So you’ve decide to enter the world of coaching kids soccer. Before you commit to coaching any team make sure you are equipped with patience and a basic understanding of the fundamentals. How do you expect to coach soccer if you do not understand the game? Having played the game doesn’t guarantee you anything but a story to tell your players. Make sure you are able to coach the world game before you make any commitments to the local team.
Kids soccer should never be about winning. The win-loss ratio has no significance in junior soccer apart from feeding your own ego. So never coach if you are looking to feed your ego. Kids soccer is all about fun and developing the young players.
If you decide to coach kids soccer make sure you have plenty of patience. Never utilize fear or intimidation to train your players. No young child should be subjected to abuse even on the soccer field. under no circumstance are you to yell or scream at your players. Treat all your players as if they were your own children and provide training that is both fun and educational.
Make sure you are equipped with a big smile and a fistful of encouragement. If you give your players a sense of worth they will inevitably repay you by training harder and listening to your instructions. The art of appreaciation cannot be underestimated. Use it and you will notice a significant improvement in your team.
It’s also wise to remember that all kids are different and have different personalities and playing capabilities. I’m not suggesting you favor any players but give them equal opportunities to learn the game. Each player should recieve the same amount of playing time and should be given every opportunity to become the next David Beckham irrespective of their skill levels.
So do you think coaching kids soccer is easy? It may seem easy but I can guarantee you it’s not.People tend to forget that children are not little adults that do not understand the meaning of competition and discipline. They are wanting to have fun and a chance to play with their new friends.
Lets not forget that most kids do not want to play professionally but are looking to have fun. As a coach you must distinguish from the start what kind of players make up your team. Are they looking to be the next David beckham or are they just running around in the sun with their friends?
Don’t forget to incorporate soccer drills in your training regime. Soccer drills are a great way to teach your players the basic skills of the game while allowing them to have fun at the same time. But remember to make the drills relevant to your playing group and age group. If players start to get bored or start to misbehave, chances are your drills are too advanced.
Tags: Fitness
