Youth soccer teams introduce the fundamentals of the game to young players. If you are coaching a youth soccer team, you need to give players drills that will help them learn the skills of the game. That's just one part of your coaching responsibility. Give players conditioning drills and have them understand what sportsmanship is all about. Most important, your players need to have fun so they can continue to play in future seasons.
Passing And Shooting
Have your player line up in two lines 15 feet apart at the top of the penalty area.The player in the line on the right -- facing the goal -- dribbles the ball twice and passes to the player on the left. That player then passes back to his teammate who secures the ball and then takes a shot on goal. The players then go to the back of the opposite line and change roles. Make sure each player is in both lines twice.
Conditioning Drill
Soccer is a game of conditioning since players have to do so much running and starting and stopping. Set up cones every 10 yards. Have each player start out at the goalline and sprint to the first cone and back, the second cone and back, and then the third cone and back. If you are dealing with players who are 11 years old or older, have them add a 40-yard sprint as well. These interval sprints will improve a player's speed and endurance.
Dribbling Skills
Set up four cones inside of a square. The cones should be about 10 yards apart. Give the ball to the first player inline. Have her dribble around the first cone, sprint to the second cone and dribble around that cone, sprint to the third cone and dribble around that one before going to the last cone and following the same procedure. This will improve dribbling. Have each player do this drill twice.
Sportsmanship
One of the most important attributes of soccer young people can learn is how to practice good sportsmanship. At the end of games, the two teams will line up and shake hands. That may look nice to parents, friends and other relatives, but it is scripted and required. Coaches must teach their players how honorable it is to give their best effort, to fight hard for the win but to accept the results no matter what happens. Shake hands and congratulate your opponent after the game, but do it with a full heart. They are practicing and playing every day just like you are, and they deserve honor and respect, as do you and your teammates.
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