Soccer Coaches Resource

Without in any way claiming to give you everything you'll ever need to be a coach, this blog aims to provide you with some basic tools that we know you're going to need before very long. Things like information on how to become a certified coach, samples of the various forms you'll need to give out to your playeres, safety and first-aid tips, some hints on activities, and also information on things like coaching books and materials. As a youth coach, the first thing to teach your newest players is the rules and basic concepts of the game. If you are dealing with a whole team made up of brand-new players, you will want to dedicate the opening practice to learning the basic rules. With very young players (Under-6), you will want to avoid lecturing to them whenever possible. At this age, kids retain more by doing then by listening, and their attention spans are so short, it can hinder more than help to try to lecture to them for any period of time. Just ask any kindergarten teacher.

The only "rules" you need to worry about at Under-6 are the following:

*No hands (do not utilize a GK at this point)
*No pushing, tripping, or pulling clothing
*Use your feet to kick the ball and move it towards a goal

At the start of any drill involving goals, be sure to emphasize whose goal is whose to each team. Kids tend to get excited and will try to score in ANY goal.