Coach Youth Soccer : Traits Of An Ideal Coach


Tell me, does this describe you? When it comes to coach youth soccer, there are certain essential elements that kids look forward to in their coach. If you have all of the following traits, there are chances that your kids rate you very high as a coach.

We often discuss as to how kids and their parents should be informed about the training drills. However, it is almost always neglected as to what kids expect from their coach. To teach youth soccer, it is imperative to have the following skills which will decide how well and soon can you create a winning team.

Sensitivity: Listen to kids and understand their needs and aspirations. Respect their thoughts, ideas, and goals. Be tolerant and ever-ready to lend them your ears. Also, it is important to note that the best way to handle kids is being humorous with them.

Knowledge and Experience: While teaching soccer, it goes without saying that the kids look up to you for information and tips. So you should be someone who has played soccer extensively,  knows its intricate details, and has a huge experience to share.

Praise and Feedback: When a kid does well, ensure that you appreciate him. Along the same lines, when someone makes a mistake, provide feedback. However in both the situations, do not go overboard. Also, it is important not to  pull someone up in front of his teammates. Cheer the team up from outside the field. This is important to coach youth soccer.

Trustworthiness: Young kids often get caught up in situations where they cannot take a decision. In times such as these, they look up to you to guide them. Talk to them, share your ideas, listen to their problems and this will develop a bond. They will trust you for taking their decisions.

Managing: Kids like their soccer coaching sessions well organized and planned. So it is mandatory that you have great managerial skills as well. Whether you are organizing on the field drills, outdoor excursions, or even a small chit-chat session, ensure that the time is well spent.

A competent teacher: A coach and a teacher are not very different. Try to impart correct and accurate instructions, be compassionate to their problems, be appreciative and never ever reprimand, unless absolutely necessary.

Be a Friend: More than a coach, be a friend. The kids will need to share a lot of things with you and they will do so only when they trust you. Generally, kids get intimate only when they believe that their coach is friendly and open with them.

Remember, youth soccer is all about fun and learning together. If any one element is missing, the kids will loose interest in the support. You, as a coach can make a difference by imbibing all these qualities in yourself.

So go ahead and coach youth soccer by making these changes to your daily coaching routine. If you think, any of the above traits is lacking, work towards developing them. Our youth soccer coaching community has tons of useful resources, tips, articles, and newsletters to help you rise in your coaching profession.

Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free Coach youth soccer 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 Coaching Youth Soccer ebook at: Soccer Coaching Drills.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply