Soccer coaching techniques have to be very different for very young players because of various factors. With the under-7 age group, especially, they have a limited span of attention. You cannot cram them with too much information about soccer techniques. In fact, you can only expect them to absorb one thing at any given point in time.
Characteristics Of Young Players To Consider
With young children, coaching can be a real pleasure, if you remember certain things that are natural to this age group. When you would like to explain rules related to the game, it is better to make it short and simple and demonstrate what you are talking about.
You will have to be really patient with your young players, as you may need to explain several times over, the layout of the field and the team they belong to. Some of them manage to wander off on the field. It is always safer to be voluble about the things they do well. But be careful about pointing out mistakes. It is better to make suggestions for improvement. Criticism can easily hurt them and this point must be borne in mind.
If you notice your players in a group, you will realize that they are happy, but don’t always connect with the rest of the team. So be prepared to see everyone going for the ball simultaneously, since they are focused on themselves. You will never have a problem keeping them on the move, but they will get tired quite fast, and become refreshed equally fast.
There is no major difference between coaching boys and girls at this stage. You will need to allow both to get used to the ball. You may also need to use a larger softer ball, with which your players will enjoy running around, jumping with and rolling. They will take a little longer to learn to catch and throw the ball skillfully. However, they can manage to balance on one foot.
Invariably, this age group turns up at soccer practice at the insistence of their parents, so make sure that as their coach, you plan an enjoyable session for them. So the best soccer coaching techniques related to soccer practice is teaching them ball touches. You can even teach them to dribble the ball. They will certainly have fun trying. Short sessions of not more than sixty minutes, twice a week are advisable.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer coaching techniques. His web site, Coaching Youth Soccer Training Drills: www.SoccerDrillsTips.com, provides a wealth of informative soccer articles, resources and tips for soccer coaches, parents and players.