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The Youth Sports Coaching Thread

PhillyV said:
thats a real tough age group to be coaching. Especially if you dont absolutely want to be
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Yeah the way the league is setup is stupid if you ask me. Its basically 15-18 and all my kids are 15. A couple other teams are the same, then there are the teams like we played last night that are all 18 yr olds throwing 80+, have tattoos and full beards its ridiculous. I have a couple kids on my team who are just not good at baseball. They don't listen to direction but want to play, I have a couple travel players who aren't there every game because of tournaments and have restrictions on when they can/can't pitch, etc., plus being rec league ball everyone has to play and subbing kids in and out all the time is gigantic PITA when I'm trying to win games.

It's not that I don't want to necessarily. I just want to do it the way I want to do it... from the beginning. Taking over mid season is a bit tough, especially under the circumstances. I might give it a go one more year next year from the beginning IF the kids want to come back and see how it goes we only have 1 game left this year and honestly I'm glad its over, the kids have been through a lot this season.
 
I'm getting ready to start practices for my last season of coaching youth sports (until potential grandkids, hopefully not anytime soon). My son is playing 18u travel hockey this year, but the way hockey age brackets work, it's mostly 17-yr old kids. The only 18 yr olds are the ones that have graduated and are staying local for college or work, or the ones that are a year behind in school. We had about half of the kids come in last week because the 16u coach from our organization wanted to scrimmage to give his team a wakeup call about the level they need to get to. My guys had fun, but it wasn't competitive at all. If somebody had kept score, we would have won by about 20-3. Like jdtox said, there's a huge difference from 15-16 to 17-18.

At this age, travel hockey for most of the kids is primarily a way to get in game shape for school hockey in the winter. It's tough getting them to show up for practice or sometimes even games. I know last year's 18u coach ended up just cancelling all his remaining practices about halfway through the season. No reason to spend hundreds of dollars on ice time if only 5 kids will be there. They all have cars, jobs, girlfriends, and a thousand other things to do. It's been a fun ride, but I'm already thinking about how much more free time (golf) I'll have without spending 10-15 hours every week driving or in a rink.
 
jdtox said:
I'm not sure I want to continue doing it next year and I'm kind of bummed about it
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Been there many of seasons for different sports. What keeps me coming back is those 1 or 2 kids each season that come to me either shy, can't walk and chew gum at the same time, or forced to play by their parent and don't want to be there. By the end of the season one of them are light years from the beginning, smiling having fun, and met some new friends.
The best I had was in baseball, shy kid, sucked at sports, I would shove him in right or left field to get him playing time. One game during warm ups, he looked horribly bored so I through an audible and told him to go throw on the catcher gear your starting C. He looked freaked out, and said he didn't want too, but I talked him into it. Long story short he ended up our starting catcher, and in the championship game he had enough confidence (remember shy kid) to call time and run up to our closing pitcher to give him a pep talk after a couple of walks. Any other kid I would have reemed or minumim stink eye'd him for doing it, for him, seeing that and where he started was the ONLY reason I coached baseball the next year.
Second best was kid I had in basketball, natural athlete but just no drive, dad pushed him into basketball and football. I just couldn't start the kid anymore after 3 games. Once he had any sort of competitiveness from the other team he just gave up and I would pull him 2-3 minutes in. The dad was on my case to always start his kid, (again random audible) I needed a fast athletic midfield anchor for my soccer team, so made a deal with the dad that I would start him if he signed up for soccer. The kid turned out by the end of my soccer season he was our striker, and now he is on the travel FC. Still meh at basketball but a beast in soccer.

It's hard some seasons, and because we all do it for free there are times that it can feel like punshment or just looking at the schedule saying to yourself "crap do wee really have that many games left?".

I still think can't decide the worst, parents or that one coach who thinks he will get called to coach the big leagues because of his youth sports coaching performance and all the subsequent arguing with minimum wage umps/referee's.
 
So our last game was last night. We played one of the better teams in the league and had them on their heels, it was 0-0 in the bottom of the sixth and we scored 1 run which should have been 2 but the runner stopped on 3rd when he could have scored. We ended up giving up 2 in the top of 7 and had a chance to tie but the bottom of the order was up. We got a runner to 3rd but couldn't score him. Was a really great game to watch and coach. I really enjoyed it immensely.

I was asked by multiple people last night if I was going to take over the team next year. Even got a text last night from a parent who said her and her son appreciated me stepping up to take over after what happened. I talked to a couple of the other coaches and they said they would help so it looks like I will give it a go for one more year. I think a team name/uniform change will take place though. Too much has happened to these kids with this team and I think it will be a fresh start in a way.
 
jdtox said:
So our last game was last night. We played one of the better teams in the league and had them on their heels, it was 0-0 in the bottom of the sixth and we scored 1 run which should have been 2 but the runner stopped on 3rd when he could have scored. We ended up giving up 2 in the top of 7 and had a chance to tie but the bottom of the order was up. We got a runner to 3rd but couldn't score him. Was a really great game to watch and coach. I really enjoyed it immensely.

