How to know if your son or daughters youth coach is good.

[@lobachevskyyy]

Anyone else watching this to find out if they are a good coach?

[@nickdejong6693]

Me! I found the point about specific player feedback interesting. I coach rec, and I don't think I've given too much feedback formally. Sometimes I get chatting to a parent and mention how it's great to see their kids becoming more confident, growing better at xyz, but I have yet to give advice to a parent on a specific area to work on. If they ask, I would be ready. But at rec level, I feel that proactive feedback about their play may be counterproductive. Any thoughts on that?

[@theticoboy]

@@nickdejong6693I think if you set the expectations that you will do that at the beginning of the season you should feel ok doing it. Or You can also say at a team meeting if you would like more specific feedback about your child then please approach me after practice (or whenever you want them too). At the rec level especially, they may not even know it’s ok to ask for the feedback

[@CoachRorySoccer]

:)

[@CoachRorySoccer]

All depends on the level. I don't think much feedback at rec level is needed.

[@VID801]

Ha! BINGO! I love the concept of NO JOY STICKING. Thanks for the tips

[@agentsl9]

I try to coach off the ball and from the back to the front. Most of my in-game coaching is helping the kids remember where they're supposed to be in their shape. Once they start learning the shape I can just ask, "Ethan where should you be?" He realizes his positioning and gets there quick. I'll also say, "Ethan, what's behind you?" Little things like that that get the kids in the right places so they can be ready. Never ever "pass, shoot, dribble!"

[@jefebeatz184]

This confirms my son’s U7 coach is great. Thank you. “No random kicks” is his #1 rule. My son gets exited to go to practice. Coach grounds the kids not paying attention or fooling around. Send them to Sit with their parent for maybe 3-5 minutes. Passing drills. Skill drills. LOTS OF CONES. My son sometimes get pulled to the side for 1 one 1 talks with him.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Sounds like a great coach.

[@jstntym42]

I’m really big on the do’s and don’ts of coaching. Getting to practice early to set up has been my habit this season. Saves lots of time and the kids can get right into practice. I had been criticized for “not doing anything” during games because I don’t want to be yelling instructions nonstop. I had to explain this to parents. I let the plays happens and talk to the girls between plays or when they come to the bench. Telling them anything while to ball is at their feet is not going to help them. I don’t have prior experience playing soccer but I have taken the time to learn the game and develop a coaching methodology. Most of which has been borrowed for Coach Rory.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Great stuff!

[@zatomb2574]

Need a video on how to recognize a good parent 😂 Arrive to practice and games on time, shoelaces tied, don't forget to bring things, don't leave things behind, study rules before complaining on sidelines. I think this video is for paid coaches and club coaches because most youth coaches where i am are simply volunteers. You can't just switch coaches and find another one. You are lucky if the coach has played soccer before. In some leagues it is difficult to find any parent to volunteer as coach so some kids don't get to play.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

This is a great idea. I do have a soccer parent 101 video. But recognizing a good soccer parent is fantastic

[@Steve-Z68]

All great points!! The best lesson I got in a coaching clinic for U10 and below was never do the 3 Ls. Laps Lines and Lectures. Pretty basic but I was surprised how many other teams I saw doing at least 2 out of the 3

[@lukemarietta5705]

SPOT ON. Well said Sir! I do think the Grassroots licenses and D course help with U12 or younger in giving coaches structure to setting up practice, games, setting expectations, etc. Not essential but helpful especially if coaches haven't played at a high level or haven't been exposed to other good coaches.

[@sbrcorporatestrategy]

I’ve been a youth certified developmental soccer coach since 2008, and I must say this is a very honest and real guideline for parents. Too many times I’ve seen coaches simply chasing trophies and for 8-12 yr old players this is a serious red flag on the coaches. Soccer development is not linear and the game changes exponentially with the transitions from 7v7 size 3 balls to 11v11 size 5. All good coaches should have their eye on the big game and always teach skills that can support a player for their entire career. Also it’s important to keep in mind they aren’t all going to be Messi and soccer can teach valuable life skills, encourage individual effort, focus on being a good teammate and sportsman. Well done video, thanks for making it

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Thank you!

