Coaching Youth Soccer can be the most rewarding or frustrating task you will ever attempt, depending on your approach and attitude toward the game and your players. It is not always about winning but the development of team spirit and having fun.
Always make sure your players are having fun. If a kid does not have fun, he will not want to learn or even stay on the team. Start your practice with fun drills that involve everyone which allows each player to work on skills without really knowing they are doing so. Younger players learn by watching and playing with the older players more often than watching their coach do a step-by-step demonstration. Keep the drills moving and fun.
During your practice session try to keep all players involved. You may have to let your players rotate every other play, or if possible have a offense versus defense scheme. Whatever you decide, the goal is to keep all players on the field and playing during your practice. Kids left on the side lines for long periods will become bored and usually cause a disturbance. Never teach with an iron fist. Always be clear and simple when teaching.
Give several short breaks during practice. Keep your players hydrated. You will find that giving a short break with a cool drink will go a long way with the morale of your players. The attention span for young players is short and this will give them the mental break they need. Keep your practice fun.
As a coach plan fun events for your team outside of soccer. A meal at your local pizza parlor goes a long way with creating a bond with your players. Take them to your local high school or college soccer games when possible. These events cost very little or nothing and this allows your team to see what it is like to play on a upper level team. Who knows, this may give your players the desire to play soccer at a higher level.
Always end your practice with a cool down fun drill. Never let a player leave the field unhappy. If all of your players are not having fun, maybe you should review your coaching techniques. What a sad thought if a potential All State, or All American, or Professional soccer player quit at a young age because he was not having fun. Sure there is a lot of hard work in playing soccer, but to a youth, it all about having fun.
Ken Hunt
As a Viet Nam veteran and retired operating room nurse, I boast a delayed interest and passion for soccer. Growing up in the sixties, I never had the opportunity to play the sport myself. While in college working as a part-time physical director at a Boys Club, I became familiar with the game of soccer. As a father, I experienced the thrill of competition as well as the excitement of the sport through my son's participation. It is my desire/goal to assist any interested young person who wants to play soccer to have that opportunity.
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