Every soccer coach would like to produce world-class players with perfect technique and an endless knowledge of tactics. Although the perfect player has yet to be created, youth coaches devote many hours to this endless pursuit of excellence, driven by an undying love of the game. However, are we coaching our kids in a manner which will foster success, or are we creating a negative environment for proper development?
Each and every coach, from world cup winners to recreational coaches, needs more coaching education; however, if we follow some basic principles when coaching our youngsters, we can enhance their soccer experience.
A good youth soccer coach will always concentrate on success. This, of course, does not mean results, but the positive aspects of a child’s soccer ability. Coaches should always correct mistakes, but cannot forget to praise and point out success. In other words, focusing only on mistakes will create a player that will worry so much about the backlash from the coach that will begin to "hide" in matches and practices. This will certainly prevent them in achieving their original potential.
Kids learn best by watching; therefore a coach must be prepared to demonstrate. Consequently, any youth coach should be able to perform the basic techniques of the game. In addition, youth coaches should encourage players, right from the onset, to watch the game at the highest level available. Whether it is on television, or a local college team, kids will begin to see what needs to be accomplished to perform at a higher level. Most of all, it will teach children the game and its rules, making life of the youth coach much easier.
At the basic level (age 6-9), coaches should concentrate on teaching technique and helping players develop an individual style of ball control. There is no need for defensive tactics, since kids at this age will naturally want the ball; therefore they will do all they can to get it back once they lose it. Furthermore, coaches should avoid assigning roles that are too rigid or insist on non age related tactics, such as teaching players attacking runs during corners, when there is not a single player that can accurately loft the ball over 20 yards. Simply, the coach should concentrate his work on combination play and technique practice in manner that is interesting and exciting for players. Boring exercises, excessive standing in lines or long speeches by the coach (no lines, no laps, no lectures) will cause kids to lose interest and distract their attention from practice. Experiment with positions and allow kids to have lots of contact with the ball (small sided games). Ultimately as they get older they will benefit tremendously.
It is important to note that fitness training without the ball has little room in a youth development program until the older age group (U15 and up). During the developmental stage (10-14), fitness can be achieved through technical exercises and games. There are many methods that will not only improve fitness but also involve the ball. Coordination training, (jumping, hoping, SAQ) is okay, but endless running and sprints will create the wrong idea about the purpose of the sport. When players reach the adult stage, conditioning becomes more and more important; however it is necessary to also concentrate on strength, speed, and endurance.
Finally, as youth coaches we must remember that our goal is long term success, not immediate results. Teaching the game properly with patience will create a love for the game that will ensure a lifetime interest and dedication to the game of soccer for our players.
