We believe that successful programs are painstakingly detail-oriented in training and preparation for all competition. Our coaching staff approaches each practice with the purpose of stimulating a hunger to improve. We believe that fostering this desire will help shape our student-athletes into successful, positive competitors who will play hard for one another. Excellence is always the goal, and with high standards will come a successful program.

We achieve this by focusing on these aspects of the game and our players:

• Tactical: This component helps the player fit into the team and program. We aim to create intelligent players capable of adapting to the constantly changing circumstances of competition.
• Technical: All team players must be individually competent and proficient in the most essential skills for each position. For example, a central midfield player needs techniques and expertise different from an outside back.
• Physical: Strong and resilient players will provide significant advantages to the team. A tired player will need help to think correctly and is prone to commit more errors.
• Psychosocial: The human being is often affected by their emotions. We will train our players to use these emotions to their advantage and turn them into strengths and not weaknesses.

Leading with Values

Our program has a set of core values that guide our team members, help us set goals and priorities, and evaluate our program.
We encourage

• Relational Leadership
• Servant Leadership
• Speaking the Truth
• Living with Integrity

Player-Focused Philosophy

• Maximizing player development while they enjoy the game is essential to our player development plan.
• An attacking style of play is the best path for learning and development. In order to develop creative players, freedom of expression is key.
• Players need to learn from their mistakes, and we encourage them to try again and give them the opportunity to do so.
• Our philosophy sees the team in variations of a 4-3-3 system of play as the best format in which to develop our players. Within this formation, roles can be clearly outlined, and there is a greater set of options for passing and ball retention, which facilitates learning and provides flexibility in attacking and defending.

Westtown girls soccer coach Scott Bissett believes that the key to players’ long-term growth and development is to set high standards for players while fostering fun. The coaching staff emphasizes hard work, a competitive spirit, and enjoying the sport and the experience. This environment allows players to hone athletic and technical skills and work on various skills that apply to all aspects of their lives.

How We Train

The team trains in a number of ways: on the field, in the Fitness Center/weight room, in the classroom setting (video analysis and tactical sessions), and in personal development. The team practices daily and uses progressive cycling of workloads throughout the season. Each training session is specifically designed for the team’s needs, from dynamic activations to technical repetition, game situations, and more.

Player-Focused Philosophy

Player development – athletically and personally – is the foundation of our soccer program. We challenge each player to improve technically, deepen their tactical understanding, and create an environment in which players can strive for excellence individually and collectively. Westtown School’s values permeate our team culture, and we expect players to act with integrity and positively impact our community. We foster these values in team meetings, on the field, in goal setting, at team dinners, and whenever we are together. We encourage players to strive to be their best on and off the field.

The tennis program at Westtown is founded upon a commitment to fostering an environment that reflects the core Quaker values of integrity, community, equality, and a competitive spirit. Our coaching philosophy is centered around the holistic development of our student-athletes, emphasizing their skills on the tennis court and their personal growth as individuals and contributors to the community.

How We Train

Our typical practice begins with dynamic warm-up and stretching, followed by a brief cardio/fitness routine. We often devote time to focused hand-eye and reflex development drills, which are meant to improve players’ fine motor skills. We then move on to an extended period of working on specific aspects of the game, such as serving, groundstroke consistency, or doubles exercises. We typically conclude practices with something fun that incorporates fitness with team-building. We emphasize the importance of communication, teamwork, and individual improvement throughout practices.

Player-Focused Philosophy

Our approach to player development for the tennis team is founded on the belief that each athlete is unique, with specific needs, goals, and potential for growth. The novice player may set goals to build consistency and learn elementary strategies for competitive play. More advanced players may set more specific goals for themselves each time they step onto the court. Recognizing the diversity of skill levels and playing styles among our athletes, we aim to meet the individual needs of each player. We prioritize the development of sound tennis fundamentals.