Even though I’m not very sure about how you work, I’d still like to discuss some simple yet effective teaching techniques in coaching soccer drills before you start your practice sessions. Work out a common objective for the team as well as yourself as a coach, for instance; during soccer practice the players must enjoy the game while they are a part of it.
At this time, it’s essential to follow your goal and not feel distracted by other things. Consequently, identify such objectives that are particularly important for you as a coach and also equally important for the team. Some examples are; focus on player’s individual soccer skills, promote the importance of their physical fitness, and help them grow into mature, professional, and sporting soccer players.
Since you are the coach, you only are responsible for setting high standards of sportsmanship for players. Support them in developing a sporting attitude, a feeling of team spirit, and an attitude of fair play. There are several objectives important in teaching soccer that can be incorporated in your list along with these.
In coaching youth soccer, winning is also an important concept that should be paid due attention. During the training sessions, introduce the open concept of winning and try to place it in their minds. Make it clear to the players that it is the level of their performance that makes them a winner no matter what the final decision is.
It has the effect of encouraging the players to give it their best shot and play the game without unnecessary pressure to win anyways.
When coaching soccer drills, always keep in mind the importance of giving clear and correct instructions if they are to be helpful. Before you start coaching your team, educate your players on some specific do’s and don’ts in the game of soccer. The difference in coaching and teaching is that the former is done with a group of players who are already familiar with the basic skills and concepts of the game.
In the process of coaching drills, it is nice to first impart 5 to 6 demonstrations about a drill to the kids and then let them practice it themselves. It is due to the fact that kids grasp visualizations more effectively than simple instructions. If you decide to give them plain instructions, they will not appreciate it very much. Instead, they take demonstrations more enthusiastically.
Therefore, consider giving demonstrations wherever you can.
Finally, but still very important is your ability to keep the kids engaged in important activities. This becomes even more important when the weather is windy, wet, or cold. You must understand that kids are just thrilled at the prospect of playing in the rain. So, instead of revoking the session, it makes more sense to find alternative ways to let them have fun.
Ensure that in situations like these, the kids are wearing proper soccer gear as well as additional protection.
Now, it is time to add these tips to your training program and make the most of them. You will be astonished to see the results.
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Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: Coaching soccer drills.
Tags: coaching drills, coaching soccer drills, Soccer practice, teaching soccer