Welcome Coaches!

ATTLEBORO YOUTH SOCCER

COACHING GUIDELINES

COMMUNICATION: Ensure the terminology you use is clear and precise. Let players know you are in charge.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT: Whenever possible give individuals and/or groups positive reinforcement. Refrain from using negative comments. Use praise as an incentive.

BE CREATIVE AND USE INITIATIVE: If the drill or game is too advanced, modify to increase the chances of success.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Be motivational and inspirational. Enthusiasm and being energetic are contagious.

KEEP PLAYERS ACTIVE: If the drill is static, create need of helpers or assistants to keep everyone involved.

EACH PLAYER IS AN INDIVIDUAL: Be aware of player differences. Aggressive or quiet, recognition of player personalities will allow you to respond to all players, and they will respond to you positively.

STRIVE FOR QUALITY: In all demonstrations make the desired objectives clear. If a player shows mastery of a skill, use him/her to demonstrate.

REINFORCE CORRECT TECHNIQUE: In all drills and games continually emphasis the use of correct techniques.

ENCOURAGE PLAYER MOVEMENT: At all times make players aware of importance of readiness. Emphasize weight forward on toes and bouncing instead of flat footed-ness.

ROTATE POSITIONS: All players should be active as servers, assistants.

DEVELOP PLAYER RESPECT: Continually get players to support one another. To show good sportsmanship towards all players including opponents, and respect for others attempts and effort.

EQUALITY AMONGST PLAYERS: Give equal attention to all players in group or games. Do not leave the less competent players behind nor slow the advanced players.

FUN AND ENJOYMENT: Players will respond and want to continue if things are fun. Create their enjoyment.

REMEMBER AS A COACH YOU SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALL PLAYERS WHETHER TECHNICALLY ABLED OR NEW TO THE GAME. YOUR POSITION IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL TO THESE CHILDREN. SET EXEMPLARY STANDARDS. DEVELOPING GOOD TOUCH AND TECHNIQUE, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND A GOOD ATMOSPHERE IS THE GOAL. KEEP AWAY FROM CREATING A PRESSURE TO WIN. MAINTAIN EQUALITY THROUGHOUT YOUR SESSIONS AND EMPHASIZE FUN AND DEVELOPMENT.

COACHING POINTS
KEY TERMS AND PHRASES TO USE
D.T.T. ( Developing Touch and Technique.). Maintain close control with both feet. Be agile, stay on toes. Use all parts of feet, inside, outside, laces, sole. Move to get behind balls path. Keep a soft contact. Concentrate on center of ball. Keep head up. Control ball first, don’t just kick it away. Change direction and speed when turning. Be a friend with the ball.	SHOOTING. Keep toe pointing down. Lock ankle. Strike with shoelaces. Strike through center of ball. Swing leg and follow through. Keep relaxed except keep foot locked. Accuracy before power. Keep knee and head over ball. Place standing foot alongside ball, not in front or behind. Aim for bottom corners of goal. Accuracy before power. Follow after shooting. Use foot closest to the ball. I.E. left or right foot.

PASSING Use inside of feet. Change body position so it’s comfortable. Stay relaxed. Don’t be like a robot. Look at ball when passing. Pass to other players, not just kick and hope. Move afterwards. Move away from players to receive ball. Turn body to face ball when receiving. Stay spread out.	GAMES All of the above. Keep moving. Encourage movement towards ball. Encourage use of width. Keep positions only loosely restricted. Take Time-out to rotate subs and positions. Coach, educate, and support during games. Explain all fouls and calls made. Create an understanding of the Laws of the Game.

Coaches' Resources

1Goalkeeper's Extreme Soccer Page!	SoccerCoaching.Net
SoccerClub!	Pill's Drills
Decatur Sports Page Soccer Drills	Soccerdoc's Coaching the Great Game
Carolina United U-18 Ladies White	Internet Soccer Clinics

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Thank you for volunteering your time to this league.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SEASON.