1. Effort is more important than systems and tactics
Yes, we know that you like to play with your tactics and formation in an attempt to defeat your opponents; The truth is that the effort of your players will invariably be the difference between winning or losing, especially if both teams are evenly matched in skill. Instill in your players the importance of giving everything on the field and going out knowing that they have nothing else to give. Win or lose, if they give it their all, they can be happy and so should you.
2. What you know is not as important as your personality and ability to relate to your players
Any coach can improve their understanding of the game by reading the endless pages of advice and help on the Internet. Sure, if one coach knows nothing and another coach has a lot of experience, the latter will probably be a better coach. However, not all coaches have or are willing to develop their personality and approach to the game to bring out the best in the children under their care.
3. Internships don’t have to be complicated
Running complex drills can be confusing for young players, while running drills for too long becomes boring. If you make these mistakes, your players will lose interest very quickly. Your practices should be based on small games and scrimmage as they relate directly to match day situations. Of course, some drills based on individual skills are a good idea, but you should try to move to small games and scrimmage for most of practice.
4. Winning is not the goal; your focus should be on improving your players and developing their love for the game
Yes, we know that winning has become the main objective of football coaches at all levels, especially in recent years. However, it should not be your focus as a coach of young players. You want them to finally get better and learn to love the game. No one likes to lose, but even if you’re winning games, if you’re not coaching your players the right way, letting them express themselves and make mistakes without fear of being yelled at, ultimately they’re very likely to fall in love with the game.
They need to enjoy the freedom to play without being judged whether they win or lose. If you encourage them at all times and focus on the positive things they do instead of the negative, they will improve faster and enjoy just playing the game. Players improve faster when they enjoy doing something, it’s important to remember that.
5. The biggest secret is that there are no ‘secrets’!
There really isn’t a big secret to coaching soccer. Sure, there are different line-ups, tactics, styles of play and training methods, but they are all available to all coaches, experienced or beginners, simply by searching the internet for information.
Ultimately, it is up to the player to develop a deep connection to the game, to the ball. As a coach, you can facilitate that and you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. Encourage your players, give them freedom, teach them to play with pride, passion and integrity and to respect their opponents and referees. Finally, remember that children’s soccer is a player’s game, not a coach’s game.