Coach Alex Switzer and Coach Zane dive into the challenges of “leveling up” in sports, discussing what it takes for players to transition to a new team or higher level and establish themselves as standout contributors.

Our guest is Coach Jessica Maddox, a former NCAA D1 goalkeeper from Troy University who transitioned her passion for soccer into a successful coaching career. Jessica shares her journey from player to mentor, emphasizing technical and mental growth in soccer development. She also talks about:

• Balancing intensity and recovery during tournaments.

• How video analysis enhances player development.

• Tips for young athletes navigating the shift to higher levels of play.

• Finding and fostering goalkeepers in youth soccer programs.

Jessica provides practical advice for players and coaches alike, with actionable strategies to elevate their game. Whether you're a coach, parent, or player, this episode is packed with wisdom and motivation.

💡 Learn more about Coach Jessica Maddox’s work or book a video review with her on OnCallCoaches.com. Happy listening!

Episode Timeline

00:00 – 02:24:Introduction to the podcast and today’s topic: transitioning to higher levels in sports. Alex and Zane discuss key takeaways from morning hockey practices.

02:25 – 04:47:Breaking into a new team—establishing work ethic, earning respect, and avoiding common mistakes.

04:48 – 06:57:How long it typically takes to rise to the top of a team after leveling up. The importance of patience and preparation.

06:58 – 09:07:Coaches' perspectives: integrating new players into a team’s culture and improving decision-making.

09:08 – 11:25:Interview introduction: Jessica Maddox’s career as a D1 athlete and her coaching journey.

11:26 – 13:47:Jessica on transitioning from high school to college sports and the importance of structure in development.

13:48 – 16:10:Standing out in a competitive environment—Jessica’s approach to setting and achieving goals.

16:11 – 18:36:Advice for athletes transitioning to higher levels: balancing fun with discipline.

18:37 – 20:57:Mental health and resilience as a goalkeeper: learning from failures and staying focused under pressure.

20:58 – 23:20:Developing young players and identifying goalkeepers in youth soccer.

23:21 – 25:44:Coaching philosophy: fostering independence and decision-making in players.

25:45 – 28:05:Jessica’s approach to season planning and periodization to prevent injuries.

28:06 – 30:21:Weekly training breakdown for high-level athletes, balancing fitness, technical, and tactical work.

30:22 – 34:41:Recovery and video analysis—managing fatigue while using video to improve skills.

34:42 – 39:17:How private coaching differs from club training and its role in player development.

39:18 – 41:35:The unique demands of goalkeeping and teaching players to self-correct.

41:36 – 45:53:The benefits of video analysis and specific angles for optimal feedback.

45:54 – 48:18:Jessica’s coaching rates on On Call Coaches and final thoughts on athlete development.

48:19 – 50:00:Closing remarks: insights on overuse injuries, recovery, and reaching your full potential in sports.

In this episode, Coaches Switz and Zane dive deep into the essentials of athletic development, discussing a timeless coaching debate: practicing fundamentals over flashy moves. Joining them is Coach Aaron Raffel, head coach of George Mason University’s club football team and former DC Divas defensive coordinator. Coach Raffel shares valuable insights on developing players by focusing on foundational skills rather than one-off flashy plays, explaining how this approach creates more adaptable and skilled athletes. With anecdotes from coaching both male and female teams, Coach Raffel emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and a mindset that prepares players for both game day and life. Don’t miss his stories of players who’ve excelled by trusting the process and the advice he offers to high school athletes aiming for the next level.

Timeline:

• 00:00 – 02:00 – Introduction: Coaches Switz and Zane talk weather, weekend highlights, and kick off the episode topic.

• 02:00 – 07:00 – Fundamentals vs. Flashy: Why practicing repeatable skills outweighs flashy one-time moves.

• 07:00 – 13:00 – The Pyramid of Skills: Building a foundation for consistent improvement and age-appropriate progression.

• 13:00 – 16:00 – Structured vs. Unstructured Practice: Allowing space for fun while sticking to skill-building in structured practice.

• 16:00 – 18:00 – Transition to the Guest: Introducing Coach Aaron Raffel and his coaching background.

• 18:00 – 25:00 – Coach Raffel on Skill-Building: Developing football players for skills, not just game plans.

• 25:00 – 32:00 – Pushing Players Outside: Coach Raffel explains his defensive approach to edge-running plays.

• 32:00 – 38:00 – Working with Female Athletes: Coach Raffel’s experiences coaching women in the WFA and integrating women into his staff.

• 38:00 – 45:00 – Success Stories: Memorable player development stories that show the power of foundational skills.

• 45:00 – 52:00 – Off-the-Field Development: How work ethic and off-field habits shape successful athletes.

• 52:00 – 57:00 – Tips for High School Athletes: Coach Raffel’s advice for players seeking to level up and get recruited.

• 57:00 – 1:00:00 – Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up: Hosts reflect on the discussion, thank Coach Raffel, and close the episode.

On this episode of the On Call Coaches Podcast, Coach Switz and Coach Zane dive deep into the values of accountability and leadership within team sports. The episode kicks off with a humorous anecdote about Coach Switz's nephew and his newfound responsibility, setting the stage for an exploration of what it means to be a great team leader on and off the field. Our guest, Bruce Johnson, a former James Madison University football standout and current high school coach, shares his journey from player to coach, his experience in championship teams, and his insights on building team culture. Bruce’s tips on handling pre-game nerves, focusing on fundamentals, and supporting athletes as both a coach and a parent make this a must-listen for anyone in youth and amateur sports. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable advice and powerful stories about growth, accountability, and leadership.

Timeline Summary:

0:00 - Intro & Story: Coaches Switz and Zane introduce the episode with a story about accountability sparked by Coach Switz's nephew.

3:00 - Defining Leadership: Discussion on the role of team captains and the importance of leaders both on and off the field.

6:00 - Team Bonding: How genuine friendships and off-field relationships build stronger, more accountable teams.

8:00 - Introducing Bruce Johnson: Background on Bruce’s athletic career and accomplishments at James Madison University.

9:00 - Championship Season: Bruce recounts his team's journey to the national championship and the role of player accountability.

13:00 - Coaches vs. Player Leadership: Differences between coach-led and player-led accountability, and how both impact team success.

15:00 - Handling Pre-Game Pressure: Bruce’s approach to managing adrenaline in high-stakes games and keeping a balanced mindset.

17:00 - Routine and Superstitions: Bruce shares his pre-game ritual and the importance of a consistent warm-up routine.

25:00 - Transition to Coaching: How Bruce’s experience as a player influences his coaching style, and why he prioritizes fundamentals.

38:00 - Balancing Dad and Coach Roles: Bruce reflects on supporting his daughter in competitive softball while balancing his role as both coach and father.

45:00 - Advice for Young Athletes: Bruce’s final advice to aspiring athletes about studying their game and becoming students of their sport.

49:00 - Closing Remarks: Coaches wrap up the episode and thank Bruce for his time, with a final reminder to check out Bruce on OnCallCoaches.com.