Soccer coaches have a powerful effect on young players both on and off the field. In addition to teaching the technical skills and tactical aspect of the game, youth soccer coaches are role models who have a far-reaching effect on the players they coach.
The interaction from a coach will have positive or negative physical and psychological effects on a youth soccer player.
Technical Skills
A youth soccer player learning technical skills is reliant upon her coach. By performing many repetitions of a skill in a structured environment a player's development is increased.
A player will remember crucial information when a coach uses two or three key coaching points and repeats them throughout the session.
Tactics
Tactical instruction is an important aspect of youth soccer coaching. A player will perform better for a coach who clearly explains the role she are required to play for the team.
A player can keep possession easier and also save energy by knowing what is her job, and when another player should pressure the ball or run forward.
It is also possible that a coach can have a negative impact on players when it comes to tactical aspects of the game. A coach who gives too much tactical instruction can distract players during a game and also stifle creativity by not allowing a player to make her own decisions. Cyrus Philbrick, a writer and coach, warns on "Soccer-Tournament-Guide.com" that "overcoaching, or over-instruction, has become one of the worst plagues in American youth soccer."
Physical
Players will be more fully engaged for a coach who uses drills that involve movement and performing of skills. Drills that involve standing in lines and waiting for repetitions can lead to distraction and boredom.
A young player relies on her coach to provide a safe environment to play in. A soccer coach should provide an environment that minimizes risk of injury during a session. The coach should also enforce the mandatory wearing of any necessary safety equipment.
The schedule of a youth soccer player should be monitored by a coach. Lyz Pfister, writing for the "stopsportsinjuries.org" website, cited work by medical experts explaining how playing too much soccer increases injury risk in young players.
Psychological
The Canadian Teachers Federation published research saying that the 'power' relationship between coaches and young athletes increases the possibility of abuse. A coach who is too harsh on players can have a negative impact on self-esteem and confidence of an athlete.
The research showed young athletes report feeling belittled, humiliated and worthless during sports participation. This was all caused by negative interaction from the coach.
References
- STOP Sports Injuries; Are you 'over-playing'?; Lyz Pfister
- Soccer Tournament Guide; In-Game Coaching At Tournaments; Cyrus Philbrick
- Canadian Teachers Federation; Abuse in Youth Sports: What Schools Can Do; Lois Baron and Marjery Holman
- Psych Central; The Consequences of Verbally Abusive Athletic Coaches; John L. Schinnerer
- NSCAA: Coach, Are You Nurturing?; Michael Giuliano
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