GOLDEN COACHING TIPS

20 Golden Coaching Tips:

Make sure to be as familiar as possible with the session plan you’ll be delivering. Nothing ruins a session like poor planning.
Make sure to have your equipment (cones, bibs, goals, and balls) well organised before the start of your training session.
Make sure to lay out the bibs where you want your players to be situated. This helps your players know where they need to stand, and it saves time from being wasted.
Make sure to keep the balls locked away until you’re ready to start your session. Balls flying everywhere is a huge time-waster.
Make sure to start the session on time to get the most out of your session.
Make sure to remind your players of the 2 golden rules: (1) we’re here to have heaps of fun and enjoyment! But having heaps of fun depends on the 2^nd golden rule, which is: (2) you must respect your coach and each other. This means you listen well, act kindly to each other, and encourage one another as teammates. You may have to remind your team each week?
Make sure to follow the 3 ‘E’s coaching approach: Engage (10mins), Educate (20mins), Explore (30mins). Each session plan follows this coaching methodology.
Make sure to focus on at least 2-3 main coaching points per session. Each session plan provides a number of coaching points.
Make sure to have smooth transitions between each part of the session. This saves a lot of time. This is why organising your equipment before the session is key. Ask other parents to assist you. You can even send them the session plan beforehand.
Make sure that all players carry their ball when transitioning between each part of the session. This is to stop balls hitting other players in the head + this helps your players know that you’re in charge – not them! ☺
Make sure to demonstrate each part of the session as you explain it to your players. You can even use a mini whiteboard to draw for your players what you’ll be working on. “A good picture says a thousand words.”
Make sure to ask your players to repeat the objective(s) of the session OR drill you’re working on. You can even ask a player or two to demonstrate the aim of the drill to their teammates.
Make sure to use your ‘drinks breaks’ strategically: (1) time to adjust your cones/goals etc (again ask parents to help here) (2) time to repeat/demonstrate your main coaching points (3) time to help your players reengage by giving them a needed rest.
Make sure to stay patient with “that kid!” when being clear and firm about the need to pay attention. Try not to lose your cool. This will only prove detrimental to your training session.
Make sure to ask your players to help pack away the equipment at the end of the session.
Make sure to not take yourself too seriously. A tense coach will find it hard to run training sessions that are engaging and enjoyable for the kids. Coach: Take a chill pill! ☺
Make sure to analyse your session after it’s finished. Ask questions such as: What worked well and why? What didn’t work well and why? Were my players engaged? Why or why not? What things would I do the same/differently if I run the same session again?
Make sure to make the most of the 5 minutes just BEFORE and just AFTER your session. These times are to be spent interacting with your players, making them feel relaxed, ready and encouraged.
Make sure to discern your coaching style and adjust if needed. Are you more soft (lollipop coach) or severe (lasso coach). As coaches, we need to exercise KIND AUTHORITY. That is, authority that is patient, kind and respectful.
Make sure to ask your players for feedback: did they enjoy the session? Did they find it helpful or confusing or boring? Don’t be afraid to ask for honest criticism.