Below are a few tips on coaching youth football, whether you have been roped into coaching your sons football league or youve been coaching a few years and cant get over the hump. With our tips you will not have to fear parents talking behind your back because the team isnt winning despite having talent, or kids are quitting because they arent learning the fundamentals. Get your kids excited for practice and ready to play every game.

Make Practice Fun

Teaching the team to enjoy the process is important whether they are playing a game or running plays during practice. Never yell at players for mistakes, practice is more fun when everyone learns to laugh when mistakes are made and then get down to business to correct them. If you are enthusiastic about practice and games it will infect your team and keep everyone wanting to participate.

Keep a positive attitude

Never make a negative comment in front of players whether they make a mistake, you make a bad call or the other team isnt playing fairly. Bad things happen often at the worst times during games which you have no control over, but you can control your attitude and your actions. Remember your kids are always watching and they will reflect your attitude at all times.

Understand the Game

The only way your team is going to understand the fundamentals and rules of the game are if they learn it from you. So make sure you understand the rules, the plays and all the ins and outs of the game. Read websites and books, watch football games on TV and talk to other coaches with experience.

Building Character

think of their coaches as role models, so if you want your players to be driven and always do the right thing on and off the field, keep that mind. Making mistakes are part of human nature, so admit when you are wrong and show your players it is OK to do so. Keep control of your emotions and words, whether disputing a call with a ref or dealing with parent complaining their child is not playing enough.

Effective Communication

Learn to communicate your ideas well, knowing everything there is to know about football drills, plays or the fundamentals is great but will get you nowhere if you cant explain them. Keep in mind YOU are explaining a play or drill incorrectly if your players dont catch on. Keep an open line of communication between you, the parents and players so parents and athletes to have realistic views of the athlete’s skill level.

Improving Your Communication Skills

Football takes a while for a coach and players to understand the rules of the game since it is arguably the most complicated and position-specific of all major sports. Keeping in mind youth sports teaches self confidence, discipline and teamwork that kids will use for the rest of their lives makes it even more important to be a good role model. Keep you and your team looking forward to every practice and game by making it fun!