How to Coach Soccer
Coaching soccer is more than just winning. As a soccer coach, you are not only tasked to rack up wins for your squad but also develop character and instill humility, sportsmanship, determination and patience among your troops. If you want to be a good soccer coach, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
Make sure your team is ready to play.
To succeed in upcoming tourneys, your team needs to be fit. Since soccer is a rigorous sport that includes a lot of running and changing of pace, your players must be ready to play in long durations. Cardio training should be prioritized coupled by sharpening both your team’s shooting skills and team play.
Teach patience and discipline by letting your players undergo different passing techniques. Each player must know his or her role and position in the field.
Let your forwards practice penalty shots while your designated goal keepers take turns in improving their movement and defense. Look to practice these at the end of practice to emulate the exhaustion felt by players during actual matches.
Once your team is ready, compete in exhibition matches and scrimmages with other teams, even those outside of your league. These preseason matches will test the mettle of your team and allow them to develop their individual player skills and improve their team work.
Develop ways to communicate with your players.
Since a soccer field is big and matches are long, you need to develop many ways to communicate with your players to successfully execute plays. Develop codes like pointing at your nose, patting your head and the like to talk to them. You should also be careful of opponents decoding your signals.
You can also name a team captain to help facilitate communication on the soccer field. Relay important information regarding your strategies to your team captain and when the game commences, you can expect him or her to carry out your master plan.
Also, listen to your players from time to time. They may notice a lot of important things also while out there on the field. Ask them questions regarding their opponents and especially their stamina, difficulties or injuries.
Have confidence in your team.
Being a coach is more than just emphasizing the importance of training sessions, team play and problem-solving during matches. As a coach, you are expected to motivate your team by trusting them during the match.
Soccer is not just about taking advantage of the physical skills of the players but also stressing on the the mental aspect of the game. Motivate them before, during and after matches by congratulating them on a good move or play and emphasizing that soccer is indeed a team game.