[@toddhall7539]

As a (former) soccer dad, I can offer a few points that may help. If they are training mostly small sided, that’s a good thing. They are learning the basics. If the coach encourages risk taking. (Taking a player on 1v1.) If the coach emphasizes technique (control/first touch) this is critical. Especially below u14. The coach should encourage players to be students of the game. This develops game intelligence. Most important. Parents need to understand that their child will get from the game what they put in. Just like everything else in life. Finally, you can’t buy a better soccer experience (for your child) by writing a bigger check. Hope this helps. Enjoy the ride

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Thank you Todd. Great advise.

[@doylemania10]

Player enjoyment is a big one for me. You can't get better if you don't like training. A good coach will make training challenging and fun. I would add a few things: Over time, do you notice the team improving? Not winning more games, but is the team getting better and is your child improving? If so, you probably have a good coach but it can take some time to see improvement. My U10 team struggled in the fall but I encouraged the parents to be patient. They were and we did improve and the parents noticed. Also, is the coach attuned to the individual needs and personalities of players. Does the coach make an effort to get to know your kid? If so, you likely have a good one. Finally, as you touch on, don't get misled by won/loss records. The best coaches don't necessarily win all the games. Focus on how the kids are playing. Do they play together? Are they competing? Do they look like they enjoy playing and with each other. That's what really matters.

[@Mike-px8rc]

Great Comment

[@bretthadley2043]

Great and very valid points!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

100%

[@danieln3999]

I am now DOC at a rec league that goes from U4 up to U19. I think this is an excellent video to share with my coaches to encourage them to teach the game, as appropriate for age group, and not get hung up on winning, especially via the fastest/strongest kid dribbling coast to coast. It seems I have to break that mindset with my 12U players that I coach every season. We bootb to our own detriment at times but I like to think the kids better understand shape and space at the end of the season.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Fantastic. Good luck!

[@Max-zg2ci]

Coach Rory, your videos gave me the confidence when I took over my sons U9 team. We went from 0-2-5 last season to finishing a 3-3-1 this season. Thank you very much for your videos and I look forward to more in the future

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Great stuff! Comment made my day thank you!!

[@cunninghamb1]

As a rec coach and a parent, if the rec coach is prepared, kids enjoy practice, and are not verbally abusive then I am happy. If it is a club team I want those things and more.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

💯

[@chrismcneil1426]

The biggest area I feel I struggle in with coaching youth teams is: running drills to improve a particular aspect of the kids game with half a team who are there because they like soccer and want to get better and the other half who make me question if their parents just signed them up and told them they are playing soccer(I imagine most can understand the type I mean).

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Absolutely. Planning a video on how to deal with this.

[@matthewhowell8307]

I've been coaching my niece's team for four seasons now, and she's on an U8 coed team. I've definitely noticed the mix of players, and parents, that are usually either there cause they want to play and learn about soccer, or the parents see it as a way to get their child out of the house. Worst case I've seen, is when you start to feel like you're babysitting at practice, instead of teaching soccer.

[@gobber420]

Hey Coach Rory, know this is an older video.. but felt it was the right one for my comment. I'm a huge supporter of the channel, and have been coaching both an 8U and 10U AYSO Team for a Spring and Fall season.. our Teams change every season, and as a new coach and former player that loves this sport I'm trying to understand and judge my ability to Coach.. of the ~34 games between the two Teams and two seasons I've won 6 with the majority of the wins being under my 8U Team and in the Spring season.. I've only won 1 8U game this season and none within my 10U Team. I do not weigh an importance on winning with my Teams, but as a Coach in trying to understand maybe some other ways of realizing how "good" or "bad" I may be at Coaching outside of just Ws and Ls. I will add, I provide little oversight to my Teams during games, other than the occasional reshuffle to the correct position, and empower my Teams to communicate and experiment on the field, which they do better then many Teams in the league. Appreciate any insight you might have for a new Coach kind of feeling down with their current performances, thanks!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Yeah this is tough but if you see your teams developing that’s a better than a win imo. Are they connecting passes? Are they beginning to understand core concepts? That’s the biggest thing for me. Now convincing the parents can be another story.

[@MikeBaas]

Start by asking the coach "Hey, do you know about Coach Rory on KZbin?" That will tell you a lot!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

😂. Love it.

[@klinktastic]

Seriously true

[@bretthadley2043]

Well... thanks for reconfirming what I have long felt, noticed and knew about my local club and son's coach. Your video should be a must watch for every parent, coach and DOC.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Confirmed Good or bad?

