A couple of days ago I signed up to help coach Joshua’s soccer team for winter/spring soccer. I have been reluctant to coach in the past because I do not want to be “one of those coaches” and I do not want to be too hard on my son.
Seriously, I think we all know what I am talking about. Recently I overhead a conversation where some poor old SOB was talking about how such and such kid was really good, while some little “snotty ass” kid should be sitting on the bench. Why on earth would grown men sit around shooting the shit about their little league baseball team – before the season even started? I really wanted to tell them to f’off, but I figured Bubba had about 150 pounds on me, and would have easily kicked my ass back to Texas.
But I digress, back to reality.
Over the last few months I have helped out where I could with Joshua’s T-Ball team, his soccer team, and now his basketball team, but I have always remained in the background. I did not want to do anything in an “official” capacity – I did not want to interfere, and I was afraid that I would be too hard on Joshua.
I recently decided that I want to become more involved (Coach C. if you please), and decided it would be worthwhile for Joshua and me if I became his soccer coach for too many reasons to go into here. I think I can manage to keep a level head and not become a Bubba. If nothing else, my wife will keep me in line.
The excitement that Joshua expressed when his mom told him I was going to coach his team was absolutely priceless.
So here I am getting ready to coach 5 and 6 year-olds. I am sure it will be crazy, but hopefully I will manage to get through it with my sanity intact, keeping the sport fun, while teaching the kids about soccer and good sportsmanship.
Prayers are always welcome, and advice on coaching youth soccer would be appreciated (that means you Kevin!).
LOL, Jonathan… Trying to keep them from clumping around the ball will be your biggest challenge, and your biggest success, if you accomplish it! Also, you’ll probably have kids climbing on the goals, chasing imaginary friends, and crying because they don’t get to kick it when they WANT to. Believe me, you need not be a tactician at this level. Try to teach them how to strike, how to pass, and hopefully, how to stay out of each other’s way!
By the way, did you see my WWSM post about my Crew? I did that SPECIFICALLY for you, and you’ve yet to share some thoughts. I’m waiting to hear how you’re doing as well!
Kevin
Kevin – thanks for the comments. I actually know what to expect from the kids because helped with Joshua’s fall soccer team a few months ago. I was really just wondering if anyone (especially you) had any advice on how to teach the kids.
The previous coaches were nice, but they were not really into teaching the kids "how" to play. I mean, they did and all, but most of the focus was just on having fun. Not that this is a bad thing, but hopefully you know where I am coming from.
Obviously I want the kids to have fun. That is a given. But I also want to teach them about the sport of soccer. I figure the biggest thing I will work on is teamwork – creating space and passing the ball. The previous coaches almost never worked on passing the ball.
At their age (U6) it is very informal – just getting them used to the game and the rules. Scores are not kept, 3-3 squads divided into an A and B team based on skill levels.
I am looking forward to it, but I have never tried to coach before, so it will be interesting for sure! Any advice on books or videos that are good for teaching soccer.
I need to check out your Crew update.
Aim for small victories, JC, like a good pass, a goal kick somewhere other than right in front of their own goal, a nice tackle, running to the right spot, spreading out, anything that they do that’s positive. I believe in having fun, as it’s one of the three basic things I try to accomplish with youth sports. However, the other two are learn the skills and learn the rules of the game.
I tend to spend about half of my practice on fundementals. Basic dribbling, passing and shooting, a "give and go" drill (you can be the point man, and when your kids get better, make them the point man), and some 1-1, 2-0, and 2-1 drills are all staples of my instruction (I have many other drills, if you like). Work on spacing; explain WHY you want them apart, and show them (the 2-1 drill works great for this). For example, I teach them simple rules, like if (in a 2-1) the defender rushes you, then pass, if not, drive forward for a shot. Simple rules and concepts, plus lots of praise, and some correction, will teach these kids. EVENTUALLY, they will start to apply it, and your parents will appreciate it.
Is that better?
LOL Kevin – much better. I may a coaches meeting in a couple of weeks. I guess they will tell us what we should be teaching the kids. It is not like I do not have a good idea of what I think is important, but I am not sure how that translates into coaching kids.
Looking forward to it anyway!
Be sure to share your experiences! I’m sure we’ll be able to help each other out…
Good luck!
Kevin