I was asked by multiple people last night if I was going to take over the team next year. Even got a text last night from a parent who said her and her son appreciated me stepping up to take over after what happened. I talked to a couple of the other coaches and they said they would help so it looks like I will give it a go for one more year. I think a team name/uniform change will take place though. Too much has happened to these kids with this team and I think it will be a fresh start in a way.
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Good for you! It definitely makes it easier when you get positive feedback!

I'm helping out a H.S. boys soccer team that I have been involved with the last 10 years. I was a head coach for 5, but took some time off when my boys were born, but stayed in contact. I was an assistant last year, and am going to do that again this year. Aug. 1st began our official season, so the excitement of a new season is upon us. We have to replace 15 seniors from last year, which for a small school like us, is a huge undertaking. But i'm excited to see what these kids will bring to the field this year!

The best part is, I get to coach with 5 of my former players. It's a blast being able to interact with former players and alumni who have come back home after college and who want to continue the tradition we all started. It's been a blast working with them at this level!
 
We had our end of season party. The parents gave me the most awesome, thoughtful gift I’ve ever received for coaching. It got a little misty. At the same time it’s tryout season and it is basically a nightmare with parents lying, sneaking around and being manipulative to get what’s best for them and their daughter. I hate it. It ruins the experience. I’m trying really hard to remember that about 90% of my parents are awesome.
 
Friday I got an email from a parent saying the were excited to return and looking forward to keeping their commitment to play for us. Sunday I saw the same family at a tryout for a different team. I hate lying parents.
 
Signed the oldest up for soccer again this fall. He loves it more than baseball (which pains me to say, but he's his own person, so I won't force him to play baseball if he doesn't want to ... besides, I have his younger brother to indoctrinate). I took the step, maybe erroneously, to serve as a coach (if needed). I've only played one season of adult league, so I don't know much. Anyone have a site that goes over drills and strategy? Little League Baseball offers some good material to help coaches. Not sure if soccer has a similar setup.
 
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deuce said:
Signed the youngest up for soccer again this fall. He loves it more than baseball (which pains me to say, but he's his own person, so I won't force him to play baseball if he doesn't want to ... besides, I have his younger brother to indoctrinate). I took the step, maybe erroneously, to serve as a coach (if needed). I've only played one season of adult league, so I don't know much. Anyone have a site that goes over drills and strategy? Little League Baseball offers some good material to help coaches. Not sure if soccer has a similar setup.
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A lot of good drills here, https://www.soccerxpert.com/ sorted by age or what you're trying to work on, i.e. passing, dribbling, shooting, etc. US Soccer has a comprehensive outline by age, but it is a lot of take in, and would be better suited once the kids get a little bit older.

Let me know if you have any questions on strategy, formations, or anything else. I've played college soccer, and have been involved with coaching at the high school level for the past 10 or so years. I'd be happy to share some tips with you, and any other aspiring soccer coaches.
 
Two practice in the books so far for my 18u hockey team. Early outlook is our forwards are fast and skilled and we're going to probably score a lot of goals. Stopping the other team may be an issue though, defense looks a bit weak. I foresee a lot of 8-6 scores.
 
Well, our first two games in the books and we are 1-1. The first one we played like hot garbage and lost 3-0. Stupid plays and lack of effort all around. We had tried to get some scrimmages scheduled beforehand but no luck. On the bright side, it was definitely a wakeup call for the kids. They held a players only team meeting before game 2 and came out much better. The second game was against a stronger team and we won 5-3.

Two games into the season, we have a two game streak of one of my guys taking a fighting major (and its suspension). That's going to have to stop. And at the end of the second game an opposing player cross checked one of my forwards in the back of the head, knocking his helmet off. He hit his head on the ice and was unconscious for a couple minutes before he came to. He was eventually stretchered off to an ambulance and the hospital. He seems ok now (possible sprained neck and concussion) but it was pretty scary. I think I'm starting to miss the 8U days of fun and snacks - 18U is a whole different world of raging testosterone.

Update: Just heard from the hospital - no concussion, but he's still in a neck brace getting checked out.

Update #2: He was sent home from the hospital last night. Out for a couple weeks, has to continue wearing the neck brace and needs to be checked out by a spinal specialist, but thankfully it seems like no serious injuries.
 
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Today starts a 12 week run preparing and coaching two soccer teams. Wednesdays is our skills day, Thursdays is team practice and Saturday is game day. I will be mentally drained when it's all said and done, but it's a passion and more importantly i get to spend time with my daughters.
 
