Coach Hub

• •Walk the field for hazards (holes, glass, sprinkler heads). Move goals if needed.
• •Set up team bench area: bags and water on one side, parents on the other.
• •Run a quick warm-up: light jog, dynamic stretches, passing in pairs, a few shots on goal.
• •Go over the lineup. Tell each player their starting position and who they're subbing for.
• •Remind the team of one focus point from practice that week (not five; one).
• •Confirm sub rotation plan with your assistant coach or team parent.

• •Water first. Let them drink before you talk.
• •Start with something specific they did well: 'I saw two great passes to switch the field.'
• •Give one adjustment, not a lecture. Pick the most impactful thing you can change in 30 seconds.
• •End with energy: 'Let's keep doing X in the second half. Hands in.'
• •Never single out a player for mistakes in front of the group.

• •Have players shake hands with the other team and the referees.
• •Quick team huddle: one positive, one thing to work on at next practice. Under 60 seconds.
• •Thank the parents. Remind them of next practice/game time.
• •Wait 24 hours before giving individual feedback to parents. Emotions cool, perspective improves.
• •Check the field: pick up cones, water bottles, trash. Leave it better than you found it.

01Kids aren't listening during instructions

You're talking too long. Keep instructions under 30 seconds for K-4th, under 60 seconds for 5th-8th. Use 'Freeze!' to get attention, demonstrate instead of explaining, then say 'Play!' to restart. If they're still distracted, skip the drill and go straight to a game. The game IS the teacher.

02One player dominates the ball every possession

Set a rule: you must pass before you can shoot. Or play a 'three-touch max' game. In scrimmages, put the dominant player on a weaker team so they learn to make teammates better. Praise passing and assists more than goals. Never bench a kid for being too good.

03A player is upset, crying, or refusing to play

Pull them aside quietly. Don't force them back in. Ask: 'What happened?' and listen. Sometimes they just need a water break and two minutes. If it's a pattern, talk to the parent after practice (not during). Never yell at a kid who's already upset.

04Parents are coaching from the sideline

Address it early in the season with the pre-season email template (see Parent Comms below). At the game, keep your focus on the players; don't engage with sideline coaching. If it continues, have a private 1-on-1 conversation: 'I know you want to help. The best thing you can do is cheer and let them play.'

05Practice feels chaotic and disorganized

Reduce the number of activities. Three is enough: warm-up game (10 min), main activity (20 min), scrimmage (20 min). Set up all your cones before players arrive. Use the session plans on this site so you don't have to plan from scratch. If a drill isn't working, abandon it and go to the scrimmage early.

06Uneven teams or lopsided games

Adjust during the game: move your strongest player to defense, switch sides, add a 'two-touch' rule for the stronger team. In practice scrimmages, play 'winners stay on' with mixed teams each round. The goal is competitive games, not blowouts.

Equipment Checklist

Every practice: 20+ flat disc cones, 1 ball per player (minimum), pinnies/bibs in 2 colors, portable goals or cone goals, whistle, first aid kit. Keep a mesh bag with extras in your car. Balls lose air; bring a pump.

Weather and Cancellations

Lightning: stop play immediately. Wait 30 minutes after the last flash before resuming. Heavy rain: use your judgment; light rain is fine, standing water is not. Extreme heat: extra water breaks every 15 minutes. Email parents at least 2 hours before practice if you're cancelling. When in doubt, cancel. You can always add an extra session later.

Field Setup

Arrive 10-15 minutes before practice to set up. Mark your grid with cones before players arrive; you lose their attention if you're placing cones while they wait. For games, check that goals are anchored (tip-over injuries are preventable). Pick up all cones and trash after every session.

Substitution Management

FYS requires minimum 50% playing time per player. The simplest method: sub at halftime and at the 15-minute mark of each half (3 sub windows). Write your rotation on a notecard before the game. Don't wing it; you'll forget someone.