When fathers make the decision to volunteer to "help out" with their sons' teams, they do not have any idea what they are opening themselves up for! In their minds, all these little guys need is a little direction, someone to help them along in their growth as a member of an organized sports team. This statement is only partially true, particularly the part that pertains to giving direction, a whole lot of direction! That is where the coaches, usually dads, come in. These six to ten-year-old boys have such diverse personalities that it is nearly impossible to communicate on each boy's level all the time. For this reason, it is imperative that those that make the decision to assist in the formation of these boys understand a few basic concepts that will be very beneficial to them. Coaching of young boys demands patience, the ability to command their attention, and an aptitude for motivating through real life examples of success in game situations.
When addressing the issue of coaching young boys, a new coach might wonder, "What can be so hard about this? Tell them what to do and they do it, right?" Those who believe this do not realize that when addressing a group of boys this diverse, the biggest problem they will face is not whether the boys will listen to the coach, but whether or not they even heard the coach! The attention span of an eight-year-old boy, for example, is incredibly short, especially when the other team is practicing around them, moms and dads are waving and taking pictures, and little brothers and sisters are running all over the field!
Because the coach must maintain self control, he cannot lose his patience! All eyes are on the coach, and it is imperative he maintain his composure. He can't blow up and embarrass himself and in some cases, his son. The coach must get down on the boys' level, literally, down on one knee, eye-to-eye and position the boys so as to minimize any distractions. It is best to speak quietly so they will have to concentrate and pay attention to hear what the coach says. In fact, the coach can even ask the players to repeat what they have just said. During the course of practices, drills, and warm-ups, it is important to talk to the boys one-on-one. The coach needs to make them feel important and useful. When they make a mistake, he must take the time to make sure they know what they have done wrong, then show them the correct way to do it. It is also important to show a very real interest in their successes and failures. And above all, he must end the conversation on a positive note. The coach needs to assure them that they are doing a good job and making progress. Nothing can be more detrimental to a team than to have one of its players walking around in a state of rejection, close to tears.
Just as important as getting down on the boys' level physically is being able to communicate with them on their level. By speaking in terms and using descriptions boys understand, the coach more easily conveys ideas and concepts. As a norm, most boys are playing because that is what most boys their age do. At this point they don't really have a concept of teamwork or team play. It is left up to the coach to instill in them some sense of what it means to be part of a team. One way to ensure this is to incorporate drills that will involve two or three players at the same time. The coach should unceasingly emphasize the importance of team play and how vitally important each player is to the success of the team.
Once the coach has achieved a good level of attention and teamwork during practice, then comes the game situation. As they have prepared for this first test of their skills and abilities, the boys have performed many drills. These drills and the ability of the coach to show the significance of them are of the utmost importance. They cannot understand the benefits unless they are shown the results. Once they have an idea of the benefit to the team, they begin to take it on as their own personal challenge. As the coach is able to show these advantages and benefits during game situations, he begins to instill in them a real confidence and trust that adds credence to what he says.
For the most part, young boys of this age have not really had a chance to set or accomplish many real goals. They are usually content with playing by themselves or in groups of two or three, accepting whatever life deals them. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of the coach to create within them some sort of a desire to accomplish a set goal, in this case, the winning of a game through teamwork. In some instances, a very effective way by which to teach this desire is to describe a personal experience of success through teamwork. It is best to relate something that will pique their interest and catch their attention. For instance, the coach might try to convey to them the feeling of exhilaration they will get if they were to defeat the team that has beaten them three times previously. Essential to all that the coach does should be a constant optimism, positive attitude, and continuous reinforcement for a job well done when specific goals are accomplished.
Coaching young boys can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Absolutely nothing compares to the feeling that a coach gets when his team clicks that first time. Nothing can replace his sense of accomplishment when a coach calmly sits his players down for a pep talk, and all those little eyes lock on him. He has their attention, he gives them their charge, they understand, and they know what they must do. Smiles cross their faces as the coach turns them lose with possibly the most important words of wisdom of them all, "Let's Have Some FUN Boys!"