I am a parent who was told “…if I do not coach them, they will not play!” I have watched lots of soccer but have no idea how to coach. What do I do?
I am glad you asked! DO NOT DESPAIR! Here are some bullet points I have shared with a legion of parents echoing the same plea:
CP: Find a cubbyhole where you can guarantee SOLITUDE i.e., NO INTERRUPTIONS, NO TV, NO DOGS, CATS, OR OTHER DISTRACTIONS!
Get a pencil and paper (okay, a computer or laptop if you must!) (CP = Coaching Point)
CP: I have long believed that “the palest ink is better than the strongest mind: WRITE IT DOWN!”
ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND WRITE DOWN THE ANSWERS:
Who am I?
Who are they?
What should we try to accomplish?
NOTE: The answer to a. is not the global, philosophical one about where you came from - and where you are ‘going’ in life; it is “What do I know about soccer and coaching?”
So, I assume – other than a parent who never coached – you have watched (cheered) a few dozen games; which means your answer is: “One who is enthusiastic but still does not know what ‘offside’ is all about?” If the answer to b. is: They are just beginners, then your answer to what you should do is: Learn the basics and have fun. On the other hand, if they are a very skilled team (most kids have learned the “how TO’s” from their older siblings or neighborhood pickup games...but may not have proper technique…) your first task is to contact local high school or college programs and “REACH OUT” to players and coaches asking them if they will spend 20-30 minutes demonstrating for your team. (BTW: If you ask for 20 minutes, make sure you end that 20 minutes with “THANK YOU” - and a cheer from the kids - and let him/her know they are free to leave.) I GUARANTEE they will insist on staying.
b. What do I know about who they are as a team I am supposed to coach?
First, if you have read my book - “47” - you will know my definition of coaching:
“COACHING TRANSCENDS SPORT” (IF A PARENT CAN GET HIS/HER KIDS TO BED BEFORE WORLD WAR III BREAKS OUT; THEY’RE A GREAT COACH!)
Stated another way: Coaching is all about getting someone else to believe it is in their best interest to help you achieve your goal!
Obviously, if the team you inherit is the defending State champion and you have never played or coached the game…YOU NEED HELP! So, here is the next step:
Pledge to spend at least 15-30 minutes preparing what you think you/they should do!
As stated above: Contact local players and/or coaches asking for specific help with your session.
The bulk of your training should focus on their needs!
CP: DON’T ‘WING’ IT. BE HONEST WITH YOUR KIDS; TELL THEM YOU DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE GAME BUT YOU ARE WILLING TO TRY AND NEED THEIR HELP!
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