Archive for May, 2011

Preparing your athlete for the rigors of playing soccer can go a long way in achieving endurance during this fast-paced sport.  Part of making the drills effective is knowing how to train your athletes the right way.  Training youth athletes should be taken seriously, as permanent injury can have devasting effects for young athletes.

1. Take the time to prepare.  Research and learn the drills that will work best for the age group you are working with.  Be prepared and have a plan for your practices and coaching sessions.  A clipboard with a checklist can help you plan the time effectively so your athlete gets the most out of the session. 

Your list should include items you want to cover and implement in training, including some step by step instructions for the  drills you plan to introduce.  Observe your athletes and evaluate their progress.   Have a plan for penalty warm-ups in case they have to be handed out.  When a coach makes it clear they know what they are doing, wasting the time of athletes who take their training seriously by not demanding discipline during training can easily derail your practice and undermine a coach’s authority.  The last thing you want to happen is to have your athletes feel you don’t know what your doing.  This undermines the respect for the coach and dimishes his authority.

2. Have the training equipment ready and in tip top shape.  Get to your practice early, set up cones, prepare your practice area before your athletes arrive, guaranteeing more quality time is spent on training.

Make it safe!  Check the playing area and make sure it’s free debris and harmful objects on the field that may cause injury.  Secure the goal posts and make sure each athlete has gear that protects them before they step on the field.

 3. Vary your drills for each practice.  Investigate new methods of training and coaching so there’s a lot of variety to hold the athlete’s interest. Never be satisfied and always keep your eyes open for new drills and coaching methods.   Keep track of the drills practices and determine how the athletes respond and if they’re effective drils. 

4. Keep a supply of water and a first aid kit ready at all times.

5.  Winning is fun and so is practicing!  Kids sign up for sports activities for the social exposure and they want to have fun.   Encourage the athlete during practices.  Keep the smiles on, the interest high and challenge them to compete in a friendly environment.  Kids love to compete and show off their athletic prowess, so encourage through humor and make praising your athlete your practice!