A coach should always remember how important it is to teach fundamental skills accordingly. As writing skills are built from the alphabet forward, so soccer skills develop from the most basic first touches on the ball.
Things a soccer coach should care about:
- Every coach should carry his cell phone in case of important calls (parents or players informing about possible absence or leave from soccer training).
- A professional coach must always wear a watch to track time of different training intervals.
- Whistles shouldn’t be used. They seem too commanding and might unsettle your youngsters in their game.
- Involve children’s parents as much as possible. The support of familiar faces is always welcome in soccer and can help children overcome social hindrances.
- Often, children need their shoelaces tied (after all, they are children). If this happens, a coach should send the child to his/her parent. This way, the practice won’t end up compromised by a minor issue.
- Goalkeepers should be encouraged to participate in drills and scrimmages. Their agility and reflexes will profit from such exercises. However, this is not of paramount importance. So, if one of your goalkeepers would prefer to do goalkeeper-oriented drills, a coach should allow that. This precedent is only applicable for younger players.
- Don’t use the same “fun game” more than twice in one training session. Repetitiveness must be avoided with younger generations since they tend to get bored at a faster rate.
- It is recommended that the coach doesn’t scrimmage with teams until after at least the first two practices have been done. When done, it is recommended that the team first scrimmage in the grid, opposite the “middle aisle” from the coach.
- A soccer coach should write out a “lesson plan” on a “3 x 5″ card for each practice. Alternatives must be included.
- If complications arise in a drill, the coach should move on to something else to avoid confusion between kids.
- If more than one player seems to become bored or disinterested in a drill or activity, the coach should move on to something else.
- The coach must always demonstrate a positive, upbeat, attitude toward soccer and his players. Praising them won’t harm, but don’t overdo it. The coach should also ensure that individual praise comes for a reason.
- A soccer coach is advised to “dress the part” of being a soccer coach.
- For activities where balls are not used, the coach may establish a “nest,” where the players may store their balls.
- A considerate coach could purchase inexpensive shin guards for back-up purposes, take them to practices and be ready for unpleasant situations like when parents and children forget theirs. Because of this thoughtful deed, children won’t have to be denied the ability to participate in games. If they have to be used, remember to remind children to return them (and wash them).
