What are the Secrets to successful kids coaching? Plan the session UÊ Be clear how you will organise it (what areas to mark out, etc) UÊ Avoid over-planning (simple sessions are usually most successful) UÊ Some activities will need to be repeated for a few sessions (kids can pick things up better with some continuity, instead of constantly having to learn new activities)
Set up early UÊ Arrive before the players, and have it all set up (remember SAFETY CHECK)
Get things happening quickly UÊ Give clear and short instructions UÊ Use a demonstration whenever possible ( make sure they are looking and listening; stand where there are no distractions behind you, and the sun is not in their eyes) UÊ Make sure you’ve been understood (‘any questions?’)
Try to be more of an ‘organiser’ than a ‘coach’ UÊ Let them play! (Avoid stopping them and talking too much) UÊ Remember, if you follow the guidelines from this book, the activity itself will usually be the ‘coach.’
)RNS] ]SYVWIPJ UÊ Have fun with football (remember, it’s a game – not a chore) UÊ Have fun with the kids (get to know them all, talk to them all)
Set some guidelines UÊ Let the kids and their parents know what you expect (behaviour, punctuality, etc) UÊ A parent’s information night followed by a social dinner is a great way to deliver these important messages and then perhaps answer questions. UÊ You and the kids can make some rules and talk about what consequences might follow if they are broken (e.g. time-out)
Picking teams UÊ It’s better if you just call out numbers (e.g. ‘you’re a 1, you’re a 2, you’re a 1, etc. OK, all the 1’s over here, all the 2’s over there.’) rather than letting players pick teams. Being one of the last ones picked can damage a kid’s self-esteem.
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