I am coaching a soccer team for the first time. The kids are 5-6 yr olds. I have never coached anything before
611100
At that age there are only a few things you need to know and help them learn.\n1.  have fun, no one cares what the score is.  If your league keeps score in these games, lobby as hard as possible to get rid of that.  US Soccer Coaches Assoc. and US Soccer Federation official rules for that age is to not keep score.\n2.  Games should be no more then 4 players. That way everyone touches the ball and gets involved.  If you have 10 players on your team, split into two groups of 5 and have 2 games going at the same time.\n3.  No hands.  Simple as that.  Remind the kids when they mess up, they will understand and remember sooner than you think.\n4.  "There's our goal, try to get the ball in it.  That's their goal, try to stop them from getting the ball in there"  That's all the instruction they need for the game.\n5.  No structured practice.  The game teaches.  Practices should be 30 minutes of free play.  Set up multiple goals with cones, toss out 2 or 3 balls and let teams of 2 see how many they can get.  No drills - ever.  Drills teach ball skills and tactics. 5-6 year olds will not remember skills and tactics, but they will remember having fun.\n6.  Everyone plays everywhere.  Specialization is close to 10 years away.\nGood luck
74057
I think you need to ask why your son is playing basketball in the first place. I really hope that "making it to the post-season" takes a backseat to learning about teamwork and having fun. If the kids are happy, then it shouldn't matter that the coach isn't teaching them the finer points of the pick and roll. That can all come later. Right now worry about them having a good time, not the mechanics of the game. Seven is still very young.\n\nChances are that you'll respond that your kid's self-esteem is suffering because his poorly coached team can't seem to win a game. In that case, I'd suggest teaching him all you can away from practice.\n\nGood luck.
1156189
I was just asking myself the same thing and found this site - http://www.soccer-for-parents.com/soccer-rules.html
443539
Be in shape before the season.  That means interval work (sprint/jog/spring/jog) and distance work.  You will have an edge over all the other players because your skill level will not drop off due to fatigue.  Be open minded because your coach may have a different approach to the game than your previous coaches.  \n\nLastly, work on your skills, dribbling, juggling, and if you can find someone to work with, passing and shooting.  And do not forget to work on your weak foot.  Coaches look for players with the ability to play multiple positions and capable with both feet.
93628
I coached middle school lacrosse 7th and 8th grade for 4 years and I have assisted with the lower school program.  Lacrosse can be a dangerous game, I have seen hands busted, cups cracked, collar bones broken and more but it is a safe sport.  The most important thing you can do with someone age 10 and under is find a coach that understands that the childern need to learn the basics and it is more about having fun then winning the game.  Also Make sure that you have all of the proper equipment (AND MAKE SURE THE CHILD WEARS IT!!!) I have seen children get injured because they didn't think that padding was nessasary.  I encourage childern to get started at a early age but as with any sport it is just a game to have fun.  Also some children have anger problems and this game is certainly not for them if they can not control their temper then they should NOT play the game.
406119
It's certainly cool here in England (we call it football)and it is the world's most popular sport. Look out for the Football World Cup starting in Germany this June. The US have qualified and will have done well if they get to the knock out stages. The first games are on a 4 team, league basis with 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and none for a loss. They play each other once, 3 games in total. The top 2 teams in each group qualify for the next rounds where it becomes a straightforward knockout in each match. Win - and you advance towards the final. It is a hell of a lot bigger than the Olympics, although most Americans do not know of it's existence. Get your kids playing on to an adult level. With your population you should be worldbeaters - but you are nowhere near it. Catch the World Cup on TV if you can. The atmosphere will be phenomenal!
975764
It doesn't matter *where* he learns.  It matters *who* he learns from and who he learns *with.*\n\nIn other words, you want to send a seven year old to a place that has a good coach.  And good does not necessarily mean the most successful.  At this age, you want someone who encourages the kids to have fun and enjoy the game.  You don't need anyone who can hone the skills of advanced players, just someone with enthusiasm and a sense of fun that he can give to the kids.\n\nSo go to watch the leagues play.  See how the kids look.  Are they happy or do they look "driven"?  Play special attention to the kids from the losing teams.  Of course they will be disappointed, but are they enthusiastic about playing next time?  That's where you want your kid to play.\n\nGood luck!!
403091
You should be honest up front. Then take it slow. Later on when you feel comfortable you could introduce them to your kids.
