Class Athlete, Inc. | Youth Sports, Football, Soccer, Youth Leagues

Coach's Corner

Coach We have nearly 50 coaches in our soccer and flag football leagues, and it goes without saying that many of them have tips they'd love to pass on. We will be tapping that knowledge weekly, rotating through coaches to provide expert tips on everything from great drills to expert physical training to proper dieting. If you know a coach that may not be involved with Class Athlete, but can pass on great tips, we'd love to hear from them too!

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Coach Cheryl Hooper: Team Phoenix 12-14

Soccer is a GAME meant to be played and enjoyed. However, as a coach, you start out with a group of players who may, or may not know how to play the game. Many have asked, how do I accomplish the forming of these kids into a team? Over the last 11 years there are three basic guidelines that I have successfully used:

Every player on the team matters. The players collectively are THE TEAM. Each of your players must believe that their contribution to the team is important.
Attitudes and Effort of the players during practices and games; do affect the outcome of the games as well as the individual development of the players. If you have players struggling with a particular skill, have a fellow player work with them one on one. Skill deficits can be easily remedied during weekly practices, but the opportunity for a fellow player to act as a mentor to another, will stay with them forever. Promote a buddy system between the newer and more seasoned players. This builds friendships and trust and improves skills overall.
Make each and every player understand that Soccer is a game meant to be played with and among friends. Its okay to be competitive, but don’t go crazy. When it stops being fun, it’s no longer a game. Never let any of your players to get all stressed about the end of game "score" but rather, encourage them to go out there giving their best effort and oh yeah . . . remember to have FUN.