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By buyballoonboy, December 24, 2009 8:54 pm

Coaching Youth Soccer

If you are Coaching Youth Soccer, there are some things every youth soccer coach needs to consider and be aware. Most of these are based in common sense and as a result, are pretty easy to remember:

1. Don't make speeches. This may not seem important but kids really get bored and distracted when coaches have the habit of making incredible long speeches and instructions. This as nothing to do with your players age group. When it comes to making speeches and giving instructions, make it short and sweet.

2. Don't complicate things. Strip every drill to its basics and test it with your players making sure they are ready to move forward and perform it well. I can bet your players will lose their interest in the practice sessions if you try to give them over complicated exercises with lots of instructions.

3. Don't be a ball boy- it's critical that you understand that it's not your task to run and catch the balls. Doing that can dangerously unbalance the player-coach equation. If a player shoots a ball out of bounds, make them go get it.

4. If you do have special ball-boys on hand to help out, make sure they don't join the practice. This simply signals a laxity in discipline- ball boys are just there to get the ball. If they ask to be part of the practice session, make them know that they can't do both.

5. Never, ever criticize the player. One of your players missed a goal? or a decisive pass? Don't blame them. Point out the flaws in their technique or skill and do that calmly. Screaming at a player for being 'stupid' is a great way to make them want to leave your team.

6. While Coaching Youth Soccer, explain it clearly and as briefly as possible. Now make a demonstration for your players so they can implement it and perform it properly. Conversely, don't try and demonstrate something that you can't do.

7. Health and safety should always be foremost in a coach's mind. This means making sure that the ground and the equipment are in good shape before your soccer training session starts. Remember that if a kid sprains his ankle because the ground was slippery, then it's technically your fault.

8. Don't leave the parents out in the dark. Make sure you hold meetings from time to time with parents and keep them informed about future events and the team's concerns. Remember that parents can be a powerful and useful ally for any youth soccer coach.

When Coaching Youth Soccer, these are important aspects that every coach should consider. If you want to dramatically improve the skills of the kids and keep their interest and focus during practice sessions, you can learn that and much more at SoccerDrillsTips . com.

About The Author:

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching. If you want to learn how to explode your players' skills and make practice more fun and interesting, get your free Soccer Coaching guide at http://www.soccerdrillstips.com - Coaching Youth Soccer Drills.