In this part I will present some coaching tips from a soccer player’s perspective.

The reason is that I want you as a coach to be aware of how a soccer player can perceive and react on your message.

A soccer player doesn’t like to have a coach telling them what they should do every time he receives the ball.

Instead, a player likes when their coach encourages them to take his own decisions.

However, many coaches still tend to tell their players what they should do every time they receive the ball.

Don’t criticize your players in front of the team because you could decrease their confidence enormously.

Instead, bring that player at the side and tell him that he needs to start focusing on the game.

Also, if you want to criticize that player for a mistake that he has made during the match you should only do it privately.

Encouraging is the Key

Try to encourage your players as soon as you get the chance. Don’t just stand there without involving yourself in the game.

I know by experience that getting credits from my coach is one of the best things with playing soccer.

When your coach tells you that you’ve done a good job then you know that you have performed well.

However, it is also important to encourage your players when their performance is poor. Don’t ever discuss your decisions in front of the whole team.

If one player asks you in front of all why he was put on the bench tell him that you and him can discuss that subject later and that he has to accept your decision.

Different Types of Personalities

As a coach you will have many different personalities in your team because every soccer player is unique.

It is therefore important to maintain your calm and don’t start to argue with your players about things that doesn’t belong on a soccer field.

You need also to make your players understand that you are the boss. Don’t let them decide how they will play or which tactic you should use for a particular game.

That’s why you’re the coach. You don’t have to be mean about it – just be firm and the rest will fall into place.

Your players’ main task is to concentrate on their own performance and not about whether the team should use a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 formation.

Don’t let either your personal problems affect your way of coaching. Remember, your players need to feel that you are 100% prepared otherwise they will start to complain at your coaching.

Summary

You may also print out these tips and use them as a checklist before every soccer game and practice.

I really want you to develop these skills, because they are truly that important!

As a coach, it’s up to you to develop your team – don’t give up on that goal!