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. Yes, it is true. Many of you must be thinking that how can there be something so big that can destroy a team. Well, let it be known that there are many.
To take steps pertaining to soccer drills for kids, be very alert and calculative. You must recognize kids psychology. Communicate with them in a way that suits their age level. But it’s really sad that a lot of coaches are still untrained to get used to this. They do not appreciate the difference between coaching the kids and coaching mature players.
Here you go; main errors that coaches make that result in a team’s downfall.
1. Several coaches don’t take their jobs seriously. 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. Arrange for various equipments needed to perform the drills before-hand.
Be punctual. Make it a point to reach the field earlier than the kids. Actually, be there when the kids get there. What you get here is the additional time to run through the drills or plan out 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 believe how boring that can be? 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.
It is crucial that you do not interrupt the kids when they are playing. If you have observed anything that needs to be corrected, note it and discuss it after the drill. Also, observe the kids from outside when they are playing.
3. Some coaches use harsh and offensive language with the kids. In soccer drills for youth, both the behaviors are unacceptable. It is never a good idea to show your emotions on the field. It is fine for the kids to make errors. Always remember that they are young. You should not take it seriously and get offensive with the players.
In such a situation, you disengage the kids from the game and also create problems for yourself. Soccer is about mind games. Make the kids realize this and you would have motivated them.
Just keep yourself aloof from these problems in kids soccer drills. If you are looking for tips on how coaches should handle the kids, subscribe to our youth soccer coaching community. This will dramatically improve your knowledge and skills.
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.