Tips For Keeping Players Engaged

One of the greatest challenges as a coach is managing players and keeping their attention. Yes sometimes it can feel like herding cats. Here are some tips to help you keep players engaged and learning. Remember these are skills you need to learn and you will improve over time, if you do the work, just like your player. Trust the process.

Set Expectations Early and Stick with Them

When the whistle is blown, stop with foot on the ball.
Everyone listens when coach talks, We use our eyes on coach and foot on the ball to listen
We are respectful towards everyone
We must focus throughout the session
We are here to have fun but you must also work hard to improve
Games are no fun unless everyone follows the instructions and the rules

If they get out of line and goof off, kindly stop the behavior right away so they learn you mean business.

Be Consistent

Every training session should start on time and structured the same way. This way you and the players know exactly what comes next. It saves loads of time explaining what we are doing next. Kids need structure and love knowing what is expected of them. The lesions are already laid out for you to be consistent so all you have to do is follow along and not change the basic structure of practice.

Use Redirection

Make sure all players are listening at all times before you start instructions. Do not allow them to talk over you at any time. If players are having a hard time listening try redirecting them right away.

Blow the whistle twice to get them to clap back.
Ask them to touch a body part if you are listening
- Touch your head
- Touch your but ( get them to laugh)
- Touch your knees
When they see other players doing this they will follow suit
Don’t continue the instructions until all players are listening with their eyes
If all else fails try
- Give me 10
  - Jumping jacks (U2-U6)
  - Squats (U7 Up)
  - Push Ups (U9 Up)
  - Burpees (U11 Up)
- Go get water and reset (keep water breaks short 15-30 sec)

Get On Their Level

Standing tall over a 5 year old is a great way to intimidate them and make them shy. Try sitting or squatting in front of them when you need to instruct.

No Playing With the Ball

Make sure players either put their foot on the ball to keep it from moving or sit on the ball so they don’t get tempted to juggle or play with it or the grass.

Keep Instructions Short

Kids of all ages have a short attention span. Kids standing around waiting is a recipe for disaster. Using your given coaching points will help to keep things short and stick with them. When instructing, start with step one, see how they do then add step two. Do not give them all the information all at once. Keep your instructions to less than 30 sec and then start the exercise. If they do not get it or you are ready for step two, stop the exercise and instruct for less than 30 sec again. Repeat as necessary. Repeat the coaching points throughout the session so they retain the information.

Make Instructions Interesting

Adjust your tone throughout your instructions so it is more interesting. Try going louder for some words and softer for others. Faster for a few and slower for others. Be goofy for really young players U9 and down. Older players still appreciate fun humor.

Use Visual Aids

Model the exercise first to show them how to do it
Use a dry erase board to draw it out or write down some words
Use players to go through a test run before everyone tries an exercise.

Praise Good Behavior

Praise them individually when they perform well and are listening. Everyone wants to do well and likes to be recognized. Especially your more difficult players. When you give them attention they will respect you more.

Self Evaluate

Coaching is a process too. Make notes on what works and what you need to change. Each day will not be the same and each season will be a new challenge. It is ok to make mistakes. Learn from them and progress.

Things NOT to do

No long lectures
No running laps warmups (waste time, time on the ball is key)
No talking unless you have full attention of all players
No line drills (you will lose them fast)