First off, I really don't like to use the word "problem" when talking about young players. Typically a player is a product of their environment--and they have no control over the level of soccer and coaching they are exposed to growing up.

I think the biggest challenge young players in America have is to develop "the love of the game." Too often, young players' soccer experiences are regimented and overstructured, and they begin to associate soccer not as a "game" but more as something they do because either their parents say they should or because their friends do.

As coaches, we need to encourage this passion for soccer, so that players want to play and play--be it at practice, at the playground, or in the backyard.

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the right environment, co-ed soccer is a great one for a young players' development--both socially and in terms of skill learning. You do have to bear in mind, however, that boys and girls develop at different rates, both physically and socially. Early on in years, girls develop faster and this can help offset the physical advantages boys usually have over girls.

As the boys and girls both grow older and enter adolescence, however, differences between the two genders are bigger, and I would encourage same-gender teams when possible. In the younger ages, co-ed soccer is perfectly fine for player development--even though the boys may think the girls have "cooties"!

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Working as a professional trainer with youth soccer teams means working alongside a parent coach, a volunteer who in many cases coaches the team on game day.  A common request for training focus is usually something the parent feels the team didn't do well at the previous game.

While this short-term view may help solve certain issues, players often miss out on a rounded learning curriculum.  After all, players need training in all aspects of the game.  My advice would be to sit down at the start of the season and identify a series of training topics to focus on during practices.  These can be tweaked or re-ordered slightly according to game-day performances, but working on corner kicks simply because the team didn't take them well the previous game will take away from the players' learning in important other areas.

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question: What are the qualities of a good youth soccer coach?

Answer: There are a great number of youth soccer coaches in the United States, perhaps the most in the world. As such, parents in this country are spoiled somewhat by the talent available. There are many different qualities to look for, three of which I talk about here.

First and foremost, a good soccer coach must make the game fun for young players. A coach can have all the understanding, experience and qualifications in the world, but if they can't relate it in a way that is enjoyable to the kids, then it is relatively useless. Perhaps the most important role of a youth soccer coach is to instil a love of the game so that players want to continue playing outside of practice and into later life.

Also, when dealing with young players, communication is key. Coaches need to ensure that they are clear and understandable when explaining various drills and making coaching points. Developing an understanding of the game is critical in young players - we want them to know why, not just how, so use of language is important. A simple test to you use is when you listen to the coach explain things, can you understand him/her? If not, chances are you child can't!

Lastly, an understanding of the game is obviously important. Certifications and courses are perhaps the most effective way of determining a coach's experience, though playing ability can also be important. A good coach needn't have played professionally--a good player doesn't necessarily make a good coach--though a good level of soccer playing ability is desirable for demonstrations and providing the kids with a role model.

Hope this helps!

Jim

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 01:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Question: I'm the coach of a team of 6-year-olds, and have a hard time getting them not to swarm around the ball. Do you have any tips that might help them keep the proper spacing? 

Answer: It's important to note here that this is entirely normal, and will happen with any group of players that are so young - we shouldn't necessarily worry about it; awareness of space is something that develops over time.

That being said, there are a couple of things which a coach can do to aid their understanding during games. Restarting the game by giving 'the player in the most space' the ball will help reward players who find space, and in the future the intent is to have them do this without prompting. 'Freezing' the game at opportune moments to help the players find this space can also help. Furthermore, the field can be divided up with cones to provide a boundary for players, although this can be frustrating for players so young.

The bottom line is that we should ensure we enhance players' enjoyment of playing at this age, and realize that improvement in spatial awareness is something that will only develop over time. Spend more time on the basics of technique, and making sure they have fun!

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Having been involved in youth soccer coaching in America for the last 5 years, it alarms me to see the number of coaches and parents shouting and screaming at the young players. Even more worrying, though, is that this is mainly borne out of a strong desire for their players to win the game.

The emphasis on winning in youth soccer, indeed most youth sports, is starting at younger and younger ages. Such is the importance, players as young as 5 and 6 are having the results of games and importance of winning them drilled into them. Really though, it's the players themselves who suffer from this approoach. A friend of mine, who has a kid on a kindergarten recreation soccer team, recently told me that at the last game they had, one player saw 5 minutes on the field and another didn't get a single minute. At U-5 recreation soccer. The reason? "The other team are really good; they are top of the flight." Clearly the fact that they don't keep records doesn't discourage winning-obsessed coaches from keeping their own standings.

Unfortunately, one of the downsides of having a superbly run and organized youth sport such as soccer here in America is that statistics, standings and records are readily available. This has meant, even at young ages, a shift away from what the game should be about for youth players: improvement and enjoyment. Very few young soccer players remember the score an hour after a game, let alone the next day, so there is absolutely no need for coaches to scream at the kids if they make a mistake that caused the team to concede a goal. As coaches, we need to make sure kids develop as players and learn to understand and love the game. Without enjoyment, players will not continue playing!

Jim

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

High-level soccer games are a great way for young players to learn about the game and develop role models. So many times I have coached young players who have never seen a professional game. Think about that.

How hard must it be to play a game you've never really seen played? A young player that is exposed to high-level soccer games consistently will learn how to play the game better, develop a passion for the game and understand more of how the game is played. They may even learn a thing or two that we coaches couldn't teach them!

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 07:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)