Coaching Soccer is not rocket science

Soccer coaching can be a very rewarding experience for both you and the children you are helping. Soccer coaches have made a big difference in children’s lives and set an example that many children remember and practice years after they’ve reached adulthood. But most of all, it’s fun!

Although adults take soccer seriously, kids don’t. It’s important to remember that soccer is only a game and your soccer coaching goal should be to let your kids have fun while teaching them physical skills, sportsmanship and self confidence. It will be a big help to you if you remember to avoid the three L’s-laps, lines and lectures. No kid wants to wait in line to practice or play and they certainly don’t join a soccer team to run laps or listen to lectures.

You’ll be a lot more effective if you think about and write down a practice plan. A plan insures that there’s no down time that most children use to get into mischief. After each practice you can sit down for a few minutes and adjust your plan for what worked and what did not. You’ll have a record of what you and your team did and better know your team’s strengths and weaknesses. Even though you know that children’s sports teams are played for fun, it’s always a thrill to win a game and a good practice plan will help.

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A lot of people inexperienced in soccer coaching worry about discipline when they coach their first team. Let’s face it, nobody has any fun when you have a trouble maker on the team! One way to deter such behavior is to assign the child cone duty; he or she will be responsible for setting out or picking up practice cones. There are not many kids that enjoy this duty and it’s a very effective deterrent. It also gives you the opportunity to praise them for a job well done. Bad behavior usually arises from a need for attention and by “punishing” them with a chore you can give them that as well as reinforcing positive behavior.

Try to avoid being inflexible; adjust your practice plans according to your team’s needs. If they are good at dribbling and passing, you can spend more time on defense. Make it a habit to warm up by practicing on their weaknesses; this will start the session with a sense of accomplishment. Don’t be afraid to apply some pressure by timing them or challenging them to be accurate. Children with no pressure to perform are robbed of the feeling of triumph when they succeed! No matter what experts say, winning against yourself or others is just plain and simple fun.

Your attitude is a big part of how successful your team will be and how much fun your kids have. Don’t let a bad day seep into your soccer coaching. When you arrive at the practice or game area, start with a clean slate and remember that it’s all about having fun.

It’s very important to be clear about your policies, both with parents and the kids. When you begin soccer coaching prepare and distribute a handout to every child and parent that outlines what you expect from the kids. State your goals, practice and playing schedules, and be very clear about the kind of behavior you expect from everyone. Include your contact information and that of any assistants you have so that problems can be handled as quickly as possible. It’s especially important that the parents know the proper behavior at games; parental misbehavior has ruined many games and they should understand that it’s all about fun and sportsmanship, not winning.

This might sound like a lot to remember but the most important thing of all is not to break the number one rule of soccer coaching-soccer should be fun!

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