Ten Key Coaching Items for the Youth Soccer Coach

The logistics associated with youth soccer today are large and there are a number of coaching items that are must haves for any youth coach. In no particular order here are our Top 10.

#1 Extra Balls

There is not much to this, but today’s soccer training requires soccer balls and most of my practice sessions require every player to have their own ball.  Often it is not the player’s fault that they don’t have a ball, so to ensure that your practice goes smoothly, a few extra balls in the bag really help out.

#2 Disc Cones

Soccer practices often look like fields covered in small mole hills as there are cones everywhere.  Cones are a great instructional aid to the players to help them understand a multitude of different learning points, from boundaries to simulating players, or creating situations that the players must mentally navigate through.  They are also key to dividing up the field at practice between multiple teams.  You can never have enough of these cones and I have had upwards of 50 out on the field at one time on plenty of occasions.

#3 Small Goals

Kids love to score and there is a lot more satisfaction in scoring in an actual goal as opposed to just pushing the ball between two cones.  Obviously Pugg goals are the standard, but I am really liking the square bownet goals.  The square goal is a bit heavier and stays in place better on shots from the other players.  They are also a good simulation for the real goal due to their similar geometric shape.

#4 Soccer Ball Pump

A flat soccer ball is no good to train with and players don’t seem to check this prior to coming to practice.  So as a coach you need to be prepared to pump up some soccer balls at the start of practice.  This is especially important with the younger players as the size 3 balls seem to be the worst at holding air.  A good pump (and a designated parent to operate it) will ensure the soccer ball is not the reason the practice was not worthwhile.

#5 Pinnies

Being able to divide players up for small sided games and scrimmages is key to soccer development.  The easiest way to differentiate the teams is to put the pinnies on the players and divide them up.  This is also good for many drills as certain colored pinnies have different roles during the training.

#6 Ice Pack

Injuries occur, it is soccer and injuries occur.  Many times a quick ice pack applied to the injured area right away is key to getting the healing process going.  For the younger players, the ice pack just helps mentally and gets them back into the game.

#7 White Board / Coaches Board

Communication with players is vital to their development.  For many players, the extra visual of seeing how the coach wants them positioned or moving in certain ways is needed to actually learn the lesson.  There are many ways to communicate with players, and having a white board or coaching board is a tool in that kit bag.

#8 Extra Set of Slip in Shin Guards

Let’s face it, getting little kids to soccer can be challenging for parents.  Getting the player there with all of their equipment, can be another challenge.  As a coach, I always like to have an emergency pair of slip in shin guards in case a player forgets to bring their shin guards or somehow loses one on the way to the game.  Nothing fancy, but just something to ensure that they can safely participate.

#8a Extra Pair of Goalie Gloves

A pair of goalie gloves makes any kid feel like a million bucks and ready to take on the world in the goal! On the flip side, a player who has had their hands stung on a good save may be less likely to reach out and save that ball the next time. Having a pair of goalie gloves at the ready can get you through a tough substitution situation.

#9 Soccer Bag

Coaches carry a lot of stuff and having a single soccer bag that does it all or a bag for your balls and then another coaching kit is key.  Being organized and having all of your coaching equipment in one spot helps relieve some of the stress associated with the practice session.

#10 Game Day Essentials (Bench and Shade)

These should be the responsibility of your team manager, but are vital on game day nonetheless.  A small tent to keep the sun, or rain, off of players while they sit on the bench or listen to the halftime adjustments.  I like having enough bench space for the entire time to sit down.  With the little kids a single bench and players struggling through who gets to sit on the bench can eat into all of your coaching time.

This list is not exhaustive, would love to hear your thoughts. If this is helpful, please subscribe and pass it along. Please check out our Soccer Manager Handbook for more Soccer Info.