How to Coach an MLS Team

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the latest effort to bring professional soccer to the United States. As the coach of an MLS team, you need to produce an organized and exciting team that can win games while bringing fans into the stadium. Your ability to practice for every contingency will help your MLS team succeed on the scoreboard and the box office. Read on to learn how to coach an MLS team.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Orange Cones for Drills
Soccer Balls
Whistle

Step1

Get your MLS team off on the right foot by teaching players how to proceed in dead ball situations. Your team will face a multitude of free kicks, throw-ins and corner kicks during a game. Books like Marco Ceccomori's "Soccer Set Plays," available online, can provide you with the tips needed to coach your team before the ball is in play. See the Resources section below for a link.

Step2

Place versatile players at midfield positions during MLS games. The midfield positions require the ability to advance towards the opposing goal and fall back to help out the defense.

Step3

Develop the ability to accurately pass the ball deep. MLS teams play an up tempo game and you need to coach your players on getting the ball upfield quickly. A way to improve pass accuracy on the long ball is to utilize a garbage can in practice and make it a challenge to your mid-fielders and fullbacks to hit the can.

Step4

Find experienced coaches and retired players to work on your team's defense. Defensive players at sweeper and goal keeper require technical skills and mental toughness to play successfully.

Step5

Adjust to the opposing team's strategies and players at half time. There are few interruptions at half time and coaches do not get many chances to speak with their whole team during the game. Use a white board and your assistants to disseminate new tactics to every player.

Step6

Ensure your team the ability to substitute for injured or exhausted players. League rules allow you to make three substitutions in a single game. Substitutions should be used sparingly until about five minutes left. At that point, bring in fresh players if you are losing.

Tips & Warnings

Incorporate sprints and long distance running into your MLS game preparations. Every team member needs to be able to endure 90 minutes of game play with few interruptions and substitutions. You should develop drills that mix a test of player skill with a gradual development of speed and endurance.