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Some Cures for Sideline Coaching

The FUNdamental SOCCER and other sound coaching methodologies recommend against coaching from the sidelines during the game? Then what do you do about that horrible, anxious gnawing that eats away at you when your team is not playing as you planned? Nothing you practiced is working. Your coaching effort is going down that drain.

Let me suggest several possible alternatives for YOU and/or Your Parents:

Are you interested in statistics? Keep stats. It can be simple stats like shots taken, goals scored, attempted passes completed, steals, etc. The statistics can be as complicated as you want.

Is match analysis your thing? If so, add diagrams and notes to your stats and plan what to cover in practice next week.

Talk to the substitutes. They are not facing the pressure of a moving ball, confined space, or an active opponent. They have the room to listen. They may even be apprehensive about going into the game. Explain to them what you want them to concentrate on when they go in. Point out examples of good play they can emulate.

Sometimes it helps to lighten up. Based on what you see on the field, crack a joke or two about what you must have overlooked in practice.

Make sure that the drinks/orange slices to be served are ready for halftime.

Take pictures. That’s right, bring your cell phone and take action shots. I know one coach religiously takes pictures at every game and puts them on the team’s website. He says it takes his mind off all the worries that might otherwise bedevil him to shout and scream. His parent and players have wonderful memories from their time on the team.

How well do you know your parents? Take time to get better acquainted. Strike up a conversation with each of them. Some parents get down on their kids. Point out something that a parent can praise.

Some parents are shouters themselves. Maybe, they are hurting inside because their child is not playing quite up to the level of Messi. Perhaps there are even worried that someone will think this reflects adversely on their parenting.

Talking to the parents will divert them from shouting and help calm their fears and anxieties.

Please choose from one of the above or create your diversion, but do something to leave the kids alone so they can enjoy and learn from the game.

Final Note:  Thank you for taking the time to read this article and Sharing it with your soccer community. Your  Comments on this subject are also very much appreciated.

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