• Coaches should be enthusiastic without being intimidating. They should be sensitive to the children’s feelings and genuinely enjoy spending time with them. Coaches should be dedicated to serving children and understand that football provides physical and emotional growth for its participants.
• The coach needs to realize that they are teachers, not drill sergeants. They should help children learn and work to improve their skills. Personal gains are never a consideration. The job does not depend on winning. The best interest of the child transforms into the best interests of the game.
• The safety and welfare of the children never can be compromised. Coaches will consider these factors above all others.
• Be patient. Don’t push children beyond limits in regards to practice. Children have many daily pressures – the football experience should not be one of them. Playing football should be fun.
• Care more about the players as people than as athletes. The youth football program is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
• It is important to remain positive and refrain from discouraging remarks. Negative comments are remembered far more often than positive affirmations.
• Remember that the rules of the game are designed to protect the participants as well as to set a standard for competition. Never circumvent or take advantage of the rules by teaching deliberate misconduct.  A coach who puts his or her opponent’s team at risk should not be involved with children.
• Be the first person to demonstrate good sportsmanship. Take a low profile during the game and allow the kids to be the center of attention.
• Parents and players place a lot of trust and confidence in the coach. The coach has an important role in molding the athletic experience of the child.
• Coaches can measure success by the respect they get from their players, regardless of victories or defeats. Children who mature socially and physically while participating in sports are the best indication of good coaching.

 

Coaching Tips:

• EVERYBODY PLAYS- Our games were designed to make it easy for all players to participate in their team’s successes. While size and skill certainly come into play when the action starts, your coaching should emphasize this aspect of “working together.”

• TEACH TACKLING PROPERLY- Don’t let your practices dissolve into a giant pile of rambunctious kids.  For both their safety and your sanity, make sure to monitor any tackling and contact carefully.

• SPORTSMANSHIP RULES- Help your players be good sports.  After a game, shake hands with or do a cheer for the other team.  Applaud good play by both sides. Treat officials with respect.  While imitating you, your team won’t even recognize the good lesson they’re learning.

• LET THEM PLAY FOOTBALL- The temptation to be another Don Shula or Bill Walsh will have to wait. This is not the NFL!  While teaching football skills and strategies is important, keep your lessons as simple as possible.  As your team grasps the basics, move on to more advanced ideas.  Overloading young players with too much information too early can cause confusion for them and headaches for you.

• HAVE FUN!- We thank you for your volunteer service. We the Wildcats couldn’t happen without you – but remember to have fun too!  These are children's games, unfortunately they won't put these kids though college, so let them be kids. They need to enjoy the game, and want to continue to return.