How to Train to Be a Soccer Coach

Soccer coaching is a challenging and rewarding task.

Soccer coaching is a challenging and rewarding pastime. A soccer coach gets the chance to teach players the game, as well as life lessons, such as discipline, punctuality, and teamwork. To become a coach of soccer you must first gain a good understanding of the game yourself. Invest time and effort into your quest to become a soccer coach. Soccer coach training should cover practice drills, player management, and game day coaching. Keep an open mind and take advice during your coaching education.

Instructions

Qualifications

1. Achieve an official coaching qualification as part of your soccer coach training. Many state youth soccer associations require you to gain a minimal qualification before you are allowed on the sidelines during a game. The referee will check membership cards before games. In the United States, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and United States Soccer Federation (USFF) are the two officially sanctioned governing bodies that award coaching qualifications. Introduction courses, such as the USSF 'F' coaching qualification or the NSCAA Regional Diploma, are relatively cheap, costing less than $70 each, and can be completed in one day. Higher-level coaching qualifications, such as the USSF 'C' qualification or the NSCAA National Diploma, are more expensive, ranging from $300 to $500 and are five- day courses. Residential options are available for these certifications where you can receive boarding for four nights.

2. Study educational materials regularly as part of your soccer coach training. Many books and DVDs are available that can help you study for your coaching qualifications, and also to continually educate yourself and learn new coaching methodology and drills. Set aside one or two hours per week to read up on soccer coaching, or to watch a DVD specializing in the details of a particular skill or system of play. Consistent study will help you to avoid repeating material and running out of ideas when coaching your soccer team in training sessions.

3. Watch soccer games on a regular basis, whether it be live youth soccer or professional games on television. Watching soccer is a valuable part of soccer coach training. Take notes on the formations a team uses, study the patterns they use in attack, and how they pressure and cover while defending. If you see a system you enjoy or like, then study it further and incorporate it with your own soccer team. Try to find a fellow coach, or someone who has played at a high level, to watch the games with. Asking questions and sharing ideas will serve to enhance your soccer coach training.

References

• US Youth Soccer: Volunteer Coach Advice
• NSCAA: Educating Coaches

Resources

• US Soccer Website
• USSF: Coaching Courses