Youth Soccer Coaching Tryout Tips

Keep it simple. Break it down to the Four Pillars of Soccer

Seems easy enough but just in case.

• Fitness
• Introduce yourself and give them your phone #
• Tell them where and when practice will be.
• What players will need to bring to practice. Water bottle, shin guards, a soccer ball and what size. Cleats are preferred.

IMPORTANT- Have players bring their own soccer ball. It is tough to have a fun effective practice with 12 to 18 players and only a few soccer balls.Another benefit is that you know that they will have one at home and can use it to practice with. Plus, it is easier on you if each player brings one ball so the coach doesn't have to bring 18 soccer balls to practice. Soccer ball size requirements vary. Generally a size 3 for 5-7, size 4 for 8-11, size 5 for 12 and up but check with your league.

Fitness (Physical)

• Speed.
• Agility.
• Endurance.
• Strength.

Attitude (Psychological)

-Passion

• Dedication.
• Self Motivation.
• Competitive.

  Skills

  Passing, Dribbling, Foot Work

First Touch

Finishing

Is there a special Practice Plan form?

This one works for all age groups and abilities. Or use a simple index card. The most important thing is you have a plan.

Blank practice plan

Should I have a parent meeting?

You should have a team meeting as soon as possible and definitely before the first game. Prepare a “handout” with everything clearly stated. Use the handout as your notes. Pass the handout at the end of the meeting.

Tell parents to make sure their spouses, if they are not there, know the team policies. Make sure they cheer for good defensive plays as well as offensive. The handout should include you and your assistant's name and phone numbers. You should also discuss team goals, parent conduct on the sideline and playing time.

If you are having the meeting at your practice field, make sure you are facing the players. This way, you can keep an on your players and the parents will focus on what your saying and not what their kids are doing. This is also effective when talking to your players.

What do I need to know for game day?

HAVE FUN. Both the players and you should have fun. And the parents for that matter. Don’t get too worked up about it. Hopefully your goal isn’t winning.As long as the kids try their hardest, they are good sports and most importantly, that they have fun then you did your job.

What should my game day strategy be?

HAVE FUN. Notice the theme here? If you are coaching younger kids, it will be beehive soccer. Don’t worry about it. The game is the best teacher. Eventually, with a little bit of help from you, they will figure it out. On offense, they will eventually figure out if they get open and get a pass they will have a clear look at the goal. And they will figure out on defense, that if the whole team goes after the soccer ball, no one will be covering the open second attacker on the other team.

Hopefully, this answered some of your questions. One of the great things about being a soccer coach is you can always learn something new. Below, you will find all the links to the state soccer associations. Sign up for a course. You will not regret it.