[@bretthadley2043]

@@CoachRorySoccer confirmed bad. 😕 I recall 2 years ago asking aloud if the coach is really that good or is it that he just has the best players. I knew it was the latter. Options are very limited (surprising in Southern California) because of family dynamics and logistics. Sure it would be nice to be able to drive my sons to Carlsbad, San Diego or Orange County for practices etc. There they have proven coaches. I could go on and on about our club experience... It hasn't been very enjoyable most of the time. We get grief from coaches and parents because of no Sunday play. We have had to compromise our family's morals and values for a Club who only cares about winning and money. I've had coaches not play my son at tournaments, so they could win. He had a great time watching his team from the bench all game. I'm so glad I paid for him to sit there on the bench. Club is insane! I could send you issue after issue (feel free to ask if you have morbid curiosity). There are other clubs, however they don't have enough players for proper teams. All we want is for our sons to develop. Love the game and have fun. I wanted to cheer my kids on instead of killing myself in the ER at work. It's been a huge disappointment.

[@TopTierSoccerTraining]

Great thoughts Coach! Thanks for the video. 🔥

[@eflens24]

This was my first year volunteer/parent coaching 8U and 5/6U rec-level teams concurrently. (Trial by fire!) A lot of these points in this video are things I aspired to. I’d just add that I would want to be judged by parents on my efforts and ability to foster a sense of “team” and other intangibles. I want to be a coach that not just develops individuals but develops the team. We’re entrusted with kids at this critical age where they start learning the power, fun, challenges and benefits of cooperative play/work. That’s important in soccer and their lives. My three goals/rules from the outset of the season were (1) we have fun, (2) we give our best effort and try our best to improve our skills, and (3) we should all feel supported by our coaches and our teammates. (I’d also add that expectations need to be reasonable - comparing a paid/volunteer club/rec coaches is to some degree apples and oranges.)

[@CoachRorySoccer]

This is great.

[@Dancedadbod]

What are some good tips to teaching kids the laws of soccer while teaching and developing them on the fundamentals of in 9v9 U11. I have a new group of kids that are fairly new to the sport

[@KennyMGG]

​@@Dancedadbodthose basics should come from the parents, in my opinion. My son plays soccer, and I watch every practice closely to give myself some homework of what to teach my kid about the game at home. Coaches should give players homework related to the game rules.

[@JayFitzsimmons1]

​@@DancedadbodGood Q! I'd suggest teaching rules opportunistically during games. When the ref calls back a bad throw-in, or the goalkeeper handles a ball kicked from their teammate, state the rule to players on your bench and in earshot. In a way that doesn't embarrass the player of course, it's a learning opportunity. That's my advice as a rec coach and ref (I try teaching young players when I ref too, and they appreciate it).

[@Paul-ro6py]

Makes me feel better as a coach

[@CoachRorySoccer]

💪🏻

[@lobachevskyyy]

Okay, I coach 9 year olds and I have some comments on your play time comment. I promise I didn't take it too personal lol, but I'm wondering what you think of this. First, if it is rec I 100% agree. Rec is a safe space for kids to have fun with soccer. However, for teams that are trying to be more competitive, I am okay with big play time disparities under certain situations. For example, some parents and players commit way less to showing up at practice, games, tournaments, etc. For example, Ive had kids skip the first 6 weeks of practice because they scheduled something else. Don't even mention off season skills sessions. Doesn't feel fair to me to let low commitment families weigh the team down when they fall behind. Also, I strongly believe that if you are going to have play time disparities, as a coach you should identify it as early as possible and talk directly and frankly with parents about what you are seeing, what you want to see and how they can improve. My experience is that I've never had to play a kid less if the parents are doing their part and the kid is engaged at practice. Also, while I agree with your assessment of what parents should be looking for in a coach, many parents use winning to figure out if you are a good coach. If you coach for a small club with very little influx of players, you can't afford to lose a lot, since your best players will leave for "better" coaches. And developed players are very difficult to attract in a small club, especially as your kids get older. Small club struggle is real and we don't get paid.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

If kid is 9 and "makes" your team he/she deserves to play. IMO. Understand other views.

[@KennyMGG]

Tryouts should be used to solve this issue, correct? During tryouts you should be able to find out the player commitment level by looking at their technical ability (practice time) and also you should be taking to the parents about the schedule expectations.

[@magichand35905]

Let them play. Simple as that. No1 cares at the end of the day about a few stupid u9 trophies. When you get to 11 v 11 and have half a team that's under developed because they didn't play enough then no1 benefits.

