How to Coach Soccer

Not everyone should coach soccer, but anyone can if they follow these rules:

1) Know and understand soccer - you must know most of the rules (and all of them if you coach children older than 7) and the basic techniques of dribbling, passing, and shooting.

2) Be prepared - enter every practice knowing what you want to get done and how you're going to do it. You must also know what to teach in each situation.

3) Have fun - children should enjoy practice (and games). Who wants to be burned out and retired at ten years old?

If you have no knowledge of the game you have to both read and see the game played. Try to gain an appreciation for the game and the passionWatch real games if you can,

and check out my favorite books and videos.

How you run a soccer practice depends on the age and ability of the players. I've put together a practical e-book to help new coaches through soccer practice with 4 to 6 year olds.

Coaching older children is much more challenging because the skills are more advanced. In all my reading I've come to love the Dutch system. How can one small country produce so many championship teams? A unique team approach. See my book recommendations for further reading or Check out this page for some great drill ideas and some suggestions.
Children love to be rewarded. Don't give them fatty snacks (I've seen too much juice, cookies and chips given to children after games) but reward them for great play. Trophys and medals are a great idea for the end of the season. Want certificates you can print out at home?

Here's a link to a free soccer kit you can download.

But why wait to reward children at the END of the season? Reward them everytime they come to practice! For every goal! For every great defensive play!

Check out these patches!