Chris Finn is serving in his second stint as the US National Power Soccer Team Head Coach. Returning to the FIPFA World Cup as the coach of the defending champion will present a unique set of challenges, but Chris and Team USA are prepared for the task.
Chris took out some time from his busy schedule recently to discuss how he prepared for the tournament as a coach, putting together the team, and more.
As the coach of the defending world champions, have you done anything different in terms of how you're approaching the 2011 FIPFA World Cup?
In 2007, everything seemed to happen so fast. Preparing for 2011, I had to plan things out a little bit more, but time still seemed to go pretty fast. I am approaching both World Cups fairly similar, with the belief that we have the ability to win.
As winners of the first FIPFA World Cup, is there added pressure heading to Paris, knowing that everyone is trying to dethrone Team USA?
We are more focused on what we are doing as a team and looking to defeat our opponents one game at a time. When we focus on playing together as a team to the best of our ability, we don't really notice any of the outside distractions.
You have 11 players who bring very unique attributes to the team. Describe the process in finding the right combination of players to provide the strongest chemistry on the court.
It's been a process from the time players applied to come to selection camp over two years ago. As individuals every one of them has talent. One of the biggest things we worked on was teaching the players how to communicate with each other so that no matter who was playing, together they would form a dynamic team. Communication, communication, communication.
What is the biggest difference between the 2007 version of Team USA and this one?
Everyone's better. In 2007 I started out teaching the players how to play a new style of game. Now we have been playing it for five years and evolving the tactics.
Team USA training camps are intense, 3-day sessions that are held 3-4 times a year. How do you prepare for each training session?
I give the players drills based on how they performed at the previous camp and areas I would like to see them improve. I also review video to pick up tendencies of the players, as well as talk about the progress of the players with assistant coach Mike Hayes. Based on those things I develop a plan for the next camp, setting new goals and expectations.
What is one of the more challenging drills you have introduced at training camp?
One of my favorites is the four corner drill.
The players all learn something from you and your coaching staff. What is one thing you have learned from your players?
Everyone has different styles of learning and figuring out what those are quickly, in order to help the team develop cohesively, was something I learned in order to relate with everyone.
Many players have some sort of routine to prepare for a competition. Do you have a game day routine?
I don't have a specific game day routine or lucky socks. Although one thing I usually like to do is spend a few seconds taking a few deep breaths to really focus myself, clear my head and become totally present before gathering the players together and speaking to them before the start of a game.
You have accomplished so much as a power soccer coach. Is there anything missing that you would like to add to your list?
Winning the 2011 World Cup and being the first US soccer team in history to repeat as world champions. Generating more involvement in the sport, and increasing awareness and support for the national team, as well as the USPSA, are all on my list. I also want to continue to make a difference in people's lives through sport. Lastly, I have a third-place national trophy and first-place regional trophy from the past so I would like to add a first-place national trophy very soon with my local club team, BORP.
Is there anything else you would like to say to the supporters of Team USA and power soccer?
Thank you very much for all your support. Our job is to represent you and the country. The team looks forward to doing its best to bring home the cup again. I also would like to encourage members of the USPSA, as well as supporters of Team USA and Power Soccer, to make a big push to get the word out to as many people as possible. Power Soccer and the US National Team continue to need more recognition; we need everyone to be a spokesperson for the sport. Power soccer changes lives. It changed my life and I know it has changed many other people's lives for the better. I would like to challenge everyone to spread the word of what Power Soccer has done for you or someone you know. Tell them about the World Cup, tell them how the sport changed your life and spread the word. I am able and you are able, but together we are able to make a bigger impact together to spread awareness, support and help make a difference in someone else's life. Go out and make that difference today! Go Team USA!
