Howdy,

Thanks for the outstanding enthusiasm with your teams so far! Also, if you are reading this “Tip of the Week,” thanks for taking the time to expand your coaching knowledge and for passing on the new ideas to your players. The following is a portion of an article written by the Director of Training for the NYSWSA (NEW York.) I hope you gain something from this information, and keep up the great work!

See you on the pitch,

Wade Breaux, CSSC DOT

How a young player learns.

Youngsters have a desire to achieve and to prove themselves to others. The Coach should take into consideration the following factors ,when trying to motivate them…

They must be interested.. The player who is not interested has a closed mind, and that, if it can not be changed is a recipe for disaster.

They must have enthusiasm.. Players should have a desire to be involved and participate. Coaches should be aware of the child that lacks enthusiasm. People who are enthusiastic tend to do more not less.

They should see good examples and be set good standards..

Seeing good players play live or on T.V. Is important. By seeing older role models deliver a good performance not only on the field but off it too.

By observing people they respect and admire, attitudes and habits are formed.

They will learn through correct practice and the frequency of that practice.. The quality of the practice is more important than the frequency. However if the quality is good, and the time devoted to it is greater, the better the results.

They will learn through knowledge of results.. The more progress the player makes the more likely they are to want to practice. Setting players targets that are achievable is essential. This task belongs entirely to the coach.

They will learn by being challenged.. Progress involves a continuous process of reaching beyond ones grasp. Progress can not be achieved by constantly working within ones limits. You do not climb higher by looking down. Playing with and against better players will improve both technique and skill. Coaches must set the challenges of their players, calculating on the probability of success.