Effective Coaching Techniques for Positive Player Development

1. Coaches How To… Best Coaching Practices and half time chat

2. Fills Tank with comments like “get the next one”, “nice thought”, “nice try”, - make sure to be speciifc and add name to your comment. Fill the Emotional Tank of your players. Empties Tank – “try harder”, “come on”, “that was awful”, “are you even trying?”

3. Coaching practices • Do`s Games/Activities Instruct/Guide Dynamic/Engaging Short runs Group/ small sided games Flexible in style and methods of teaching • DO NOTS LAPS LINES Be RIDGID Criticize your players Drills

4. Coaching Education • DO`s Positive reinforcement Concise Controlled/Calm Achievements Challenge players in different roles Touch Restrictions at times Show respect at all times to all. • Don'ts Negative and aggressive in tone Lecture THE PLAYERS Panic OR BECOME Overly animated players and parents react to this. Running up Scores is not fun and not encouraged as goal difference is not a factor at all

5. Coaching Guide to Training • Explain the activity in as little time as possible: • 1. Visual explanation vs Verbal explanation vs Doing the activity. If you cannot demo have a player show the group • 2. Tactics Board/Cones to show team shape • 3. Use of cones to make our fields/area for guidance. • 4. During the activity guide using questions rather than giving answers • 5. Get the ball moving. • Try to improve the players thinking and soccer IQ.

6. Coaching Practice Before the Training session • All necessary Equipment READY TO GO • Field size is crucial to success or failure. The bigger field, less pressure equals more success. • Engage players from the start – when they arrive have them line up bags and start an activity.

7. Coaching Practice During the practice • Explain and demonstrate what is expected. • Encourage players to be creative and try new things • Time Management – if they look bored they are bored and move on TO ANOTHER GAME/ACTIVITY. • Offer feedback and support during the session. • Observe the group, allow them to play. Do not always need to be talking.

8. Coaching Practice After/End of Training • Gather group in and go over key points from the training session – Q and A method to help with understanding. • Ask players to grab cones and trash • Praise the effort level - ALWAYS • Do not leave the field until all players have been picked up.

9. GAME DAY COACHING Before the Game • First to arrive • Last to leave • Be Organized with pinnies and cones. • Warm Up – no lines, dynamic movement • Starting line up • Goals of the game - TRY TO DO? • Meeting officials and other coach. During the Game • Develop the player not win/score • Do not coach the player on the ball (joy stick) • Players Play multiple positions • Encourage good habits • Praise play/moves you want to see – even if it doesn’t work • Coach players at half time or when you sub them. • No more than 2 or 3 points to focus on during the game and half time.

10. Game Day Continued During the Game Ensure that what you see on the field is beneficial. • Team shape? • 1V1 defending/Attacking • Ideas and technqiue • Players showing respect • Parents showing respect After the Game 1.Shake hands with the opposing players and coaches. 2. Be Positive on your feedback. 3. Clear bench area of all trash. 4. End of game talk be Short and sweet. Overall develop not win at all cost.

11. HALF Time chat • Before starting to talk you need to consider how to make sure your players are listening. Try to implement a routine, such as counting down from 3-to-1, so that you give your players a chance to calm down, whilst also letting them know you expect them to be listening by the time you reach “1”. • Prepare some relevant off the cuff questions to gain and keep your players’ attention, and to make them think about their performances – this way they’re more likely to reflect on how to improve in the second half. • The half-time period is also about refueling and physical therapy. Allow the players to relax. There is no need to talk for the whole half time. • What you must do in all situations is: ENCOURAGE, ENCOURAGE, ENCOURAGE. Positive Body language.

12. Half time chat • The coach and team need to gather their thoughts and prepare mentally for the challenges of the second half. Don’t be afraid to ask your players what their thoughts are – this will get them involved and give them ownership of the teamtalk and their performance • If you have something specific to say to them, keep it short and simple – ideally no more than one or two points. Small bits of information are much easier for players, particularly young players, to comprehend. • Always be positive – this will rub off on your team – but don’t be cocky! A coach I know once said: “Don’t get too carried away, this lot you’re playing aren’t very good.” His team were winning 4-0 at half time and went on to lose

13. Remind Your Parents • Does your child getting selected or dropped, scoring the winning goal or missing an open net, getting man of the match or getting subbed at half time represent your parenting?? • Or does a child who is a decent, polite, respectful, humble hard working teammate actually reflect the kind of parent you are??

14. Final Remarks • Be a soccer role model • Pass along life lessons • Healthy Competition over win at all costs • Be Safe and Player Safety comes first. • Lead by Example • Inspire.

15. Social Media is Here • Twitter - @SAMSoccer06 • Facebook – SAM Soccer • Use the hashtag #WHOSSAM • Please interact with us and follow us for up to the minute information. • Any questions please reach out to Gary Burke – gburke@mdsoccerplex.org