October 6, 2009
Coaching Youth Soccer: 8 Silver Bullets
When Coaching Youth Soccer and as with any profession, there is a list of things that a soccer coach should always follow. You may say that some of these are just simple common sense, but they are not for sure common practice:
1. Don't make speeches. Especially if you're coaching young kids, making them sit through long lectures is a great way to bore them out of their minds and disinterested in soccer really fast. No matter how old your players are, be short and sweet in whatever you have to say to them.
2. Don't complicate things. If you're demonstrating an exercise, try to break it down to its basics. Complicated things never work and this is not different. You can test this by showing the kids a complicated soccer diagram of a drill with fancy arrows and dozens of instructions, you'll lose their interest.
3. Don't be a ball boy- during a soccer practice ball will be travelling all over the field. Leave them alone! This can affect the relationship between you and your players. Make it as a rule that every player is responsible for their shots (that includes getting the balls.)
4. It's important that you don't allow the ball-kids to join practice if they are there just to get the balls. This simply signals a laxity in discipline- ball boys are just there to get the ball. If they want to join in the practice, they have to join the team like everyone else.
5. Never, ever criticize the player. If a player misses a shot or fumbles, don't blame them. Point out the flaws in their technique or skill and do that calmly. Screaming at a player for being 'stupid' is a great way to make them want to leave your team.
6. While Coaching Youth Soccer, explain it clearly and as briefly as possible. Next it's time to show it. i'm sure you'll do well and you're players will understand perfectly everything you teach. Conversely, don't try and demonstrate something that you can't do.
7. Health and safety should always be foremost in a coach's mind. This means making sure that the ground and the equipment are in good shape before your soccer training session starts. Remember that if a kid sprains his ankle because the ground was slippery, then it's technically your fault.
8. Don't leave the parents out in the dark. Hold regular meetings with them to address concerns and to let them know about the upcoming games or events. Keep in your mind that parents can always help you improve your coaching activities.
When Coaching Youth Soccer, these are important aspects that every coach should consider. If you're a youth soccer coach and you'd like to learn how to dramatically improve your players' skills and make training more fun in record time visit us right now at SoccerDrillsTips . com.
About The Author:
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching. If you want to learn how to explode your players' skills and make practice more fun and interesting, get your free Soccer Coaching guide at http://www.soccerdrillstips.com – Coaching Youth Soccer Drills.
Filed under Exercise by amauser
