Youth Soccer Coaching "Follow The 9-Step Routine"

The coach should begin by using our suggestion in the '9 Step Practice Routine' where teaching/coaching takes place during the Cooperative games and Observing/Note taking is practices during the Competitive games.

This coach must remember it's only a game. The kids must have fun in order to be successful.

Before the game start (after warm up):

For U6 just make sure they know which direction they must go in the second half and then let them have Fun. For older age group

1. Review their positions (if practiced)
2. Ask them if they have any questions, or concerns
3. Tell them to go out there and have FUN.

@ Half time:

1. Let them Rest and Drink in peace and quiet for a few minutes (coach, check for injuries)
2. Make your substitutions
3. Ask them what they can do to improve their performance (individual as well as a team), use Sandwich criticism approach
4. Go out there and have Fun

End of the Game: (Win, or Lose); Briefly

1. Bring some of their positive points, stopping a ball, not giving up on a fast brake. Tell'em it was worth the price of Admission
2. Ask them How they feel about their game and if they had Fun
3. Thank them for showing up
4. Lastly, skip post-game analysis, they do not need a lecture right after the game. They need to feel good about themselves, "What flavor of ice cream should be the only challenge they face" (Dr. Joel Fish)
5. Coach remember During the game you should observe and take notes, What do you need to work on during your next practice sessions, the things that did not work in the game that you have just observed.
6. Make sure you are having fun too.

Finally, I strongly recommend taking a coaching class from your state associations.

Good luck out there, have FUN and be a positive role model for our kids. After all it is all about our kids.

Joe Esfandiary
CYSA national coaching instructor