I am a dad. I am a coach. Wearing both hats at the same time has been a bit difficult for me and my boy. But after a tough time trying to seperate the two at first, my son now often slips and calls me "coach" at home. It is cute, and I love it. And its pretty funny to see the reactions when other parents and coaches hear him call me that out on the fields. I think they think I must have him trained really well. But he and I both know it has taken some practice to perfect our on field relationship.To be a coach is extremely rewarding. To be able to coach your child and have fun while doing it is even better.
As we start to plan and recruit coaches for the Fall JIYSC Grassroots Micro Program, here is an article that may give you mom's and dad's some great ideas going forward.
- Coach AV
Coach your kid in soccer
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Here are five fundamentals to coaching your own child in soccer. Ditch the over-the-top act for a style that will keep your kid happy and engaged.
Level the playing field
Sit your child down and ask if you can "join the team." You’ll probably get an emphatic "yes." The point is to let the kid know you’re both on the same side.
Be consistent
When critiquing play, always lead by citing something commendable ("Great job dribbling up field!") before giving feedback ("Now try to keep your head up"). Finish positively with another encouraging comment ("You’ll get it, keep working hard!").
Look beyond your kid
If you’re not a coach, hang out with other parents. Their comments (like "That was a sweet pass" or "They’re crowding the ball") can help you lose the tunnel vision for your child and see the whole team.
Stoke inspiration
If you see your child’ motivation starts to drag, whip up a game at home to focus on skills while still having fun. For kicking strength, tack up a target on a brick wall and see if he can hit it with the ball. For ball control, offer them ice cream for stringing together five juggles.
[Editor’s note: Intrinsic rewards (praise, acknowledgement, fulfillment from hard work) are better long-term motivators than extrinsic rewards, which tend to lose their positive affect in time.]
Discipline privately
No kid responds well to public scolding, so if yours is acting out or not being a team player, pull her aside; then you can switch to parent mode. Explain why it’s important that she accept the consequences for her actions just like any other teammate does. Don’t make a scene. If she’s not receptive, say you’ll finish the talk at home – but try to avoid mixing at-home disciplinary tactics with on-the-field ones.
Sources: Jimmy Nielsen, goalkeeper for Sporting Kansas City; Larry Lauer, Ph.D., of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University
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