[@TroySchuler]

You coach 9 year olds and the kids make commitments for other things. Interesting. I would think that would be on the parents. The kids can’t make those decisions and drive themselves to practice. If you are setting those expectations at the beginning of the season, then full send it. But if you’re not, that’s unfair to the kid that the parent is choosing priorities.

[@arnaldomartinez7695]

I agree in everything about you said, but if very hard to find a coach that meet all those criteria. Some coachs are strong in one area, but weak in other, and vice-versa.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

True. Just giving guidelines but no coach is perfect, not even me.

[@bobbycrosby9765]

Our kid plays rec level U10 and you get what you get coach-wise. That said, this year's coach has been my favorite. They seem to really be emphasizing communication and getting the kids experience in a variety of positions. They also do a retrospective after the game (highlighting all the good stuff first - which is so important with kids). Unfortunately some of the parents are pretty toxic, and some are probably going to drive their kid away from the sport. The league has basic training videos for refs and coaches, I wish they had one for parents too.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Wow. Yeah that’s too bad. Toxic parents are a huge issue.

[@jarhead_jr]

I coach U9 and U10. I agree with most of what you are saying 100%. I might disagree a little on equal playing time in a tournament. League games, scrimmages, friendlies.. absolutely equal playing time. My reason is more so that fir instance our defense doesnt need to rotate as often as mids and forwards. While we dont have set positions, i find if you get a defensive tandem that are playing well together, let them play until they are tired if they are gel'n. Our attackers will stay fresh with more subs and the defenders get more time on the field which is a bonus since they likely arent getting the goal scoring "glory" even though every coach LOVES dominant defense.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

I didn’t mean equal playing time more big disparities.

[@icaasi]

After a certain young age- I agree.They are paying to play but after the basic time requirements the player needs to be recognize and push within a meritorious system.

[@AnnieMcKenna-nf4gw]

Hi Rory, love your channel, thank you for all you do! As a brand new select coach this is valuable insight. I'm wondering if you would consider sharing your approach to crafting not just a session plan, but a seasonal plan for 7v7's. Do you have a general sequence or outline you follow for building a season? I'd love to feel like I have a vision for the whole season. Thanks again!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Yep planning video on this.

[@NataliaCastillo-v3v]

Yes, would love a video on this! My husband just started coaching our daughters U9 rec team your page has been very helpful so far. Thanks coach looking forward to that video!

[@bradbonkoski1014]

To level set, what level do you typically coach? I would think there would be different expectations from parents of the coaches when they are paying thousands for travel ball as opposed to the local rec/club soccer where coachers are volunteers. Also, you mention the A/B/D licenses, but what about the grassroots licenses? Do you think that would be beneficial if for nothing else to help coaches understand what training sessions should be? I did play in the day where "boom ball" was all the rage, and I know things have evolved and US soccer has been pushing to get more information out there for coaches. I appreciate all the videos you provide to help myself and others coaching local teams trying to help them develop and to have fun.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

So I’ve coached all levels and this is a good point there will be different expectations given the level. Grassroots licenses are where you would/could start. I am personally not a fan of any USSF coaching course I’ve taken and I have gone through the C. Have my UEFA B and found that pathway much better.

[@MikeBaas]

My goal for the next season is to have a lot more formal feedback loop structure in my "club".

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Feedback for players or coaches?

[@MikeBaas]

@@CoachRorySoccer I want to explain what my coaching goals are and a framework for including/patching in parents when there are issues with players that require "discipline" and to explain what my player expectations are. I had a few "broken record" type loops that were very distracting to practices and even games, including my own son (so in that case, I would patch Mom in, so I can continue with the rest of the team). I think I am talking about issue where if it is extreme enough, they lose the priveledge of continuing to be a part of practices. I'm talking about abusive or "wild" language, repeatedly talking down to players after warnings. The idea you presented of a player scorecard also might help here. One could chalk it all up to "middle school" and sometimes I do and it's fine, but what I am saying is something like: "Parents, last season you dropped your kids off in my care for each and every practice and you trusted me with your kids, but what happened were dynamics that I myself couldn't always control that might have been better addressed by you as a parent in real time. You might get a text from me during practice, so please keep your phones handy while your kids are out with the "babysitter"."

