Coach, player and spectator behaviour... how do you and your team measure up?

It's difficult at the moment to watch any games on TV or pick up the sports pages and not read something about player, spectator or coach behaviour. Did you know that all three are closely connected and it's your behaviour that takes the lead?

You have a BIG influence your squads behaviour before, during and after the match. If you're up and bouncing, full of enthusiasm and energy it's more likely that your team will be too.

If the game has a big bearing on your season and you're anxious then your players and spectators will latch on to your anxiety and it may affect their performance. If you're negative the players will play cautious and within themselves, if your positive and encouraging they'll play with freedom.

Do you constantly shout instructions from the sidelines or comment on mistakes and errors?

If this sounds like you, or you would like to focus your teams attention on playing free, expansive, exciting soccer then you need to let the players concentrate on the game and let your players get into the flow of the game.

A coach who over-organises everything and dominates the team through instructions from the sideline is not getting the best out of their team.

So here are a couple of reminders or pointers to ensure you get the best out of your team:

• Be calm, in control and behind your team
• Support them at all time and offer plenty of encouragement
• Limit the amount of instructions you make to players during the game. Players should be focusing on their performance during the game. Save any instructions for breaks in the game.
• Although you may feel like yelling at players for making mistakes, show restrain. Instead, when appropriate remind them of a key task or the correct technique and then encourage them to go and do it.

Players Conduct

You should take the lead in being responsible for your players behaviour. Set a good example yourself and if players do step out of line discipline players where necessary.

Set rules for good behaviour.

Some examples of bad behaviour that my team understand that I won't tolerate are, cheating, fighting, arguing (with team mates, me or officials), name calling, cussing etc.

You may want to consider developing some team rules surrounding this including:

• Players Language
• Players Behaviour
• Interaction With Officials
• Interaction With Opposition
• Discipline For Poor Behaviour
• Team Standards

All of these elements are contained in the members only area of Junior Soccer Coach, including Templates that you can download for Player, Parents and Coach Codes of Conduct.

Codes of Conduct are an excellent way of helping to manage your team and supporters through the season. During your initial contracting session with everyone at the beginning of the season the Codes can be used as a tool to explain what you will and won't expect from everyone attached to your team.

Get the Codes of Conduct signed and keep them on file, then if anyone steps out of line you have a contract between you that states what you expect.

Codes of Conduct are an absolute must for anyone who wants to navigate the season without any team management and supporter headaches!

Neil Travers - Junior Soccer Coach

That's it for this week, I hope you have a great week in training and success in your game this weekend.

Best wishes

Neil

www.JuniorSoccerCoach.com Helping You Develop Tomorrow's Soccer Talent, Today!

PS...

With so many members around the world it's difficult to really keep up with the different stages that each country's season is at. I know that many seasons are just beginning and this is the time to really set the scene for the season ahead... we'd love to hear from you in the soccer discussion forum and if there is anything we can personally help you out with.

On the other hand, I know that for many, the season is coming to an end and while you may be thinking of putting your feet up and relaxing there is still plenty to do during the close season. Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be publishing a checklist of what to do, how to plan your next season and more importantly ensure that your players come back next season fit and raring to go.

Let us help you develop the talent within your soccer squad today.

To find out if you are one of us, why not watch this 5 minute video... Are you one of us? and find out why we are different.