We’re midway through travel soccer season and, well, it’s getting a little intense on the sidelines.
Too intense for 8-year-olds, if you ask me. Some say summer lacrosse was worse. I don’t doubt it.
Even as an assistant coach whose primary job is to make sure kids are having fun, sometimes I find myself getting caught up in the competition — harping on the boys to focus, not be last and shake out those sillies. These are the same small wonders who only two years ago chased an official up a hill to the parking lot so they could say thank you. Now their parents have the officials running for cover.
Caught wind of the first F-bomb exchanged between parents. Really? To quote “The Big Lebowski,” 8-year-olds, Dude.
Our head coach provides periodic reality checks. A serial volunteer for multiple sports, he offered this breakdown for why he does it beyond the opportunities it provides for his own kids: He loves sports, enjoys developing talent, likes making new friends and wants to be a good member of his community. It’s a great compass to go by when the winds of competition send you asunder.
For my own development as a relatively inexperienced youth coach, I’ve separately arrived at these principles. You may find them useful in your pursuits as a coach or parent.
Have a plan for every practice. Use fun games, drill stations and progressions to emphasize the skill you want to develop that day.
Communicate clearly and concisely. Ask questions to make sure the kids can comprehend.
Celebrate the try-hard. He or she will inspire the rest of the group.
Use positive reinforcement. My professional background made me the default post-game recap guy. We make sure every kid has some time in the sun.
Praise your opponent. Players notice when you applaud a good play on the other side.
Respect the referee. Goes without saying that you lead by example.
Aim for .500. Winning is great. Losing offers valuable learning opportunities. We look to place ourselves in leagues where we can be in the middle of the pack and grow from it.
We all stray. Above all, we sometimes need to remind ourselves, we’re in it for the kids.
— Matt DaSilva, Editor in Chief
This article appears in the November edition of USA Lacrosse Magazine. Join our momentum.
THE OPEN
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