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Fun is the best way for a coach and player to get on the same page. When everyone is having fun playing the game of
soccer then it all clicks, everyone learns and grows naturally.
Coaches need to understand that not all players are there because they love the game and want to learn. Every season you
will have a certain number of kids on the team who just want to socialize with friends, some that don't really care about
soccer but their parents signed them up, and others who are just looking to escape poor conditions at home. All types will
be on your team. My best recommendation for instilling confidence, discipline and building self esteem in your players is
shift each players focus towards the goal of having fun while playing the game of soccer.
One of the best ways to accomplish this goal is to openly discuss your plan for having fun with the entire team. Make them
aware of your strong commitment to fun and your expectations that they'll do the same. If you find a player having fun and it
does not involve the game of soccer then it's OK to politely remind them to refocus on the game. Ask the parents for help if
you need it, they're usually more than willing.
Another way to help players have fun is to explain some of the basic rules and your expectations. This is usually
accomplished during your first meeting but should also be revisited at times through out the season. Here are some
expectations you may want to consider sharing with your team:
EXPECTATIONS:
Positive reinforcement is constantly used to provide both motivation and reassurance to the players. But when you have a
player who is not participating well, not listening or acting unruly by disobeying the rules, then you may have to develop a
better understanding of their history. Try talking with the parents and be as understanding as possible. PUT YOURSELF
IN THEIR SHOES and you'll find all kinds of reasons why a player is acting out. As long as the player is engaged, trying
their best to have fun while playing the game of soccer, and not a safety hazard to themselves or others, then you're on the
right track.
There may be times when you'll have a player standing on the field watching, not participating, crying, laying down, picking
flowers, staring at the planes going by at 30,000 feet, or throwing a temper tantrums. You may also have players that won't
obey the rules by repeatedly hitting, tripping, pushing, cussing or generally acting in an unsportsmanlike manner. Some
players may have developmental issues or physical handicaps. Some are taking medications.
No matter what the situation, when a player is a safety hazard to either themselves or others on the field then it is your job to
take steps to make sure nobody gets hurt.
composure. For the younger kids, you can ask the parent to sit with them. But only do this with the parents permission
first. Remember, there may be some underlying reason for why the player is acting out so be sure to communicate with the
parents in private.
Invite the player back onto the field for a retry. Usually after one or two trips to the side line the player will see how the rest of
the team is having fun and want to make changes so they can have fun too. REMEMBER the key is to have fun while playing
the game of soccer. As long as they're engaged and trying their best to have fun while playing the game of soccer then
you're on the right track.
Once in a while you may have a player who will not respond to you or the parents. If you find yourself in the situation where
either the player or other players might get hurt then bring this to your club Age Group Coordinator as soon as possible.
soccer then it all clicks, everyone learns and grows naturally.
Coaches need to understand that not all players are there because they love the game and want to learn. Every season you
will have a certain number of kids on the team who just want to socialize with friends, some that don't really care about
soccer but their parents signed them up, and others who are just looking to escape poor conditions at home. All types will
be on your team. My best recommendation for instilling confidence, discipline and building self esteem in your players is
shift each players focus towards the goal of having fun while playing the game of soccer.
One of the best ways to accomplish this goal is to openly discuss your plan for having fun with the entire team. Make them
aware of your strong commitment to fun and your expectations that they'll do the same. If you find a player having fun and it
does not involve the game of soccer then it's OK to politely remind them to refocus on the game. Ask the parents for help if
you need it, they're usually more than willing.
Another way to help players have fun is to explain some of the basic rules and your expectations. This is usually
accomplished during your first meeting but should also be revisited at times through out the season. Here are some
expectations you may want to consider sharing with your team:
EXPECTATIONS:
- Sportsmanship: Obey the rules of the game. Be respectful of others. Take a knee when someone is hurt.
- Maximum Effort: Try your best at all times and challenge yourself to do better.
- General Rules of the game: No pushing, tripping, tackling, don't talk to the referee
- Timeliness: Be 5 minutes early to all events, run (not walk) from the car to the field
- Equipment: Players of all ages need to take responsibility (even partially) for making sure they don't leave home
without the proper equipment (ball, shin guards, water bottle, cold weather gear, and a good attitude).
Positive reinforcement is constantly used to provide both motivation and reassurance to the players. But when you have a
player who is not participating well, not listening or acting unruly by disobeying the rules, then you may have to develop a
better understanding of their history. Try talking with the parents and be as understanding as possible. PUT YOURSELF
IN THEIR SHOES and you'll find all kinds of reasons why a player is acting out. As long as the player is engaged, trying
their best to have fun while playing the game of soccer, and not a safety hazard to themselves or others, then you're on the
right track.
There may be times when you'll have a player standing on the field watching, not participating, crying, laying down, picking
flowers, staring at the planes going by at 30,000 feet, or throwing a temper tantrums. You may also have players that won't
obey the rules by repeatedly hitting, tripping, pushing, cussing or generally acting in an unsportsmanlike manner. Some
players may have developmental issues or physical handicaps. Some are taking medications.
No matter what the situation, when a player is a safety hazard to either themselves or others on the field then it is your job to
take steps to make sure nobody gets hurt.
Suggestions:
(1) Talk to the player in an encouraging way (never yell or intimidate) and nicely ask them to behave
(2) Ask the parent for help and explain how you're concerned for their child's safety and don't want them to get hurt.
(3) Ask the parents if they would like the player to sit with them on the sidelines or in a coaches time out box made of
cones and set up next to where you've staged your gear (balls, cones, etc.).
composure. For the younger kids, you can ask the parent to sit with them. But only do this with the parents permission
first. Remember, there may be some underlying reason for why the player is acting out so be sure to communicate with the
parents in private.
Invite the player back onto the field for a retry. Usually after one or two trips to the side line the player will see how the rest of
the team is having fun and want to make changes so they can have fun too. REMEMBER the key is to have fun while playing
the game of soccer. As long as they're engaged and trying their best to have fun while playing the game of soccer then
you're on the right track.
Once in a while you may have a player who will not respond to you or the parents. If you find yourself in the situation where
either the player or other players might get hurt then bring this to your club Age Group Coordinator as soon as possible.
| How to instill confidence, discipline and build self esteem |
| Go Westside Warriors! - Conduct for Players |
