As we look to the future of soccer and teach youth soccer players, let us remember that we must allow a degree of risk taking for players to develop confidence. We as coaches, must allow players to understand that the game of soccer is about risk taking. Taking chances to score or make a play. That there is some failure but that they are attempting to make a specific play is what we are looking for. I have seen a lot of coaches program players. Any small mistake is made a big thing and the players confidence bottoms out. Well what about the fact that the player made the attempt in the first place. Yes, the play did not go as planned BUT also let them know you did see what they were trying to do and to KEEP TRYING.
Self Esteem for youth soccer players is a huge part of a coaches responsibility. At an age when players absorb everything a coach brings to them, we must be supporting and patient. I have seen players that people thought could not play, start or score….turn into players well beyond the criticisms mentioned about them. This was accomplished by supporting them and giving them the reassurance that I am seeing their efforts.
All players on the team are deserving of our attention. Those that do not start are even more valuable to a team as they are the ones pushing the starters to new levels of play. If you speak to your team, let them know that ALL PLAYERS ARE VALUED!
Thanks again for reading this blog…Luis
