Preperation for FA Level 2 Badge

[TrickyTree]

Hi there, this is my first post so, Hello!

I've just been lucky enough to get a free place via my local FA to do my Level 2 badge and was wondering if anyone has any tips on what I can do to prepare myself before it starts this month.

I passed my Level 1 last year and I'm currently coaching an U13 side.

How have people found the practical week? Is it very demanding? I'm guessing it is!

Cheers!

[74offsuit]

Getting in to some sort of physical shape will help. We had to play in something like 3 out of 4 sessions.

Looking back, I don't think it's the most effective way to learn. It's enjoyable to play, but I'm the sort of person who needs to note things down to absorb them.

Listen carefully to your tutors, they are giving you the information to pass the course. You will have the rest of your coaching career to implement your own opinions. On the various courses I have attended over the last few years, there always seems to be someone, who thinks they know better than the tutor, don't let that person be you!

[Val]

Fake an injury and don't play. Even if you are in good shape, better than most of us geezers on this board, it will wear you out. I found I learned a lot just seeing what other candidates were teaching/coaching and what they said. Plus, when others are playing, you can learn a lot by observing the coach/presenter while he's actually coaching.

Is it hard? Must be, the average pass rate seems to be around 20-35%. Find out exactly what your instructor wants and do it exactly he says. Don't deviate, don't make the structure better than you think it already is. Having heard a lot of complaints on both sides of the Atlantic, these instructors know a lot about soccer, but less about teaching. You really have to teach to the test, as it were.

If you are looking for something to bone up on in the meanwhile, I would suggest you know all the coaching points. If your topic is creating space, what are the key points in creating space. We have several of those listed here throughout the threads.

Best of luck, and let us know how it goes.

[TrickyTree]

Thanks very much for the responses! I've certainly got to get in a bit more shape by the sound of it!

I hope to share my expieriences on the forums once I get started......

Four weeks to go!

[DB1]

Hi

Where will you be doing your Level 2?

[TrickyTree]

I'm doing my Level 2 in Radcliffe which is in Nottingham.

[fingersweaver]

Hi, just got back from our support weekend on my Level 2 . I'm on the old Level 2 so the content will have changed but hopefully the principles remain the same. As mentioned above getting into some sort of shape would be an advantage as the practical side of it can be demanding. Other than that I suppose it all depends on "how" you learn - some people like to be on the outside looking in making notes etc. I found it better to be involved as much as I could, but like I say it's really horses for courses.
What I would say is that there is a real team feeling on the course so if I do miss anything there is always some one around to help. Hope it goes well,
Good luck,

[TrickyTree]

Cheers for all the advice.

I had my introduction to the course last night and it was very good. We're working with three very expirienced coaches so I'm looking forward to the 5 day practical in a few weeks time.

[keentocoach]

I sadley did not pass my Level 2 by small areas, such as the coaches want you in and out, thats very imporant for anybody wanting tips, literally "stop stand still " or whatever you say (i Prefer FREZZE) show them what you want done, if they dont get it first tiem you tell them step out watch yourself, you do it.

Also a silly mistake i did was on the 2 vs 2 defending, Attacker(A1) got past my Defender(D1) which i didnt frezze i have no idea, if only i could go back but i frezzed it deu to my Defender(D2) was like half way up the pitch no way was he supporting.

Regards - New memmber - Keentocoach

[74offsuit]

Sad to hear you didn't pass this time.

I still have not seen the new L2, but I was under the impression the FA were moving away from "stop and stand still" to a more flowing style. Is this not the case?

On your point 2, It is a skill in itself to know when to step in to coach.

All I can say is, that with practise it does get easier. During the assessment there is so much to remember and quite a bit of pressure it is easy to make mistakes.

I failed mine on the first attempt, but got through fairly smoothly on the retake, after much help from on here.

Are you going to retake?