Skokie Soccer

Skokie, Illinois

Section 6 Area D Region 568 American Youth Soccer Organization

Positive Coaching is a key AYSO philosophy.

Practices

Here's where you teach the game. Understand your players' ability levels. Coaches are only expected to teach a few skills at each level, consistent with the principles of play, and these should be introduced over time.

We are a teaching league, but each child may be at a different place in skill development. Our goal is to challenge players at their current level of ability, not to require them to live up to our expectations.

Games

Winning takes a back seat to having fun. Chances to score should be available to as many players as possible. Adults "win" when players extend their abilities and demonstrate teamwork regard less of the score.

Limit your teaching during the game. That's what practices are for. Focus on giving encouragement for effort as well as success. Take notes to use at your next practice.

To remember on game day:

• Check each player for proper equipment, no jewelry, etc. before game time.
• No child should play more than one quarter more than other players at any point of the game - each player should have as much playing time as everyone else to the greatest degree possible.
• Completed line up cards should be turned in to the referee at the end of the game.

Running Your Team

Coaches play the biggest part in setting a positive tone, on and off the field. Always be respectful of your players and parents, referees, and other players and parents. How we act will make a far greater impression on our players than what we say.

Don't be shy about asking your team parent (or other parents) for help with phone calls, etc. that let you focus on positive coaching. That's what we need you for!