Coach Responsibilities:

• During the course of the soccer season the coach should provide instruction on the following topics: goal keeping, shooting, passing, dribbling, throw-ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, and kick-offs. In addition to these skills they will also educate players to the basic rules of soccer as well as getting exposure to the various positions on the soccer field.
• Coaches should do their best to ensure player safety during games and practices. This includes things like players wearing shin guards and having them following the rules with regards to dangerous play. Part of the player safety also includes hydration and dealing with extreme heat. Coaches should ensure that players have several opportunities for water breaks so that the players do not experience heat related issues during a game or practice
• Coaches should promote good sportsmanship for both players and parents.
• Most of all soccer should be fun for the children. They are the future of our sport and unless the they are enjoying their time at games and practices they won’t stick with the game. Be creative to ensure practice are both fun and meaningful.

Coaching Tips:

• Introduce the drill to the players, stating the objective and ask them to do a quick demonstration. If they don’t seem to understand, step in and show them. Do not explain the entire theory behind the drill up front. Getting them organized and started should not take any more than two minutes.
• To get the maximum benefit out of this drill, encourage the players to be in constant motion.
• Do not stand in the practice area, but rather on the side to be able to observe. Let them play without constant interruption or shouting of instructions by you. They need to learn to make decisions on their own. If the drill really is slowing down or the players are not catching on, then take a brief time out and show them what they could have done better in a specific situation. Give positive feedback as they improve. You will notice smoother and faster play as time progresses.