How To Become A Better Soccer Coach
Have High Standards
Young players are far sharper than what you think them to be. If your own standards of the game are not high, you’ll be found out in a minute.
The only solution to this is to practice much more than what you expect the players to do, so that any aspect of the game you demonstrate is convincing and professional.
Be Friendly And Firm
Most players start out to have fun and if they enjoy the game, they may stay on to play the game at a more serious level. As coach, you must ensure that they leave each practice session eager to return for the next.
This can only be achieved if the coach makes his sessions interesting, entertaining and value added. You may have to take a firm hand with some players, but if they and the rest of the players are convinced that it is for their own good, you will have no problems on this account.
Handle Success And Failure With Dignity
You win some and you lose some, but both should be stepping stones to higher levels of achievement. Many coaches make the mistake of attributing success to great coaching and failure to poor performance of the players.
It should be the other way around. The coach is responsible for everything. If you cannot handle this responsibility with maturity, you need to rethink.
Stay In Control
A coach needs to be several steps ahead of his players and the game. This means that you should never be seen to be under prepared or flustered. If you needed some equipment for a specific session, you should have it in place, well before the first player turns up.
Similarly, transport, tying up outside matches and parental assistance must also always be tied up well in advance. If your players see you totally in control, they will get a feeling of professionalism and will strive to match your behavior. It also works the other way around!
Manage Parents
Some parents become a bit too involved with the game. Hence, the coach also needs to define the boundaries of such involvement. You may need to be firm with them to the point of telling them who is in control.
Parents have to see the game as a game and the opposing team as just kids. Ensure that parental expectations do not spoil the pleasure of playing soccer.
Ok, and that’s what’s I wanted to share with you today… I hope you think a little about these ideas.
“See” you soon…
P.S. (Are you on ‘Twitter’? Click here to follow me…
Andre Botelho
Tags: How To Become A Better Soccer Coach, Soccer Coaching, Soccer Coaching Tips
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