Coach Actions in Games for U7 and Younger Players
    By Grant Smith, Director of Coaching, Arlington Travel Soccer Club

1. Try not to give too many things for the players to think about during the game. Young players can only make 1 or 2 decisions at a time, adding a third just confuses them.

   The game is a great teacher, so let them learn from it during the games. Instruction should be done at practice and before the game and at halftime.

2. The best feedback for them from the sidelines is encouragement of their effort. That is the only thing in their control, so letting them know that a strong effort to win a ball, make a pass or take a shot is appreciated.

   Make sure your parents know this too.

3. Try to come up with creative ways to reward the players for their strong play. Give them nicknames like Ronaldo or Pele when they make a great play. Or, reward the player that had the best game with a team practice jersey they can wear at training. They will go home excited and tell their parents how proud their coach was of them today.

   Make sure to give this out to different players every week.
    

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