Skills for Coaching Soccer

Coaching soccer encompasses many skills. Whether working with kids aged 7 or 17, there are a handful of basic ideas that every coach should know before meeting for that first practice.

  1. Fundamentals

    • Demonstrate the fundamentals of soccer. This will include dribbling, trapping, passing, throw-ins, volleys and half-volleys, heading, and juggling.

    Rules of the Game

    • Communicate the basic rules. Know the difference between a goal and corner kick, direct and indirect kicks, yellow and red cards, touch and end lines, what the off sides rule is, number of substitutes allowed per game, and game length.

    Tactics

    • Plan tactics for games. Understand the role of every position in offense, defense and transition. Also understand formations, counter-attacks, dealing with faster or larger opposition, using referees, and moving as a unit.

    Awareness

    • Maintain awareness during matches. Soccer has no timeouts. Coaches must be able to shout out instructions and changes during games. They must pay attention to what is happening every moment so appropriate substitutions can be made.

    Inspire

    • Inspire the team by taking them to see professionals play. Major League Soccer is played all over the country now and can be a source of inspiration. Take the team to the stadium for team bonding, total field awareness and fun.