Gearing up for another week and our season is officially at the half way point. I’m coaching a newer type of football designed to shrink the field, slow down the speed at impact and allow for smaller rosters to equal more playing time and more coaching. It’s 7 on 7 padded flag (4th graders). I was skeptical of it until i started to see how we were coaching really translate into good tackling fundamentals all while keeping the kids off the ground for the most part. My son is playing great, averaging around 100 yards a game (we play on a 40 yard long field) and has 7 touchdowns through 4 games but is surprisingly a better defensive end than running back. He’s been working hard on his explosiveness and hands and has 10 sacks already. This group i have, I’ve had for four years now and we’ve only had 4 losses in that stretch. We have a tough opponent this weekend and the weather is starting to turn to more fall, football like weather. Excited for the stretch run!
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It's been a long 6 months but Saturday made it all worth it. My 5/6 grade football team won their league championship 34-14
against a team who had beat us earlier in the year by the same score. These boys worked their tales off and it showed this weekend.
We finished the regular season 8-2 in a 3 way tie for 2nd. Based on a coin flip, we received the #4 seed in the playoffs which gave us
the opportunity to avenge both losses. And that's exactly what we did. We beat the #1 seed 18-0 and the #2 seed 34-14 to bring
home the trophy. I couldn't be more proud of my boys. They are great football players but ABOVE all they are wonderful young men.

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PhillyV said:
Gearing up for another week and our season is officially at the half way point. I’m coaching a newer type of football designed to shrink the field, slow down the speed at impact and allow for smaller rosters to equal more playing time and more coaching. It’s 7 on 7 padded flag (4th graders). I was skeptical of it until i started to see how we were coaching really translate into good tackling fundamentals all while keeping the kids off the ground for the most part. My son is playing great, averaging around 100 yards a game (we play on a 40 yard long field) and has 7 touchdowns through 4 games but is surprisingly a better defensive end than running back. He’s been working hard on his explosiveness and hands and has 10 sacks already. This group i have, I’ve had for four years now and we’ve only had 4 losses in that stretch. We have a tough opponent this weekend and the weather is starting to turn to more fall, football like weather. Excited for the stretch run!
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I'm really late seeing this post. This is great stuff!
 
KY Golfer said:
It's been a long 6 months but Saturday made it all worth it. My 5/6 grade football team won their league championship 34-14
against a team who had beat us earlier in the year by the same score. These boys worked their tales off and it showed this weekend.
We finished the regular season 8-2 in a 3 way tie for 2nd. Based on a coin flip, we received the #4 seed in the playoffs which gave us
the opportunity to avenge both losses. And that's exactly what we did. We beat the #1 seed 18-0 and the #2 seed 34-14 to bring
home the trophy. I couldn't be more proud of my boys. They are great football players but ABOVE all they are wonderful young men.

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Congratulations! I especially like how you see their development as young men, not just the W's and L's...IMO that is the sign of a true coach. Well done!
 
Great season Phil...as a coach and a dad I am sure you are on cloud 9.
 
That is awesome stuff. Congrats!

I am deep into week 2 of an actual softball off-season and it’s fabulous. @5 more weeks until we start up again...
 
At times I wonder if I’m the right person to be coaching my two youth soccer teams. I wonder if they could benefit from someone more experienced or with a different perspective of the game do they can see better results.

at the end of each year we have a party to celebrate the season and this year I got these. It reinforced that I’m doing the right thing and I’m positively impacting these young ladies.

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Four practices in, and I'm afraid my 3rd/4th grade kids won't even get the ball into the front court.

My 1st/2nd grade team has a pair of twins. One has bitten his brother's ear already, and the other smacks him back in the back of the head. This is going to be a challenge.
 
Duffer Waldorf said:
Four practices in, and I'm afraid my 3rd/4th grade kids won't even get the ball into the front court.
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It was even worse than I expected. We have a lot of work to do.

To compound things, the team we played last night had 5 or 6 kids who could move the ball better than anybody my team. They even ran a simple set play that we could not defend against. This could be a long season if the coach does that bad a job all year.
 
It's crazy how much parents talk. My wife went to visit our chiropractor and he asked her if I had room on my U-9 soccer team for his daughter. She said yes so most likely she will be added to the team. She is a good player and one that can make the other players around her better.

Fast forward to about 10 mintues ago and I get three emails from parents who want to transfer their girls to my team after speaking with other parents. I'm humbled and nervous at the same time. I'm hoping I can live up to expectations and lead the girls through another successful season.
 
I got an unsolicited request from a parent asking if I would give her daughter private catching lessons. She was recommended to me by a family that was on my team and left. Have to admit, this made me feel really good. (I’ve never charged for or given private lessons before, just coached teams)
 
Duffer Waldorf said:
It was even worse than I expected. We have a lot of work to do.

To compound things, the team we played last night had 5 or 6 kids who could move the ball better than anybody my team. They even ran a simple set play that we could not defend against. This could be a long season if the coach does that bad a job all year.
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If you don’t mind me saying...

Sometimes as a coach we have to recalibrate how we measure success. Sounds like this could be one of those times.

I would also share that the single worst job I ever did of coaching was with a group like you have. Some of my take aways were that I should have realized what I had and adjusted my expectations accordingly. Keep your cool and keep plugging along. You got this...
 
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