The Simple 10 Youth Coaching Tips

Youth teams need coaches! More importantly, they need leaders that care! Energizing direction and guidance will have more significance than the X & O’s!

1 — Have a plan! — Even if you don’t stick to the plan!

Having a plan will help keep your practice fresh! Drills should be 12- 15 minutes to keep the player’s attention! It is ok to deviate from the plan! If you notice something is not sinking in that day, scrap it! Go on to the next drill! You can always revisit that skill in a different drill or on another day! The important thing is to get the most out of practice! Not the most out of a specific drill!

2 — Have good assistant coaches!

I cannot stress the asset of a good assistant coach! Give assistant coaches ownership of their responsibilities. Strategize outside of games and practices. During team events, the assistants own their roles! This will provide athletes with confidence in their leaders.

3 — Winning is minor! Preparing to win is crucial!

Youth athletics should present the opportunity for kids to learn how to prepare for competition! A coach implements a detailed plan of preparation for practices as well as games. Educating them about how their individual commitment toward a group effort will determine the teams’ performance on game day!