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by Joseph Oaster

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So you want to coach youth soccer. Never coached before? Never played the game? How do I motivate the team? How do I teach the fundamentals? How do I interact with the parents?
You have entered the world of youth soccer as a coach, never coached or played before and are not sure what to do. Soccer is not the world's most popular sport for nothing. Soccer is played on every continent and in most countries besides the U.S. IS the national sport or pastime. Most of the major leagues in the country have players from all around the world. Even in the U.S.'s MLS, there are players from all around the world.
These players had to start somewhere. That place is their local youth soccer program. That person who may be coaching the next great soccer player is YOU. Like some of you reading this article I was turned on to coaching by having two of my children play on teams. The league was desperately short on coaches so I agreed to head coach not one but both teams.

I never played organized soccer. Even though I knew the game well and played hundreds of pick up games, I was never so scared as I was when I faced 9 four and five year old girls.
Thankfully we made it through the first practice with no injuries, no tears and all 9 girls came to the next practice.
What was my key to success these years later. 1. Simplicity. I taught the girls the very basics of the game including: no hands, throw ins, how to kick properly and passing. I practiced these fundamentals every practice and amazingly the girls got it. I could do no greater favor to the girls than to show them the very basics so they knew the game.
2. Fun. I was willing to laugh with the girls. I used to as a fun way to practice kicking and throwing had them kick and throw at my head. They to this day, 3 years later still ask to do this. It breaks it up and shows a "real" side to their coach. I never yelled at the girls, I only refocused their attention if they seemed sidetracked. If the practices and games become associated with yelling they will surely quit.
3. Get the parents involved. I greeted each parent and handed each a letter about who I am and my coaching philosophy. I tried my best to speak to each parent about the game and how their daughter was progressing after each practice and game. Most of the parents know little about soccer and I try to even show them simple drills they could practice throughout the week in order to work on what we were focusing on that week. Parents for the most parent want to help you and will really aid your coaching by encouraging their child almost as much as you do.
Lastly, coaching is about motivation and encouragement. At the end of each practice and game I call the girls into a circle and publicly point out one "great" thing they did that stood out. The smiles on their faces is priceless. This single aspect of coaching has really helped me. I have seen dramatic improvement in play of the girls because I recognize where they are doing better.
I am not talking about "self-esteem" but genuine praise for specific aspects of the game. For example, Hannah, your pass to Allison was perfect, that is exactly what we worked on in practice. Allison, you kicked the ball with your outside of your foot for the first time. I remember when you could not do that. I am proud of you. That single statement "I am proud of you," is likely the most encouraging statement the girls can hear. Some of them may never have heard those words before.
Soccer has been called "The Beautiful Game" by many around the world. If you have never coached don't worry, it is not the World Cup, it is a fun youth soccer league. the kids will never figure out if you don't know the game. They will though know if you don't want to be there. The kids love to learn the game and want to please you. Keep it simple. Keep it fun. Keep encouraging.

Learn more about this author, Joseph Oaster.

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