[@Kirvana2]

Greetings from Finland! I've gotten good comments from our rec team parents, which is great. My main focus is on good encouraging atmosphere, where kids (U10) are not afraid to make mistakes. I'm quite strict on equal playtime too, sometimes in tournaments we play our most reliable defender more than others, but other than that I try to make sure we're all equal, no matter how good one is. One thing that got me was the joysticking part. I don't really consider myself "joysticking", but do you think calling stuff like "remember to keep the game wide!" and "take it easy, you have a lot of space now!" is joysticking? I often think I've spoken too much stuff like this during a game, and I'm trying to actively get away from it :) But damn it's hard sometimes haha :) Your videos are great, been doing quite a few of your drills in our training. Thanks for doing these!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

To me joysticking is telling a player in the moment exactly what to do. Doesn’t sound like you’re doing that. Thanks for the support!

[@trevorlewatle1886]

Amazing vidoe bro. my girlfriend and u are coaches so we only struggle with one which is shouting the instructions, although its mostly at u13 until they understand n from u15 up they need minor adjustment thru the shouting of instructions. Awesome n God bless you

[@pssita]

I went to my 8 yr old grandson’s third game this weekend. The coach seemed to only be there for his own child. I could tell pretty quickly that these kids have zero coaching. Kids standing on the sideline, nobody attacking, no heads up, kicking the ball the wrong direction, bunching up .. I could go on. This team is a city sponsored league and I think they just let anyone coach if they volunteered. It was pretty sad and I just about walked over to ask the coach if he wanted any help…I didn’t because it as the middle of the game. I’m thinking about getting his info and emailing him. Growing up in Panama 🇵🇦, playing all through school and into college is my background watching this was pretty tough….. the score was 9-1. We lost! 😂

[@CoachRorySoccer]

He probably could use the help. That’s a tough age to coach.

[@ezy615]

In some cases when you are a coach for a club with multiple teams, some of the training pitches are booked in hour slots so you would have to wait for the people in front of you to get off before you start, so wouldn't get the opportunity to prepare training before hand.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Of course. These are guidelines

[@nathanbenich9204]

This is a good video, but as a volunteer coach/parent, I personally struggled with players not showing up for practice even at the rec level. Where I come from, commitment and discipline were required, even at the rec level. I can't coach players when they don't show up and I would get frustrated when the players didn't know the difference between Right Wing or Left Defense, or they kept messing up throw-ins during a game even though I would go over this during practices, over and over again and I would have to yell at them on the field to tell them where to play. It's hard to teach these fundamentals of the sport when players don't show up. The league I was in was too loose on these important lessons in the sport and in life over all. Also, some parents viewed rec as just for fun, messing around and having a good time, while other parents took it more seriously and viewed rec as a stepping stone to the next level. I'm the latter. This is why I'm changing leagues and taking my kids with me (1st String Gold and Silver Medalists of the NorCal Silicon Valley Cup Tournament U10 Girl/U10 Boys - I have Triplets). Cheers from Silicon Valley, CA!:)

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Yeah commitment levels vary. Have to meet player where they are and what families are looking for. Its good you are moving because clearly your looking for more.

[@jasonhenderson6981]

Unfortunately, soccer is not always as important to them as you. I've had to come to grips with that and appreciate the players that are dedicated.

[@nathanbenich9204]

@@jasonhenderson6981 I concur. That's why I'm changing leagues.

[@greghollander3950]

Thanks for this, Coach Rory. My kid has two coaches and one of them joy sticks. So much so, last night my son stopped playing in the second half cause he was worn out by it. He's a sensitive kid and all the shouting from the coach stresses him out. What do you suggest I do? I'd love to suggest to my son to talk to the coach but I'm not sure the coach listens very well. He seems to be the type who always has the answers. I'm concerned about approaching him myself as I'm worried about making things worse. My son loves the sport and is developing some great skills and understanding of the game but I'm worried this coach is going to joy stick the love of the game out of my son.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Yeah seen this a lot. Do you have other options? Finding the right coach can be difficult.

[@greghollander3950]

@@CoachRorySoccer thanks! He has two possible options. The first would take some time. If he’s able to stick it out through the season and work hard there’s a good chance he’ll get promoted to the next level. Otherwise, he could move down a level right now. I’m just not sure he’d be happy to do that. He is still quite competitive and likes to play at as high a level as he can. It’s tricky.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

@@greghollander3950 I’d probably try to stick it out learn from the experience and stay at that level

[@greghollander3950]

@@CoachRorySoccer thanks. I think we’ll stay the course. We just came over to this club from another club. The bright side is he is learning the hard skills. And like you said, we have a chance to learn some soft skills. Cheers! Thanks for the advice. Have a nice summer.

