How to Coach Youth Soccer

Soccer, referred to by most of the world as "football," was officially created in 1863 in England and is now the most played sport on the planet. Soccer is easy enough that almost anyone can play it, yet challenging enough to take a lifetime to master. A good youth soccer coach will introduce the team to this great sport and how to play it properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Know the Positions in Youth Soccer

1. To keep the ball out of the team goal is the job of the goalkeeper. The goalie may touch the ball with any part of his body as long as he is inside the penalty box (marked rectangle by the goal). Outside the penalty box the goalie cannot use his hands or arms.
2. To score goals is the main job of the strikers (or forwards or attackers), who make up the first line of the team offense and start the game at mid-field.
3. To protect the goal is the job of the defenders. These players do not usually advance too far across mid-field, except for free kicks and corner kicks, and serve to stop the soccer ball from advancing to their goal.

Prepare Youth Soccer Practices

4. Make a written plan for the practice session and focus on a specific skill you want the team to work on.
5. Have the youth soccer team stretch their muscles before practice using simple, dynamic stretches.
6. Go over the basics by showing players how to dribble the ball, pass the ball and kick the ball, as well as where players should be located during the game.
7. Play drills disguised as games. For example, divide the team into three or four mini-teams and have them race across the field passing the ball at least eight (or any number you decide) times on their mini-team. Try to make the teams even and recognize the fastest team.
8. Play scrimmage games with even teams for 10 to 15 minutes per practice to give players game experience.

Coach the Game

9. Arrive early for the game to have the team warm up beforehand.
10. Encourage the team to have fun, play hard and use the skills they have learned in practice.
11. Switch players out when you can to make sure everyone gets to play.
12. Write down notes of skills that need sharpening during the next practice.
13. Celebrate the good things happening on the field with your team.

Tips & Warnings

• Youth sports should emphasize having fun over winning. Be encouraging towards your players or they might not want to play anymore.
• A coach can practice many aspects of soccer without the availability of an official soccer field. All you will need is some orange cones to mark the field.
• Turn drills into games to make learning more fun for youth soccer players.
• The majority of practice time should be spent on developing skills.
• Make the length of practice time appropriate for the age you are working with.
• Younger soccer players have a big tendency to disregard their positions as soon as the opening whistle is blown and everyone runs after the ball, which leads to a jumble of 20 kids fighting to get a kick in at the ball. Try to stress the importance of maintaining positions throughout the game.

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