You can evaluate your coaching effectiveness by the reaction of the kids to you and the game. Are they having fun? Are they enthusiastic? Do they go 100%? Do they have good sportsmanship? Do they have a positive attitude? Are they doing well in school? Do they play next year? My goals as a coach are to be a role model for the kids, to have them realize an education is important, to teach them a love of the game.

I begin my coaching courses by asking the coaches what a coach is. Webster’s definition of a coach is “A. A large usually enclosed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage having doors in the side and an elevated seat in front for the driver. B. A railroad passenger car intended primarily for day travel.” I guess that kind of puts us in our place.

Actually that is a good definition of what we do. We take our players on a journey. I would like to think of it as a journey to success, to maturation and to self-fulfillment. I recognize I am being somewhat corny but this is why we are here – to contribute to the players development first as a person and secondly as an athlete. I judge my success by a smile. I know if the kids are happy they will want to do what I teach; they will try hard; they will love the game.

This does not mean we let them do what they want. No!!! Kids want and need structure. They want positive example. They want to give and receive respect. Practices should be well-structured. Utilize the ‘9-Step Practice’ to success. Do it with enthusiasm and the kids will respond. Have some dignity. Loud mouth individuals who scream at their kids and argue with the referees have no place on the soccer field.

Written for FUNdamental SOCCER
by Leonard J. Marks, MD

Final Notes:

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If you have any questions or comments on this subject please send them to koachkarl@fundamentalsoccer.com

Your FUNdamental,
Koach Karl (Karl Dewazien)

Emeritus Director of Coaching – California Youth Soccer Assoc. 1979-2012
Author – Internationally Published FUNdamental SOCCER Books Series
Producer – highly acclaimed ‘FUNdamental SOCCER -Practice’ DVD.
Clinician at: www.fundamentalsoccer.com