How to Follow the ABCs of Youth Soccer Coaching (A-D)

To do a good job with children, see yourself first as a child educator and second as a soccer coach. The ABCs of coaching, created by Ashley's Soccer Camp in Montclair, New Jersey, and adopted by coaches nationwide, can help you do that.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Have one consistent stop command. "And stop!" This is the only command used by Ashley's Soccer Camp trainers. Players learn to recognize it and react. Be loud and forceful.

2. Be firm, fair and happy. Make the children do what you want them to, but always do it smiling. Also, children will respect you if you are consistent and fair.

3. Coach what players do correctly. Always coach what is right. Do not highlight what is wrong. "That was a good pass because you made it quickly," is an example. Also, never use exercise as punishment - for instance, by making players run laps.

4. Demonstrate. One demonstration speaks louder than a thousand words. If you cannot do it, have one of the members of the group do it.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn the language. Understand the sport you are coaching, including its vocabulary.
• Hit the books. Consider taking a soccer coaching license course. It will help you learn about soccer. In addition, many leagues require that coaches have licenses.
• Learn the "Laws of the Game." These are the official rules of soccer, often slightly adapted by youth leagues.
• Start out slowly. Volunteer to be an assistant coach at first in order to learn the ropes. Approach your child's coach or officials of your club or league.
• Become a student of the game. Watch teams and players of similar age to your child. Also, watch older teams so you know what to expect as you move along.
• Get support if you're a woman. Female coaches are less common than male coaches - and greatly appreciated. Find a role model, or create a support system.

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