Eleven Tips for Coaching the Little Ones

When kids join youth sports they might be looking for a boost in confidence, some basic instruction in the sport, lessons in teamwork and the development of skills. If the kids have an effective coach, those goals are within reach.

“I got recruited to coach my kid’s soccer team. Any advice?” The most recent time I heard this question, it came from a parent of a 6-year-old. It prompted me to put an answer in writing, based on some of the best insight I’ve gotten from coaches and players I’ve interviewed and observed over the years.

11 Tips for Coaching the Little Ones

1. If all you do is set up goals and have them play as much soccer as possible during that hour of practice -- you’re doing a good job.