Ever wondered how to coach soccer or more specifically youth soccer? Although the question looks simple and easy but you’ll find it difficult to answer even if your try your best.
Of all the soccer skills, communication is one thing that is imperative for both coaches and players to learn. A coach has to give instructions, share feedback, evaluate players, council them, maintain discipline, and all this requires communication skills.
Players, then again need an outlet to discuss performance issues with coach, peers, parents, colleagues, and share tips and tricks with relatively weak players in the team. It is the comprehensive language of soccer by which players and coaches transmit their thoughts and feelings.
Soccer coaching has some basic philosophies that the coaches must learn and consequently teach their players.
1. Use the name of your players while addressing them. This is not only sound good but is also courteous.
2. Make it clear in your head what you want players to do and achieve before sending out instructions.
3. Be kind: The purpose of communication is not to overpower but to bond. So try to understand their point of view as well.
4. Observe your body language: It should transmit positive vibrations and make the other person easy and open.
5. It is important to maintain an eye contact with every player whenever you talk to them. Look directly into the eyes of the player you are talking to.
6.Your style of speaking should influence the person you are talking to. So select a style that best describes you and also suits the other person.
7. Select a subject that requires redressal. Communication is the key to finding answers, how to coach soccer is successful when it is short and clear-cut. Decide on a list of items and remain firm on it.
8.Be objective: Keep in mind that you are a soccer coach who is speaking to a team or a player. So keep your sentiments in control and talk to them only about the game.
9.Speak clearly: it is important that your intended message reaches the recipient as it is.
10.While teaching soccer, continue repeating the key points. The players should be reminded of the important points by repeating them in different ways.
11.Introduce light and funny words in the conversations so as to keep the talk light and stress free.
12.Give your players time and attention to understand and seek clarifications from you. Give them freedom to ask questions.
A soccer coach or a player without the ability to give and receive the information necessary for the highest levels of performance is bound to suffer in the long run.
In the end, how to coach soccer should be a means to educate the coach about the diversity in cultures and make allowances for them. Subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community that has tons of information and knowledge on coaching soccer to young players, and tips on developing different aspects of game skills in players.
Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Learn how to skyrocket your players’ skills and make practice sessions fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Soccer Drills.