Coaches Corner
	AYSO Region 198

I hope all of you are as excited as I am for the spring season to start! The enjoyment that comes from seeing the kids developing as players and as a team is one of the best things about being a coach of youth.

We spoke about the attributes of a coach in the past, but as we all know there is so much more to it than who you are. I'd like to cover the Coaching Cycle as introduced in the Intermediate Coaches manual.

We learn from this that the players need to the following elements of the sport:
   Skills – dribbling, ball control, passing, shooting, heading, tackling, and depending on the age group goalkeeping.
   Tactics – executing the principles of play as an individual, in small groups, and as a team member.
   Conditioning – increasing the body's ability to expend energy in a more efficient manner.

Our practice time is limited so the art of creating a successful plan is to incorporate all three elements at the same time. However, the major emphasis for youth should be oriented toward skills, followed by tactics, with the least emphasis on conditioning (at least for those younger than 12-14 years old).

The question rightly asked is where to start. Once the season begins your sage like coaching skills come to the forefront. The previous game will give you the skills and tactic topics to emphasize for the following weeks practice session.

Do the majority of the players have difficulty trapping the ball? Time to work on first touch drills. Do the players have trouble with composure when they do have the ball - just kicking it away rather than looking up and finding a pass or making a move? Low pressure drills abound in your coaching manuals.

Eventually build up to match pressure and conditions to emphasize the fundamentals to reinforce the topic of the practice session.

Lastly, come game day give your team a goal that they can work on for the match e.g. We’re going to try and string together 3 passes – when we do, we get a team point. Personally attainable goals for an individual that contribute to the team as a whole is the best way to help your players progress.

I want to thank each of you for your sacrifice of time and energy towards developing the youth of the team. Remember to keep it fun by teaching them skills and helping them grow.

Joel Barraza Region Coach Administrator

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I attend a Coaches clinic?
You will learn fun techniques to teach the kids during your practices. It will increase your knowledge and appreciation of the game. It allows the coaches an opportunity to share their experiences with everyone. You will also be able to meet and talk with the coaches you will be playing against during the upcoming season.

Why should I have a pre-season team meeting?
Most importantly it is a good time for you to get to know the parents and your kids on your team. Please make sure that during this meeting, that you give all of your parents a contact number to reach you at should they have questions. You will also want to emphasis your expectations of the parents as noted in the parent player handbook handed out at registration. You will also be able to discuss the upcoming season (i.e. practices, games, weather concerns, etc). Remember that it is up to the coaches to decide if a game should be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather. Another important part of the team meeting is to get both the kids and parents excited and involved. Most coaches make a weekly treat list to hand out to the parents. Another thing you will want to consider is the lack of referee’s we have each year. Persuade your parents to help be a sideline assistant during your games. No formal training is required and they will be able to experience how much fun it can be.

Why do we have practices?
Practices in the U8 division and above are recommended so the children can learn about good sportsmanship and the fundamentals of the game as well as make new friends and have fun. Kids really enjoy the practices because it gives them time to build their individual and team skills.

When should we hold practices?
You are normally allowed to start your practices two weeks prior to the first game. Your Division Coordinator will give you the specific dates when they call you. Below is a suggested guideline for you to use in determining your practice schedule:

U5 & U6 – ˝ hour prior to their game ONLY each Saturday – AYSO National guidelines do not recommend practice outside of the ˝ prior to each Saturday’s game.
U8 – once a week (45 – 60 minutes)
U10 & U12 – once a week (1 hour)
U14 and up – once or twice a week (1hour)
Remember it is really up to you and your parents to set the practice schedule for U8 divisions and above.

Who do I contact if I have issues or questions?
In your parent/player handbook it lists your regional board members. Your initial point of contact will be your division coordinator. Most normal season questions can be answered by them. If you have issues or concerns during the season with Coaches or Referee’s, be sure you contact the Coach/Referee Administrators.

What is the most important thing I need to know as a coach?
Remember that we are all here for one reason, our children. We want it to be a fun learning experience for all. For most U5 and U6 kids, this is their first time in any organized sport and the first role model they will have is YOU!! Set the example for all to follow. Your positive coaching will go a long ways in developing your kid’s enjoyment in athletics. Don’t be intimidated because you don’t know all the rules of the game. Most of us all started exactly as you, which is with little or no knowledge of the game. That is why your region spends the time and effort in setting up these coaches clinics.