Coaching Youth Soccer- The Unwritten Rules Of A Soccer Coach - Do you coach soccer? Whether you coach Manchester united or the local pub side it doesn't matter. The principles of coaching soccer are the same at every level.
Coaching Youth Soccer- The Unwritten Rules Of A Soccer Coach
By Thomas K
Oct 4, 2009 - 3:06:43 AM
Whether you're coaching the local club or you've been assigned to an up market soccer academy, the rules of engagement are the same. As a soccer coach your duty is to provide a safe working platform where the kids can learn the fundamentals of the game.
Always be organized and punctual. Having the training sessions set up before the kids arrive is a big plus. Kids ultimately become disruptive and start to fool around when they are bored and waiting around. Being prepared also shows that you are committed to the cause and the parents will appreciate the extra dedication you are showing.
Always look the part of a professional coach. This is easy to achieve and only requires you buying a decent tracksuit and sporting a clean pair of boots. Your appearance is important and should always be kept clean around the kids. The kids don't mind, it's the parents trust you want to earn.
If the majority of your team is being disruptive, chances are your training sessions are boring or too advanced for the age group you are coaching. Make the training session's fun while trying to teach the basics of soccer. Kids will only play up if they are not entertained or utilized. The attention span of kids is roughly 2 minutes, so be quick in between soccer drills and don't let their minds drift off to mischief.
Emphasize social skills such as sharing, friendships, respect and team work. Don't just produce soccer players; produce men of the future. Under no circumstance are you to yell or abuse the children. Kids play soccer because its fun and they are certainly not playing to feed your ego. Give them the respect, care and patience they deserve. Patience is the number one requirement for a good coach. Remember that children are not adults and their journey and lessons in life have not been taught yet.
Last but surely not least, master the art of appreciation. Always encourage your team to strive for the best. Let the kids play freely and let them learn from their mistakes. A coach that tries to instruct his players every second of the game denies his players the chance to learn and develop. Kids can only learn from their mistakes and experiences, so don't let your ego or the win-loss ration determine your coaching techniques.
So before you volunteer to coach kid's soccer, ensure that you are capable of instructing and developing the kids. Also make sure you are a 100% committed to the task because inevitably you are molding the youth of tomorrow.
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