Coaching Suggestions
- As a recreation coach, it is important to constantly be aware of the image you project to your players, especially the younger children. Be cautious in your actions and language at practice and at games.- Have each player bring their own ball to practice.
- A whistle can be extremely helpful.
- Cones are useful. Plastic milk bottles filled with sand are good substitutes.
- Have players put the balls away and sit down if you need to talk to them.
- The younger the player, the shorter the attention span. Try to coach with the team in motion; avoid lines or kids sitting out.
- The players always like to scrimmage, just be cautious that it doesn't become too competitive or rough.- Players like games incorporated into drills, with group 1 vs. group 2, etc.
- Learn and practice some of the basic soccer skills on your own to develop your own soccer abilities. You'll be better able to teach them to the children. (Ex. dribbling, shooting, passing, juggling, heading the ball, trapping, etc.)
- Praise the players' accomplishments and instruct them on how to improve.
- Prepare a line-up sheet well before the first game and provide copies for the assistant coach.
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