How does a question like this sound to you, how to coach soccer or youth soccer? You’ll think it’s to answer but then there are so many things that make a complete answer to this one.
Of all the soccer skills, communication is one thing that is imperative for both coaches and players to learn. A coach is required to regularly instruct players, give feedback, appraise them, council them and maintain discipline, so communication skills are a must.
Players, alternatively, need to discuss their problems with coach, peers, and parents, share their feelings with contemporaries, and give tips and tricks to weak players in the team. Soccer is the only language by way of which players and coaches can converse with each other.
Soccer coaching has some basic philosophies that the coaches must learn and consequently teach their players.
1. Use your player’s name to call them. This is not only sound good but is also courteous.
2. The instructions that you give to the players should be first clear in your mind before going out to them.
3.Be empathetic: The goal of communication is to connect and not to defeat. So value the opinions of others as well.
4. Observe your body language: It should transmit positive vibrations and make the other person easy and open.
5.When speaking to the players, make an eye contact with them for effective communication. Look the person in the eye while talking to him or her.
6. The way you speak should make a mark upon the other person. So pick a style that suits your person as well as the person you are talking to.
7.Select a topic or issue that needs to be addressed. Communication answers many questions, how to coach soccer works only when it is straightforward and short. Select a list of items and that’s 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.When teaching soccer, repeat the important points. Find ways to emphasize on various points time and again so that the players always remember them.
11.Always aim to keep the conversation light by using funny words and style.
12.Give your players flexibility so that they can seek clarifications from you without any hitch. Permit them to ask questions.
A soccer coach without the capability to speak and distribute the information required for high performance isn’t successful 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. Register for our youth soccer coaching community that has a wealth of articles and videos on coaching young players and how to help them develop excellent skills.
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.