[@VelvetRiot-hz5mp]

Here is a under 9's coach perspective. We know how you as parents have done the bare minimum to get the kid's off the couch, be competitive and determined. That is your 'nurturing' on display every match. How can a kid be fat that young? What are you feeding them? And you want them to be athletic? Do the kid's know how to dress themselves and even do up their shoelaces? That's your job mummy and daddy, not the coach. Does the kid play at school regularly or does he/she need to be dragged out there? What extra practice alone does the kid do? Do they do keepie uppies, wall practice alone or just wait to hang out with their team mates as some sort of gloried after school program? Don't kid yourselves parents, you need to do a lot more. David Beckham was trained by his dad to be the player he became, not Alex Ferguson. These drills are all fine and dandy, but the kids need to be focused and keen as mustard and aiming to do them perfectly every practice as we only get a short time. You as parents on the other hand, what exactly are you doing? Be ready and be on time!

[@KennyMGG]

Am I the only parent that believes that if my son is playing in the heat of summer or the cold of winter, then I should be there with him in the same conditions? I don't like when parents go to their cars and leave their 8 year olds in a 90° weather practice session.

[@icaasi]

You’re absolutely right. These are your children. Get off your phone and stand in the rain. Show attention and strength to your sons and daughters.

[@SHWMEURLITENINGBOLT]

Our 13U girls team is having their best season yet, we have a great group of girls and very supportive parents. The thing I still have to work on is my yelling on the sidelines, how do I keep my emotions in check? Thank you Coach

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Try to think about the game objectively. Like your doing something for school. Studying for a test. Writing a book report. Sometimes I take notes during. What formation is other team in. What are we doing well in/out of possession. What is other team doing in/out of possession. What are the strong/weak players on opponents team. Then communicate that to your team. Try to take the emotion out of it and be objective and give objective information to your team. That’s what’s worked for me but I get it can be tough to hide emotions.

[@erics.1275]

I'm a U8B coach and this season i wanted to be up front about playing time in games. I try to give players equal amounts of time on the field, but I want to give more time to players that come to practices with more time and less time for players that don't come to practices. Thoughts?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

I think that some sense. Unfortunately it’s not always the kids fault they aren’t at practice.

[@mvanvoor]

4:06 - "In youth soccer we have an epidemic of coaches who don't know how to play"... wow Rory... way to call me out! I told our director I literally knew nothing about soccer, but he just kept saying "the kids won't get to play if none of the parents steps up to coach". ;)

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Sad but true.

[@magichand35905]

Set-up is the biggest challenge we face. Pitches are usually back to back sessions at our venue so we cant setup before the session starts. We also have 40 kids in our group and 3 teams at diff development levels (all u9). Whats your thoughts on mixing for training? Or training in their specific teams? We do both at different times but a lot of times the drills fall apart when mixed. Flip side is a "first team" thats becoming more difficult to manage due to thinking they are better than everyone else and dont need to try. We also have some issues with kids mocking other kids due to what team they play in (colts or development etc.).

[@CoachRorySoccer]

These are challenges. For sure. I like to mix groups as long as the level is somewhat close. If you mix a top team with kids who skill is very low it doesn’t work and the session breaks down.

[@SubtleMercernary]

I pulled my kid off of his spring travel team this year when my 7year old asked the coach if he could play forward coach told him he had to earn it. Which made my son cry in the car. Meanwhile coaches sons play forward every minute he’s on the field.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Good for you.

[@CyberXShinobi]

Coach, how do your activities in your session plans change between 7v7, 9v9, & 11v11? For example, do you still use battle boxes through 9v9 & 11v11?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Planning a video on the transitions from 7v7 to 9v9 and then another one on 9v9 to 11v11. The older teams need a warm up and other considerations. The training does change.

[@parias_sky9845]

Question: How do you become an academy or club coach? Would really appreciate hearing your perspective on it if you are one or if you just have any general advice and thoughts on getting/having the licenses? This may sound silly but coaching is something I want to make into a career and I received my USSF D license not too long ago to help myself grow and I’m looking into pursuing the C but I’m unsure on where I should go next or if I need the rest of the licenses right away

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Just contact the club your interested in coaching with. Usually they have opportunities.

