiding players from baseline to better with passion and joy. Consider constructing a cooperative & competitive environment. #TOVO

Another week to get better! 👏

We have a lot of multi-sport athletes! 🙌

Many coaches make a drill per sub-principle - - a long list to cover. New drills, new explanations, cognitive overload. What if you had fewer, but nutrient rich activities with slight variations? ▪️ More efficient ▪️ More effective ▪️ More engaging #TOVO #intelligentfootball

Space emerges from motion. Space is created by the motion of both defenders & teammates. It exists as a universal entity and manipulated by footballers. 🗣️Managing ourselves to manage space is ultimately how we best manage the ball. This is how we teach football. #TOVO

We hope to see you for our exhibition game against Navy on Thursday at 7 pm at Grant Stadium! 🙌

Ready for our first home spring game tomorrow! 👏

Our Approach ✏️ ▪️We believe children have the capacity to manage themselves, manage space and manage the ball. ✔️Based upon this belief, we require players to manage themselves, manage space and manage the ball during our entire training session. #TOVO #intelligentfootball

Technical Window ✏️ Many will refer to a “technical window” to suggest that players should acquire technical skills as a priority during the period between 8-12. However, the research does not suggest that children aged 8–12 are incapable of cognitive skill development. In fact, much of the evidence indicates the opposite: players in this age range are very capable of developing perceptual–cognitive skills such as scanning, anticipation, and decision-making when the training environment supports it. Research in sport expertise shows that perceptual–cognitive abilities begin developing well before adolescence. Researchers such as Mark Williams have demonstrated that youth players can develop: ▪️visual search behaviors (scanning) ▪️anticipation of opponents’ actions ▪️pattern recognition ▪️decision-making speed Consider a cognitive-technical paradigm to better serve our young athletes. And train accordingly. #TOVO #intelligentfootball

Allison and I are so grateful to be living the dream… Leading our respective programs at this special place @UDBlueHens Walking in to the Whitney today and seeing our programs crushing it in the weight room 💪 side by side 🏒⚽️ was a ✨moment @Coomey2 #Grateful

One of the better recruiting spots around 😎 Hunting for fightin’ 2028 Blue Hens 💙🟡👀 @DelawareWSOC

What a great first day! Help us cross the finish line! 😎 🔗: bit.ly/4aUpjOG

One of the best in the business! 🙌Spartans getting an unbelievable human as well as coach! 🔥Excited for you @ToriChrist_01

Adding a talented defender to our back line 👏 📰: bit.ly/4bNHs1w

Thankful for our excellent support staff! 🙌

Excellence on the field and in the classroom! 🙌 📰: bit.ly/4ilBGoX

A step in the right direction! 👏

We are coaching humans not humanoids (not yet anyway). Young people with emotions, feelings, moods, and challenges. Coach the child before you. #TOVO

Realism & Training Anything less than 11v11 on the home or away field under pressure with refs and with parents/fans screaming is unrealistic. So all of training is triage. What will you cut and keep? We choose cognition, competence and character in context. #TOVO