It’s not wrong that in kids soccer drills, coaches are very much responsible for the downfall of the players as a team because of some errors. Yes, it is true. Lot of people must be busy finding out the big reason responsible for a team’s such great downfall. Then let me tell you, there can be numerous causes.
With respect to soccer drills for kids, you’ve got to act very cautiously and tactfully. Make it a point to know and value psychology of the kids. Communicate with them in a way that suits their age level. But sadly, most coaches are not ready to adapt to this. They conveniently ignore fact that there is a disparity between training grown-up players and kids.
Here you go; main errors that coaches make that result in a team’s downfall.
1. Many coaches take their jobs for granted. They do not plan the sessions, prepare the drills, or bother about reaching the field in time. Such behavior is bad and also has the potential to sadden the kids. Kids take soccer very seriously and so should you. Youth soccer drills should be pre-planned. Any equipment required to execute the drills should be assembled in advance.
Be on time. Don’t be the one to reach the field later than the kids. In fact, you should be on the track before the kids arrive. What you get here is the additional time to run through the drills or plan out things.
2. When coaches give instructions for kids soccer drills, they get so carried away by their emotions that they keep going on and on. Can you anticipate how boring that can get? Know that kids come to the field to play and not listen to boring speeches. Keep the lecture short and sweet. These sessions should be used to boost the confidence of the kids as well as motivate them.
It is also important not to disturb them in between the sessions. If you have observed anything that needs to be corrected, note it and discuss it after the drill. Also, stay out of the field when the kids are practicing.
3. Some coaches use foul language with the young players. In soccer drills for youth, both the characters can prove disastrous. It may spell disaster for you if you get carried away by emotions on the field. It is imperative that the kids will make mistakes. Always remember that they are young. Never take things very critically and make it an excuse to get bad with the players.
When this happens, you are making the kids loose interest and also making things difficult for yourself. Soccer is a game of the mind. Make the kids realize this and you would have motivated them.
Do yourself a favor and avoid these sins in kids soccer drills at all costs. If you would like to know more about what the positive and negative traits of a coach are, join our youth soccer coaching community. You will be surprised by how big an improvement you can make by your decision.
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Soccer Training Drills.