[@josephturkall2868]

1) you should be able to see with your eyes what is good 2) in today's world, people have forgotten that being talented and winning because of skills is fun, and has been masked by social engagement "fun". Which is detrimental to the sporting experience, because about 12 a kid wakes up and realizes they aren't really good at whatever sport they have been putting time into.

[@jasonhenderson6981]

Don't 100% agree because many parents think kids running around cones is good because it looks organized. Unless you have a 100% dedicated team there must be a social aspect to keep players engaged. I find that only maybe 25% of my players are truly dedicated to sports so without their teammates we would not have a team.

[@josephturkall2868]

@@jasonhenderson6981 I'm a professional coach, and I know how you will take this, but I'm not being disrespectful. I do coach recreational teams, and can guarantee your practices are not as player centered as they need to be for the individual kid that is in what you consider the needs social engagement category. They need a lot, and the majority of recreational coaches are unable to create this experience. Most of the time the coaches know these kids lack or they know their coaching can't bridge the skill gap, and they try and mask this with "being their friend", or "being cool with the kid". Is it possible to turn the recreational kid into a stud? It's all based on how the kid and their family value their progress, I've turned the worst, never played before kid into the best player on the team in 6 months. I've also made a point to get the worst/youngest team, and turned them into the best and still youngest team in 2 seasons. Those kids, families, and teams also had an amazing experience with a ton of fun-because they were winning through the skills and tactics learned and executed in practice-not because I want to "be cool with a kid". In conclusion, be better at coaching, and consider doing things differently than what you see the other coaches in the league doing.

[@lobachevskyyy]

I'm wondering if this makes me a bad coach: I coach 10 year old girls in the silver bracket of our local competitive league. We do local tournaments (about 4 to 7 a year) that are within 40 min drive, but I don't bring them to out of city tournaments. In my mind the cost goes up by a 10x factor and I doubt the roi makes those 3 to 4 games worth it. Should my parents flee? I'd rather them spend the money on personal training... or maybe a 529 account.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Sounds like you’re spot on.

[@lobachevskyyy]

Ok cool. Lots of teams do play out of town in our bracket and I just feel like it doesn't make sense yet. Interested to hear when others think it makes sense to start traveling.

[@fabianlopez3693]

Greetings Coach Rory, As always this is a great space. There is an aspect in "joysticking" that is very North American and let me explain, the USA is a country where coaching refuses to understand that at the level of development there is a cultural aspect to create and link children and families and I see that in "traditional" coaching, information that the players do not have is taken for granted and at the time of providing it, passion is confused with "joysticking." Although it is true that the structure of Youth Soccer seeks "independence", "freedom - creativity", however it is very difficult to talk about it towards the players when it is imposed by the coach when in the USA it should be built with the children. Best!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

This is so true. Fantastic comments. Thank you!

[@DREAMSJPEG]

Omg, I'm a joystick coach!! I gotta reel that behaviour in!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Yep.

[@michelprimeau4531]

It's very hard to setup the cone for practices when you are short on field and the schedule is packed.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Hear you. Was referring more to how organized coach was.

[@MikeBaas]

I do have a serious question, however, about in game coaching behavior. I believe your videos, and elsewhere, talk about the on-the-ball moment not being a coaching moment, and I believe the right-after-the-ball-is-played moment as well. For instance, if you are critical of a player who just made a bad decision, and you point that out in that moment, that's far from ideal coaching, *most especially* when that moment is used to be critical of the player, a kid. I am very aware of those moments and make it a point not to insert myself there very often. But let's bring an example in, a real example: let's say a striker is chronically offside. You train against it, you give coaching points, you remind them and it continues to happen game over game - and most important to my question, you and the player are in a long term dialog around this issue - in that case, when it arises in a game, can it be useful to draw attention to it, to pinpoint it and make the player reflect on that moment in the very moment?

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Yeah I think that’s ok. Sometimes in real time I’ll even tell my striker “stay onside”. It’s the joy sticking thing I’m really trying to get away from.

[@lobachevskyyy]

My understanding of joy sticking is that if you can frame your command as a question, then you are no longer joysticking. "Are you onside?" Also, its more of a frequency of comments thing: so many commands that it literally looks like you are trying control each action of the players.

