- 1). Locate a junior soccer league in your area. Look for local soccer organizations, youth associations (like the Boys and Girls Club) and sports parks. Contact these establishments to learn whether they have junior soccer programs or know of such programs in your city.
- 2). Learn the requirements for becoming a coach in a specific league. Some leagues require coaches to receive training in motor skill development, coaching techniques, first aid and safety. The league will either provide the training or direct you to a location at which you can attend training. Sometimes fees are associated with the training. You will also need to pass a criminal background check before being hired.
- 3). Select a day and time to practice with your team. Because games are usually on weekends, weekdays work best for practicing. Try to schedule practices so they start shortly after school ends. For players age 13 and up, practicing later in the evening is acceptable. Check with your league about the frequency of practice. Players 12 and younger may only need to practice once a week. Older players should practice twice a week.
- 4). Reserve a practice facility. Talk to league representatives to find out which fields are available and how to reserve them. Be sure to check out the field before the first practice. Locate water fountains and bathrooms.
- 5). Contact all of the players on your team. The league should give you a roster. Inform your players about practice times and required equipment. If you are coaching older players in a competitive league, you may need to hold tryouts, but new coaches are generally not assigned to advanced teams.
- 6). Create handouts for your players by copying the roster (including emergency information) and the game schedule provided by the league.
- 7). Prepare your equipment. Inspect and inventory each piece.
- 8). Organize a parent meeting to provide information about acceptable spectator behavior, league rules and uniforms. When you initially contact players, invite parents to a meet at the field after the first practice. At the meeting, distribute the handouts and discuss your coaching philosophy. Explain how you will determine playing time--based on ability or equity--and what you expect from players in terms of attitude and sportsmanship.
- 9). Plan practice activities. Make sure you have a written plan with a variety of activities for each practice. You will need to create this plan yourself with ideas you get from your league, other coaches or the Internet. Include drills, games and scrimmages in your plans. You may want to prepare specific activities for your goalkeeper. Be sure to allow adequate time for warming up and stretching.
- 10
Evaluate your team's strengths and weakness after each game. Ask yourself what they did well and what needs work. Based on player performance, determine at least one fundamental skill (dribbling, passing, shooting or defense) that players need to develop. Plan practice activities to develop that skill. For more competitive teams, you will need to teach teamwork and strategy (ball and player movement) as well. Find practice activities that focus on these elements if necessary. Rotate practice activities regularly. - 11
Plan a celebration at the end of the season. This party could be at the field after the last game or at a pizza parlor or restaurant. If you are planning to go to a restaurant, call to make reservations. At the party, you may want to hand out certificates or trophies. Add a personal touch by preparing something unique to say about each player.
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