Crosfield’s JFC grassroots coaching guide 54


1 Enjoy what you do


Our aim as mini-soccer coaches is for kids to enjoy their football. The players will enjoy the game more if you are happy and pleased to be with them.


2 Keep it clear and simple


Never give a long list of instructions. The players need to spend as much time doing and as little time listening as possible.


“ A key moment was actually asking the players why they played. This gave us our starting point.”


3 More touches means more progress


Players should have a ball at their feet as much as possible. Activities should encourage twisting, turning, controlling and experimenting with a ball. When it comes to games, play as many small- sided games as possible.


4 Praise, praise and more praise


Look for every opportunity to tell the players that they are doing well. Try and use specific examples: “Nice turn Joanna”, “Great position, Reuben”. Also look for opportunities to praise them for their non-footballing behaviour.


5 Get off the pitch


As a fully grown adult you present a big obstacle to a young player. Try to give instructions and then move to the side of the pitch, here you can see the play without being in the way.


More importantly, what have been the successes and benefits of your adopted approach? PS: The success is that we now have agreement as to what our ethos is and everyone knows it and agrees with it. Although some people disagreed with the ethos and left, the lack of complaints in the last year can certainly be seen as a success. I believe that all of our players develop at least in part due to our ethos. Each year we seem to have more players in more teams – and we measure that as success. We have huge numbers, over 40 players, in each of our U9, U10 and U13 age groups.


Do you have good practice to share with other grassroots coaches? If you think your club should feature in the grassroots study guide, send the Licensed Coaches’ Club an email telling us about all the good work you do. Pieces should be no longer than 100 words in length and should be sent through to: falcceditorial@thefa.com


6 Use colour, ‘paint pictures’


Present information in lots of different ways. Lots of players are receptive to information presented in a visual form.


7 Have a plan


This is particularly important if you are working with other coaches. Kids don’t want to stand around for the first 10 minutes while the coaches decide what to do. If your players arrive early, why not play some small sided games for the first 15 minutes. This rewards those that are there on time and warms them up.


8 Challenge appropriately


If some players are finding something too hard, they may become anxious or withdrawn, so vary activities and challenges accordingly. Likewise, if the players find it too easy they will get bored. Practices can include different challenges for different players.


9 Ask questions, don’t give all the answers


Young players learn best when they discover something for themselves. In a game situation players need to be able to work out how to solve a problem and not rely on a coach telling them how to solve it, effective questioning can help this process.


10 Leave the players enthused


Do the players want to return next week? Always finish the session on a positive.


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