1. Success as a Coach
The success of a youth coach should not be judged by how many games
the team won but by how many players want to play for them again the next
year.
2. Every Practice Is An Opportunity To Improve
Too many players see practice as a tedious nuisance rather than as
a crucial vehicle where they can work on their skills, earn respect from
their teammates, and improve as a unit. Set a glowing example from
the initial practice session that practices will be fun, challenging, constructive
and rewarding.
3. Avoid the Three L’s
Laps, lines and lectures. They bore your players and turn them
off to the game of soccer. Make your practices fun and fast paced,
use a lot of small-sided games. They help recreate the pick up games
of days gone past by letting the kids have fun and they still get valuable
experience and practice at the skills they need to play well.
4. True Sportsmanship Begins Here
Beyond the instructions of the technical aspects of playing a particular
sport, coaches greatly influence their players’ outlook on the game.
Coaches establish team character and identity by how they handle winning
and losing, how they respond to pressure and adversity, how they define
acceptable and unacceptable behavior and how fairly they treat players,
opponents and officials. Just as every student can remember that
one special teacher who impacted his/her life, so can every player remember
that one special coach who earned his/her respect.
5. Open and Honest Communication with the Players
Encourage a “two-way” street with your players, so that they are comfortable
both listening to and speaking to you. If the players feel they can
trust you, they will not only approach you with excellent feedback and
ideas, they will work harder and learn more quickly from you. Remember
a time will always come when the student becomes the teacher and the teacher
becomes the student. Being a good student will help you be a better
teacher.
6. Remember You Are Dealing with Individuals First and Foremost
We get caught up far too often in dealing with the success of the team
that we forget that we are teaching a group of young people, all of whom
are unique. Every player thinks and reacts differently, so establish
a bond with each that is singular and genuine. Give every player
a fair shot and your full commitment - you may be surprised who your best
players are at the end of the season!
7. Recognize the Critical Significance of “Team First, Me Second”
Players always need to realize that soccer is truly a team sport.
The sum of all the team’s parts together will reap great awards if everyone
is on the same page. There must be humility and role playing with
occasional situations when the player may have to give, not take, for the
sake and betterment of the team. Teamwork may very well be the most
crucial lesson of soccer and all youth sports.
8. Have Courage and Believe in Your Team
Never fear an opponent. Soccer is a team game and any team can
win regardless if it is a “David Vs Goliath” situation. Always persevere
that your team can win and, more importantly, improve. There is always
a way out even from very low points.
9. Bring Joy and Energy to the Team
Whether the coach really enjoys coaching is obvious to the players.
It is told in the way that you carry yourself. Get into it, but most
importantly show that you enjoy it. Bring a laugh and a smile along
with a big helping of enthusiasm for the players to feel and hear.
They will borrow it from you, with more emotion and effort in their performances.
Bring some surprises that go beyond the coaching manuals to add your own
flair and spice. Do it your way, that way you will enjoy it and it
will show to the players.
10. Praise Your Players
Nothing motivates a player more than to hear you praising them.
The first thing to come out of a coach’s mouth should be positive, which
then can be followed by understanding, then help, then constructive criticism.
Shout your praise for all to hear, whisper your criticism for the one. |
