Helpful Hints
Coaching for the first time? Coaching a new age group? Below are some helpful hints to assisting you provide a fun, safe learning environment for your team.
PRINCIPLES OF COACHING
BE PREPARED: WRITE A SESSION PLAN; make sure the session is fun and flows.
BE PRODUCTIVE: Be firm, consistent and fair to all players.
BE PROGRESSIVE: Work from individual to small group to team.
BE POSITIVE: Always smile, give high fives and act in a positive way at all times.
BE PATIENT: Remember it takes a long time to perfect a technique or skill and assume nothing.
BE PROACTIVE: Get to know your players, parents, trainers, and those associated with the club. Attend Coaching workshops, clinics and get your players and parents involved too!
PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICES
FUN AND FUNDMENTALS: Don’t make practice too simple, static or predictable; they will not be challenged.
CURRICULUM GUIDES: Don’t make practice too hard or above their capacity to learn; they will be frustrated (so will you) and lose interest. Follow the guides and teach age appropriately.
OBSERVE: then coach. Let them figure out the problems. Guide them, but allow them to make decisions.
FREEDOM AND CREATIVITY: Allow them to play without fear, without constant stoppage, and with positive feedback.
DYNAMIC: Make practices DYANMIC; no lines, laps or static work.
LEARNING STYLES: Players learn by doing. Show them, demonstrate and they will try to replicate. Through doing, they will learn and understand.