For many of our players, you will be the first person they call "Coach". This is an opportunity to make a lasting impression on a young person. What type of coach will you be?

The VP of Operations, The Poli Sci Teacher, The Legend or somethng else?

There's one thing you don't want to be...their LAST coach! 

This page is full of helpful links from United States Youth Soccer and the Virginia Youth Soccer Association along with great activities to use in your weekly practices. 

Links to United States Youth Soccer

https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/first-time-coaches/

https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/coaches/

https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/continuing-education/

Links to Virginia Youth Soccer Association

https://www.fcrichmond.com/page/show/2331810-coaching-ed

Plan your season with an emphasis on teaching proper technique.  We can talk tactics all day long; but without emphasizing and teaching proper technique, the most simple aspects of the game (striking and receiving the ball) are lost. 

Basic Techniques

http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~dgraham/manual/Pages/basics.html

Attacking Principles

Penetrate

Go forward, when possible, by shooting, dribbling, or passing. 

Support

Move to open positions to help the player in possession advance or circulate the ball.

Width

When away from the ball, move to positions that create space on the sides of the field.

Depth

When away from the ball, move to positions that create space between the front and back of the team.

Defending Principles

Pressure

Stop the opponent with the ball from advancing forward.

Support

When close to the ball, move to positions that help teammates recover possession.

Balance

When out of possession, move towards the ball from wide positions.

Compact

When out of possession, move towards the ball from the front or back of the team.

More useful links:

Substitutions: http://www.osysa.com/coaching/managing_substitutions/

Background checks: https://www.chesterfield.gov/1436/Coaches-Background-Check

Abuse prevention: https://abusepreventionsystems.com/usys/