Coaches

In the modern game of soccer the youth coach many times is a first-time parent coach that got lured into coaching because their son or daughter didn’t have a coach. What many don’t realize, these impressionable years are the foundation for the majority of youth players around the world. Players are turning away from our sport at a young age because they are bored and not challenged.

As coaches, we must remember to keep the players active by getting as many touches on the ball during each session as possible.

All players need to come to practice with a ball, or a ball must be provided for the players. Players will not get the necessary touches on the ball to develop in a timely manner without the ball.

The following will help you along as you start preparing your sessions:

* Make it FUN!
* Have a few extra balls available, as well as cones to mark out your area!
* Allow players the opportunities to problem-solve!
* Think how you can maximize the number of touches each player will have in your session!
* Allow players the opportunity to be creative!
* Don’t talk too much –have the grids set up ahead of time –let them play and then explain your exercise within thirty seconds or less!
* The larger the size of the grid the easier it is for the players to have success: the smaller it is the more challenging!
* Be organized, be patient, stay positive, and have a backup plan!

The exercises in this section are games that will give you the coach many fun-filled opportunities to teach the techniques of soccer, allowing for the youth player to develop and master the techniques of soccer. Even more experienced coaches have found success utilizing these fun games as part of an extended warm up routine.

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