Live The Pitch

With the fall soccer season rapidly approaching many coaches are getting ready for the time of their lives!  About ninety percent of youth soccer coaches in the U.S. are volunteer coaches.  Many of these coaches agree to take the job and have no idea what they are getting into.  Soccer, in my opinion is a tough sport to teach because there are numerous ways to succeed at the game and all parents think they know what it is!

First, when you go out for the first training session of the season, it is vital as a coach get to know the players names.  A great first drill is the name game, where you get your team in a circle and have each player pass to another while yelling the receiving players name.  Even at the lowest level, communication is a huge part to becoming successful.

Next, have your practice session planned out in advance.  Many coaches will go to a training session and chase the kids around the field for an hour.  Before practice take the time to set out a schedule for the session.  With the younger ages try to change drills about every ten minutes so the players stay interested in the training.

Also, make sure you come prepared.  All coaches should have training vests, cones, balls, and a first aid kit.  Many youth soccer clubs will provide this, but some do not.  The first aid kit is extremely important due to the injuries your players will get throughout the year.

Here are some tips to having a successful season:

1. Stay Positive-  In all circumstances stay positive!  Even if your team is getting beaten always stay postive with the players.  The more negative you as a coach are the worst your team will play.  Don’t ever in any circumstance put down a player!

2. Have a game plan-  Whether it’s practice or a game always have a plan where all the players know what is expected of them.  This could be the formation you play or the tactics you would like to use.

3. Have fun-  The reason everyone is at the park on Saturday mornings is to have a good time.  Please don’t treat every match like it’s the World Cup Final!  Have fun and try tto teach the kids the beautiful game of soccer!

Here at Livethepitch.com we will be providing youth soccer drills to make your job easier!