How to Coach a Soccer Game

With the ball

When your team is in possession here are some good things to look for;

• First touch – Is the ball under control and is it away from pressure?
• Passing – Are the players looking to pass to teammates and making good decisions?
• Movement – Are defenders providing a safe backwards pass to the midfield? Are players moving into space when a teammate has the ball? Are the forwards looking for through balls or showing for a pass to feet?
• Shape – Are your midfielders providing width? Are the forwards high enough to stretch the opposition? Are the back line pushing up to support the midfield?

Without Ball

When your team is defending, good things to look for are;

• Pressure – Are your team pressuring a player in possession of the ball?
• Cover – Are defenders off the ball covering opposition players within arm’s reach?
• Balance – Is your team defending the width and length of the field?
• Patience – Are players showing discipline and not rushing into tackles?
• Shape – Are the defenders goal side? Are all runners from midfield being tracked to avoid 2 v 1 or 3 v 2 mismatches?

Above are basic principles to monitor game to game. If you are covering a particular subject in practice and wish to focus on it during a game this is a good idea.

When to Coach

When you say something during a game is just as important as what you say. It is important that you are an asset to your players as the game is played and not a distraction. A good start when it comes to in game coaching is to not coach the player in possession of the ball. As a soccer coach your grand plan should be to develop players who can make good decisions during a game. To do this you must allow them the freedom to make decisions in play without constant noise in their ear. Think of it through the eyes of the player. Their job is to receive ball and already have an awareness of where their teammates are. They must then instantly recognize and avoid defensive pressure and deliver an effective pass, shot or cross. Against good defensive teams players will be best off using 1 or 2 touches to move the ball on. The chances of a player receiving a pass under defensive pressure, listening to your yelled instructions, executing what you ask without hesitating and giving the ball away are close to zero! You may then compound this by criticizing a player for a turnover you played a part in creating. You must teach thoroughly in practice but allow players to make decisions in the game. There is nothing wrong with mentioning a suggestion for the next time they get the ball during a break in play or at half time, but do not distract players in possession. A clear mind makes faster and better decisions.

Be a coach not a critic or a commentator

A coach is supposed to raise the level of play from a group of individuals. If you stand on the sideline and comment on errors after they have occurred, or criticize every mistake the result will not be uplifting. Rather a coach who simply points out mistakes will grind on a player and over time ruin confidence. Make suggestions to cover a player on the opposition BEFORE he gets the ball, rather than yelling “who had number 9?” after the fact. Point out players succeeding and suggest future ideas for them such as “try passing wide to Steve when it is open” if you see a positive matchup.

Use constructive criticism in game, and do not ask questions to which there is no productive answer, such as “why didn’t you pass to…”, “where were you”, or “ why don’t you ever…”.

Retain an upbeat tone and an energetic voice when instructing. Convey calm from the sideline. If you jump up and down celebrating things going well do not be surprised to see players do the same and ease up. If you sit with your head in your hands on the bench you have no right to ask your players to keep their heads up and not quit.