703561
I coach a midget league cheer squad and applaud you for taking on this task.  \n\nFirst of all, you must get these little girls respect.  I do this by calling 3 to 4 practices per week with a 2-1/2 hour practice time frame.  With drink and restroom breaks, and the occassional talking etc, 2 -1/2 hours is not a very long time. Since we were cheering for the football team, our practices began August 1 and continued throughout the football season.  We practiced from 6:00pm-8:30pm until it began to get dark (then we moved it up one hour).  Another coach in our area does 5 days a week with 2 hours per practice.  Either way, the girls get about 10 hours of practice.\n\nRemember that respect is earned.  Don't expect these youngsters to do something that you aren't willing to do.  My girls and I begin our practice by running a complete lap of the football field and stopping to stretch.  Be sure to stretch the major muscle groups (like you did as a cheerleader).  After the stretch is complete, another lap....and that means everyone including the coach.\n\nAfter a quick drink, it will be time to learn and perfect the cheers and chants.  You didn't say whether these little ones had had any prior experience, and some may not have....so everyone should be patient while all of the girls catch on.\n\nBe sure that all of the girls know the basic cheer motions:  Hi-v, lo-v, T, half T, hi-touchdown, lo-touchdown, diagnals, candlesticks, buckets, etc.  I usually do these to Simon Says.  The girls love the game and it makes them learn to shap the movements sharply.\n\nthere are several sites that give cheers/chants etc.   But, we find it best to make them up on our own....or at least tailor the canned cheers to fit our team.\n\nAs for stunts, be sure that you are qualified to teach these little ones the proper methods for bases, flyers and spotters.  There are videos that you can buy that will teach you how to teach them how to do stunts correctly.\n\nJumps....this is an intrigal part of the cheer squad.  Work on Starting position and lift....we use a trampolline once a week to give the girls a little extra confidence.  Don't forget that most jumps rely on dexterity and muscle tone.  \n\nYou are the coach....you are not there to be miss goody two shoes.  If you see something that is not right, stop everyone and call attention to it.   Demand perfection....demand the best!  Let them know that you are being hard on them for their sake, and remember to praise them when they do well! You will not only get their best effort but their respect.\n\nWe end every practice with gymnastics.  We focus on cartwheels, roundoffs, back handsprings, and back- walkovers.  Again, be sure that you have the support you need to track these girls...and don't let them attempt something that they have not done.\n\nMost of all, have a good time....and good luck!
814708
I would probably have to say go for it!!! Your soccer coach would be so proud that you would toast to him, of course I would be!! You could just say, To my coach the most wonderful man in the world. He taught me so many things, and I have done little for him in return. So, to Coach So and So. Cheers!!!! You could even put a joke in here or there. All you have to do is be yourself, use your imagination, and remember all the good things that that person has done to you for you and for those around you. That's all their is to it. Just remember be yourself.
716404
A few questions - unless I'm missing somethiing here.\n\n1.  Each team has to play 19 games in order for all to play each other?   That means 190 games in that time frame?\n\n2. Not familiar with the term 'pitches'.  Is this another word for 'playing fields' ?  \n\n3. If it's youth football - is there a time limit to the game?\n\n4. Do you have to schedule a playoff at the end?\n\n---------\nOK -  You obviously sustained a moment of insanity when you volunteered for this.  \nYou have your hands full on this one. \nI'm still trying to digest it all. \nWill let you know if I come up with something.\nGood luck Mom!
769511
Don't be too strict...don't let them run with the ball...but if they lift there pivit foot once don't sweat it...Let them touch each other but don't let them intentionally do it...if something is questionable let it slide...At that age the kids are just now learning the game...and calling every little thing won't help anything...all it'll do is make it a stop and go game...which no one will enjoy
57764
I'd train them to use a shot clock. Make them only take a field goal attempt when there is less than 5 seconds on the clock, not before...try to slow them down. This will make them carry the ball and manage the ball instead of just trying to score as soon as possible.
642933
i don't know a thing about soccer but the other day in social studies we were talking about it.  this guy from Lithuania was wearing a soccer shirt.  our teacher, he interrupted the lesson and said "palay is the greatest soccer player ever huh" and the kid responded normal as anything something like\n\n"No, he's not, when he kicks the ball, he kills people"\nto this day the kid has no clue what we were all laughing about
936713
Hey just go for it! The coaches will be impressed that you're trying. Just have confidence. It doesn't matter what the older girls think. They'll be way impressed if you make the team and won't give you any trouble any more. So just try out! If you don't make it, you just practice and try out again next year. And that's the worst that could happen. So it's not so bad! I played soccer in high school too and I loved it!
989289
I grew up in Dallas and played recreation and club soccer. I actually lived in Carrollton. I still coach today, on the college level in Illinois. I would suggest getting the kids involved in the local city recreation program. The YMCA have programs too.\nCheck with the North Texas Soccer Association for more info. If the older one is ready for club level, check the NTSA website for try-out dates, which are usually during the summer.
432774
I have coached a lot of players this age as a professional trainer. The three main ingredients for success are probably talent, drive and luck and if your daughter has all three she has a good shot. Supportive (but not overly aggressive!) parents certainly helps.\n\nSuggestions:\n\nMake sure she plays on a 'high profile' club or select team that enters tournaments where college coaches are likely to attend. Visibility is the key, particularly in those last two HS years.\n\nIf she hasn't already she needs to develop personal training habits so that fitness levels and (equally important) skill and first touch levels are constantly maintained and improved.\n\nMake sure your daughter knows her strengths and as much as possible ensure the coach plays her in positions that emphasis her strengths.\n\nCollege based soccer camps are good shop windows\n\nEncourage your daughter by all means but she needs to be self motivated or this will not happen. If she loves the game and is fortunate enough to have knowledgable, caring coaches she has every chance.\n\nFinal thought - allow her some time to be a youngster and to enjoy life. All work and no play - well you know...\n\nGood luck!