Notes for Coaches

INSTRUCTIONAL SOCCER PROGRAM NOTES FOR COACHES:
Always remember how important it is to teach the fundamental skills properly. As writing skills are built from the alphabet forward, so soccer skills build from the most basic first touches on the ball. (The concept of “Learning Progressions in Soccer” is provided under Introduction to Skills at the CoachingAmericanSoccer.com website.)
Bring your cell phone.
Wear a watch.
No whistles are to be used.
Involve the parents as much as possible.
If shoelaces need to be tied, send the child to the parent so that it doesn’t take time or attention away from the practice.
It is recommended that you not use goalkeepers in drills or scrimmages. This includes both players and parents. Players need to know the success of scoring. If parents are used to retrieve balls during drills, they should be well behind the goal.
It is recommended that you not use the same “fun game” more than twice in one practice.
It is recommended that you not scrimmage with another team until after at least the first two practices. When you do, it is recommended that you first scrimmage with the team in the grid opposite the “middle aisle” from you.
Write out a “lesson plan” on a “3 x 5″ card for each practice. Include alternatives.
If a drill or activity appears to be hard to understand, move on to something else.
If multiple players seem to become bored or disinterested in a drill or activity, move on to something else.
Always demonstrate a positive, upbeat, attitude. Praise the players often. Try to ensure that each player is singled out for some form of praise each practice.
Try to “dress the part” of being a soccer coach.
No heading.
For activities where balls are not used, you may establish a “nest,” consisting of a small circle of discs, at a flag or just outside the grid where the players may place their balls.
Purchase inexpensive shin guards for back-up purposes when parents and children forget theirs so that children will not have to be denied the ability to participate. If they have to be used, remember to get them back (and wash them)!

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Coaching American Soccer

Instructional Soccer Coaching Manual (PDF)

Download the instructional soccer coaching manual

Notes for Coaches

Coaching American Soccer

Instructional Soccer Coaching Manual (PDF)

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