As a new soccer coach, whether you have played before or have no idea how the game is played, there is help to get you started. When I started coaching I just winged it the first year. I didn’t have the time to learn the game. In my area there was a coach shortage and if one of the parents didn’t coach, there was no team. As the season progressed I found that I really liked coaching and knew I had to learn as much as I could quickly. Asking all the other coaches in my recreation league did not help much. That’s whan I began my search online.

 What I found was an abundance of information from top coaches around the world. Tips on how a new soccer coach should set up practices and drills to run for desired results. I also learned different formations and plays that we could run. Just as important as the drills and formations, I learned a great deal about the different coaching philosophies. Philosophies, when it comes to running in practice or only running drills. I have mixed the two, I run my payers to get them into game shape, but I also run several drills during practice to make sure they can handle the ball.

 As of today I've been a coach for three years and I learn something new every year. You may just want to get through this year, but if you are like me and fall in love with this game keep learning. In my third year I have spent more time looking for information that will help me become a better coach. That's what your players deserve. So I want to challenge you to take the steps to learn as much about coaching soccer that you can. Join some forums  (type in soccer forums in to your search engine) online and ask the coaches, players or even parents any questions you may have, tell them you're a new soccer coach. Most of them are willing to help you.

A new soccer coach does not have to go through a season without information to do well. Just as I have done, go online and search the Internet, go to the library and book stores. Find the books or if you are a visual learner like I am pick up a video. Anything you can to gain the knowledge is going to benefit you and you players for years to come. Visit us at Goodsoccerskills.com