[@MikeBaas]

Underneath my question is an admission that sometimes I do get a little aggro from the sidelines when a particular action that we've worked on again and again and again is disregarded. Disregarded might be too strong of a word. It's like a blind spot for the kid, and I keep trying to wake them up to it so they can groove in a new habit, and the game is the place this happens. Doing this in games might be a function of having too little time in practice to work on these types of bad habits in the players. Two good examples would be CBs or FBs not backpeddling to position themselves for build out when GK has possession or on goal kicks. These players HAVE TO KNOW that they are the first part of the build out and that there's a specific place for them to be. But they just check out. Same thing with pressing up in possession. The defenders will mosey on up and not participate in the attack. They HAVE TO KNOW they are on attack, but they check out. So I strongly goad them, and use stoppages in play to underline my desire not to have to coach these basics anymore. I am talking about guys who have played with me for 5+ seasons, done all the pattern choreography, etc. The aggressive route is hardly every enacted towards the first or season season guys, it's the core guys who seemingly just can't be bothered to work as part of the well oiled team machine in various ways. That being said, most of these players are just so great, and they know I love them. But when these little habits don't get executed, my impulse is to strongly remind them on the pitch in a way where they know they just gotta do it.

[@MikeBaas]

Class D License Coaching Toolkit under "During Active Play" says: - The coach provides opportunities for players to take the initiative and make their own decisions. - The coach interacts with the player(s) to direct attention to specific cues and/or reinforce desired behavior (We recommend limited interactions during active play.) My queues are "build out" and "push up" but I get pretty tired about queueing them!

[@KalitaJ]

All fine. It's just that building up from the back cannot be imposed.

[@CoachRorySoccer]

What do you mean?

[@r2dad282]

I was impressed when one of the coaches I refereed explained how she built her squad to play out of the back. She started with better ball-handlers at the back (normally attacking types), in order to build confidence among the players. Once other kids improved, those better ball handlers moved to midfield to build attacks. Her team didnt win much for the first half of the season but by the end of the season she had trained up most of the kids, they were scoring goals and those GU10s were ready for the challenge of travel. Its possible to impose, but things take time to develop and you have to be good at communicating goals and progress to the parents.

[@mjhuyser]

This is a great idea. I’ve had troubles figuring out where to put my aces to get a good balance. I usually keep just one back but maybe I should keep two back for the first game or two.

[@Rimann93]

The club I coach for sets our practice at 4 pm and I cant change it. I have a day job. I volunteer as a coach. Does it make me a bad coach because I can't show up 15-20 minutes early every practice because I have a job? Most of the parents are in the same position, I didn't even meet some of them until the last half of the season. The kids are mostly carpooling with older siblings

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Every situation is different. No one variable makes someone good/bad. These are just guidelines.

[@Dustmanpasha123]

My U13 and u8 tryouts will happen in 8 weeks how can I prepare them for that.. Blessings to you

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Daily technical work. Stick with it. Work hard. You’ll be fine.

[@Dustmanpasha123]

@@CoachRorySoccer thank you very much Coach!

[@SIRFOOTBALL]

Sir we want your teams gameplay video

[@CoachRorySoccer]

My teams gameplay?

[@KennyMGG]

​@@CoachRorySoccerHe probably wants to see how you give instructions furing a game

[@CoachRorySoccer]

Good idea for a video.

[@jorgeb8609]

Best video, I guess I am a no good coach 😢

[@MikeBaas]

hahah, keep trying!

[@CoachRorySoccer]

I've learned a ton of lessons by trial and error, we all have!

[@mikepop6163]

The majority of coaches are terrible as they don’t teach how to play the game but focus on drills that don’t help kids and make it look like they know what they are doing.

[@jonathanm9793]

Winning is a tough line to put your finger on, although development is the main priority, but when it comes to gametime, if you can't perform in training, then you're getting less playing time. Execute in training and your playing time will increase. I'm not going to punish the team by putting an ineffective player on the field. The parents have too much time and money involved to be in an important game and see the coach put Timmy in the game when he's not at the level the game calls for. I coach to win, and I coach to develop players. Until you've been a part of a real winning team and culture, you won't understand how cutthroat it has to be in order for the group to have success.

[@sbrcorporatestrategy]

In a club setting or high level community leagues I agree with this for kids. But this can’t be the approach for all levels and kids. But you’re right, situation matters

[@jorgeb8609]

Anyone else watch this to find out they are not a good coach😂