Soccer, like many other sports, has a direct correlation between how you practice, and how you play in the game. Youth soccer is even more dramatic because the players are at such drastic differences in level. Soccer however, is popular because of how easy the game is to learn, and young players have gravitated to the excitement of the game. New coaches not familiar with the game may struggle with how to coach, and get frustrated trying to get their young team to improve game over game, that is unless they have a practice plan.
Practice plans are the key to success. They will guide you on where to focus and how to take things learned in games to improve over time. Practice plans should be prepared in advance, and are formed based on the analysis of weaknesses during scrimmages and games. Practice plans can either be developed on your own, or purchased through the internet. The plans should be on one page that can either be put on a clipboard, or folded in your pocket. The plan will be designed around a specific skill or tactic that your team needs to work on. Each drill will have a skill the coach will emphasis for the duration of the drill. It is important that the drills are designed with the kids age and ability in mind. The coach will also want to make sure the reason they are doing the drill is clear, and the skill you want developed constantly reinforced.
Youth soccer is primarily about getting enough touches on the ball. The drills should keep the kids moving so they don’t get bored and lose focus. Each player should have a ball, and the coach may want to have a couple extras just to keep the kids moving and getting enough touches on the ball. Make sure the practice plans have organizational items spelled out as well; things like size of the practice area, number of cones, players per side, and what the coaching emphasis should be. Having these organizational items mapped out will smooth the transition from drill to drill.
Finally, and most important, you want to make sure the kids have fun. Kids in youth soccer should look forward to practice and games. This time should be about learning the game and increasing their skill. Winning is secondary at this point and should not come into consideration when setting up practices and games. If you prepare the practice plans in advance, base them on the teams’ weaknesses, and focus on having fun, the wins will take care of themselves. Coaching a youth soccer team can provide years of good memories for yourself and your children. Take the worry and stress out of practices by having solid practice plans and you will be able to focus on the relationship and memories your building with your child.
Sarah Daniel has created a youth soccer coaches resource center. In the resource center you will find articles, books, DVD’s, coaching supplies, coaches gifts, and reviews of the top coaching resources on the market. The site was designed as a one stop shop, and will provide a better idea of the types of products available to make your coaching experience successful. If you are new to coaching or want to see some of the products that could take your coaching to the next level, please check out the youth coaches resource center.
Tags: children, coaching, learning