What if I told you that coaches do make such mistakes in kids soccer drills that have the potential to destroy a team and make it a loser. And it’s absolutely right. Many of you must be thinking that how can there be something so big that can destroy a team. Okay then, let it be known that reasons are countless.
You will have to work very watchfully and advantageously in designing soccer drills for kids. It’s very important for you know the kid’s psychology. Exchange words with them discussing things from their point of view. But unfortunately, many coaches are unprepared to adjust to it. They do not appreciate the difference between coaching the kids and coaching mature players.
So here it is; top mistakes or sins as I call them that coaches make and put their teams on a losing track.
1. A lot of them consider their jobs as casual work. They don’t consider in necessary to be prompt in reaching the ground, set up the drills, or systematize practice sessions. These qualities are not just unacceptable and also upset the kids. Kids tend to be very serious about soccer and you should too. Youth soccer drills should be pre-planned. Any equipment required to execute the drills should be assembled in advance.
Always be prompt. Always reach the field before the kids. Well in fact, grace the filed with your presence when kids reach. It has the advantage of finding some extra time to practice the drills and plan other things.
2. Before the sessions, when the coaches impart instructions for kids soccer drills, they get so lost in it so as to loose track of the time. Can you anticipate how boring that can get? You must realize that players are more interested in playing than hearing. Keep your words of wisdom brief and straight forward. Use this talk to motivate the kids and increase their confidence.
Also, do not interrupt the kids when they are playing. If the kids do anything incorrectly, make a note of it and share it afterwards. Also, you should be outside the field when the kids are enjoying the game.
3. Some coaches use foul language with the young players. In soccer drills for youth, both the behaviors are unacceptable. It is bad to display weak behaviour on the soccer field. It is Ok if kids make mistakes. Remember, they are just kids. There is no need to get sensitive about it and be rude to the players.
When this happens, you are making the kids loose interest and also making things difficult for yourself. Soccer is played in the mind more than from the body. Make the kids realize this and you would have motivated them.
Just don’t let these problems of kids soccer drills affect you and you are a winner. 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 amazed by the rise in your knowledge.
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.