10 behaviour tips for a matchday

Getting your team in the right frame of mind before and during matches is important.

But it is as much about your own performance as your players’. So here are 10 behavioural tips - some for you to use to inspire your team, and some to inspire yourself...

01 welcome the opposition

Firstly, remember, it’s just a game of soccer. The opposition are a bunch of kids, like yours, not a visiting enemy. Be nice, say hello to them and ask how they are.

02 BE FRIENDLY

Shake hands with the opposition coach before and after the game. It Is irrelevant what you think of him or her, or how their behaviour has been - like you, they are giving up their spare time so that children can play soccer. If nothing else, respect them for that.

03 share playing time

Make sure every player starts matches - don’t start with the same line-up each week.

04 rotate your captain

All young players like to be captain for a day. It is a great experience that is easy to reward.

05 don’t be a backseat driver

Do not try to control your players’ movements. Leave the decisions to them - if they make a mistake, so what? It is a learning opportunity, not the end of the world. Let your players express themselves on the pitch.

06 DON’T SHOUT

While we’re on the matter, don’t be one of those coaches who holler "pass!", "shoot!" or "get stuck in!" all the time. How would you feel if someone was trying to tell you what to do all the time? Make sure players’ parents understand this too..

07 share your attention

Don’t keep shouting the same player’s name, whether it is for good reasons or otherwise. It is embarrassing for the child and can sound as though you’re picking on them or being overly praising.

08 ALWAYS ENCOURAGE

Touchline comments should be confined to encouragement only - use phrases like “well done”, “nice pass” and “relax”. And praise good work by both teams, not just your own - especially the goalkeepers. Young goalkeepers will make mistakes and may take them hard - so support them when that happens, but particularly praise what they do well.

09 WINNING ISN’T EVERYTHING

Don’t tell your players that they must win the game. It’s as simple as that.

10 keep things in perspective

When Duane Thomas, the NFL’s Rookie of the Year for 1972, was asked how he felt about playing in the "ultimate game" – the Super Bowl – he replied, “If it’s the ultimate [game], why are they going to play it again next year?". It’s a useful attitude for you and your players to take - there is always another game, always another competition. Nothing is ever the end of the world.