When it comes to a good private soccer coach what do you look for? Some parents look for anyone [thinking it’s all the same], while others want a former pro player or experienced coach. It’s important to know that what your child learns makes a big difference. There are trainers who are good at building confidence, but teach terrible skills training. Then other private coaches might run great drills, but is no fun to be around. So depending on what you’re looking for make sure you weigh your options.
A private soccer coach who encourages
One of the most important things you want in a private soccer coach is someone who gives courage, not discourages.
Kids are some of the smartest people, they know when you are for them.
When an adult shows concern and passion wanting the best for the kids, it’s obvious to them.
Even if the coach does average drills the kid can get some good out of the confidence they receive from the coach. This is why an encourager is someone you probably want.
Knowing how to make players technically better
There are literally over 1,000 skill drills and you must know that most are not great.
It’s important to know what’s good, bad or average drills…
Silly tricks like ‘Brazilian toe taps’ are not good. There’s no way a player is going to ever perform a touch like that, so why practice it?
“Simple things’ like one touch passing, trapping balls on the ground and in the air are key.
Also how to shoot and pass the ball properly is something you must continue to work on.
Then learning to control the ball the right ways, not just getting touches.
Players need to dribble by running with the ball and getting tight space touches with different parts of the feet.
Learn some of the best ways to practice dribbling
Great skills coach but bad morals
Then there are coaches/trainers who can teach good skills and drills, but have bad character.
It could be they use bad language or show lack of empathy or care for the kids. Some coaches do it for the money and ride off their good playing career.
Find someone who is grateful to have your business and is excited to work with your kids.
Personally when my own children are going to a new piano or Spanish tutor my main focus is the teachers values and conduct. Then right after that they better be teaching some good stuff and getting in as much as possible in the short time.
Last, does your kid feel motivated to come back?
This is key!
Most kids first response to how a first sessions was is “They were nice” or “I learned a lot, when can we come back.”
Private soccer coach who’s reliable
Every year a new client contacts me saying they had a hard time getting consistent training from the old trainer. The coach wouldn’t show up or would cancel the day of…
As a sports parent myself, it’s easy to know we all have busy schedules and time is valuable.
Parents and kids want a private soccer coach or any tutor to be reliable. It’s a let down when lessons get cancelled time after time. It’s one thing when it’s the weather, but the times where it’s sudden with no reason is deflating.
It comes down to maturity and professionalism.
I’ve owned GFT for over a dozen years and employed probably 50 trainers. I’d say 25% of them were reliable, mature, honest and without excuses. There are too many adults who are selfish and unaware of the importance of hard work and professionalism.
Youth soccer players want an honest coach
When I ask players if they want me to be honest with them about their strengths and weaknesses they all say yes. Now some might not like to hear it, but that want it. Or do they say yes, because it’s the right answer?
The kids I train with want the truth…
One key is how you deliver it to them. As long as it’s respectable, not degrading and if you have a solution they’ll welcome it with open arms.
The hard part can be the kids who are too hard on themselves. It’s great that they see their weaknesses, but oftentimes this personality type is better than they think.
A private soccer coach who is patient brings peace
Another great gift of a private soccer coach is patience. It’s easier for athletes to develop when they’re not worried about making mistakes.
Coaches who get frustrated with kids who mess up technically, don’t help them fully reach their potential.
If the players aren’t working hard that’s another story, but technically players don’t have to be sprinting around anyway.
Technical training needs to be purposeful, having the intent to do the simple things perfectly.
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