What resources are available for coaching youth sports?

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If getting one 7 year old to do something you want can be a challenge. Can you imagine how difficult it is to get twelve 7 year olds to do what you want?! That’s the challenge that faces coach’s everyday in a wide variety of sports.

Coaching youth sports can be a frustrating, but rewarding job. Parents throughout the world volunteer to coach their son or daughters team every day. During the time they coach they will have to deal with a number of factors such as dealing with and motivating the kids, interacting with parents who think they know more than the coach and think little Johnny should be playing more and dealing with other coaches who think they are playing for the Super Bowl, World Series or the World Cup!

Whether you are coaching baseball, football, basketball or soccer, dealing with kids can be challenging. As a coach you need to balance the need to teach the sport, work as a team, work on individual skills and have fun. However, in order to be able to coach, you need to be able to communicate with the kids. Depending on the age of the children, you should be able to vary your coaching methods. For the very young (4-5 year olds), make any type of coaching in the form of games. Elementary aged players should be able to follow instructions, but still mix up some games along with instruction and drills. For older kids, they should be able to follow instruction, which will allow for development of skills and team play. 

One of the best ways to let everyone know what is expected of them (players and parents) is to communicate your expectations. At the beginning of the season, have a meeting with players and parents and let them know what your expectations are. They can include for players: listening, not fooling around, respecting teammates, respecting officials and having fun. For parents, they are asked to be supportive of the coach, encourage the kids, don’t put unrealistic pressure on them (Michael Jordan was not “Michael Jordan” at age 7!) and to conduct themselves properly at the games (no yelling at officials, swearing, etc…). By communicating expectations at the beginning, it will help get everyone on the same page and make the season fun for all.

Coaching youth sports can be difficult, but can also be fun. So, the next time little Johnnie or Suzy’s team needs a parent to coach but be afraid. Raise your hand and accept the challenge. The kids will appreciate an adult taking the time to work with them, you will develop a further bond with your child and whether you have a great team, or the latest version of the “Bad News Bears”, it will be a worthwhile experience for you.

·       National Alliance for Youth Sports

·       Positive Coaching Alliance

·       Youth Sports Nutrition

·       Sports Nutrition

·       Youth Sports Safety

·       Tips to Prevent Sports Injuries

·       Sports Fitness Resource Guide

·       Keeping Youth Sports Fun

·       Making Sports Fun

·       Improving Teamwork and Communication

·       Communicating with Parents

·       Coaching Youth Football

·       Coaching Youth Baseball

·       Coaching Youth Basketball

·       Coaching Youth Hockey

·       Coaching Youth Soccer

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