Let me ask you a simple question. To coach youth soccer, what are the 3 things for the coach to do? Before you jump into answering this question, realize that youth soccer means that kids should enjoy the game. The spotlight should be on making the exercises exciting and enjoyable so that the kids always look forward to them.
Hence, to teach youth soccer, bear in mind the following conventions. They will help you guide the young kids to becoming professional players.
Let the players have fun: As discussed, youth soccer translates into fun sessions for the players. As a coach, make sure to regulate your sessions early enough. For example, make them start with warm-up drills that prepare them for the sessions. Once done, instruct them to go ahead with the advanced drills such as passing the ball, dribbling with it and trapping etc.
Also, allow the kids to be creative in their approach. Motivate the kids to attempt new things and when they make mistakes, which is natural, do not disrupt them. Have a word with them after the session. It is essential to take the parents into confidence if you wish to make the game enjoyable for the players.
To coach youth soccer, this is crucial since the kids spend more time with their parents than on the field. Request the parents to help you in monitoring their diet, motivate the kids, and maintain regularity in trainings.
Condition yourself to the age level: Teaching soccer to the young players is generally between the age of 7 and 14. At this level, it is very painstaking to find drills that actually make the kids happy. So, research a lot over what games you would like them to play. And, ensure that you keep the age level of the players in mind while communicating with them and remain very casual in your conversation.
It makes sense to split the group into two and name them differently. This breeds the feeling of mutual respect. It is recommended not to conduct a lot of experimentation also. A well designed session consists of both new as well as old tricks.
Write the exercises: It always pays to write the exercises on paper along with the results that you are expecting from them. It achieves a road-map for the efforts of the team. A documented plan goes a long way in measuring the progress of the players. If something needs a change, written plan will assist you in assessing it.
You can determine your goals easily too. It is quite normal for some things to go awry and then, you can always check them.
It is correct to say that youth soccer coaching is a great job full of excitement and accountability. But with these techniques and proper regulation, you will undoubtedly succeed at it.
Put this to test right away! These powerful techniques on coach youth soccer will make you successful and rope in great results. For more such tips on youth soccer, join our youth soccer coaching community where you will find many resources and like-minded individuals from the soccer community.
Andre Botelho is the author of “The Expert Youth Soccer Coaching Guide” and he’s a recognized expert in the subject of youth soccer coaching. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make coaching sessions fun in less than 29 days! Download your free pdf guide at: Soccer Coaching Drills.