The MTsc United Coaches Corner is to help you become a better coach.  It's not the be-all end-all of coaching information, but it will give you several tips and provides you with excellent resources to make you a better coach which in turn makes MTsc United a better youth soccer club.  There are five (5) components to the Coaches Corner and when combined, it provides you a comprehensive set of tools for you to be an outstanding coach – it’s up to you to follow through.

Before we start, as an MTsc United coach, please make yourself familiar with and adopt the following Club philosophy:

Metro Tulsa Soccer Clubs United Coaching Philosophy

The MTsc United coach aims to train youth soccer players on proper technique with positive reinforcement and active training sessions. He/she leads by example in the promotion of good sportsmanship and teamwork, teaching the players not only the rules of the game, but also how to compete both effectively and respectfully. He or she defines a “win” by the development of his or her players and their enjoyment for the game, by providing a supportive and fun environment in which to learn, while treating all players equally and with respect.

First, count your blessings. Any parent who gets the chance to coach their own child is absolutely blessed.   This time with your child is more valuable than you may ever know.  So, count yourself lucky and enjoy every minute of it.

Second, soccer is a lot of fun!  Being part of a soccer team for a child can have profound impact on them, if the coach makes it fun and uses it to teach life lessons.  As a coach, your attitude will lead the team's attitude.  In other words, if you blame the refs for a loss, the kids will too.  If you smile and strive to do better the next time, the kids will too. In the end, you can have as much fun in soccer as you decide to have.

Third, coaching is a learned skill. So, don't assume that just because you aren't a natural athlete or have not played soccer that you won't be a great coach.  We are providing you the A, B, C's of MTsc United soccer below.

To help you get started, the first things to do are attend:

1. Pre-Season Mandatory Coach & Assistant Coach Orientation (required each season)

From an administration perspective, everything you need to know is typically covered at this Orientation, including a MUST READ letter from the office, your required coaching badge (if all requirements are complete) and your team roster.   We will review critical safety and conduct items, how to sign-up for practice fields using SignUpGenius, training resources and upcoming events.  "The White Book"  (available on-line) covers most items you'll need to know applicable game days (please review).   

2. Pre-Season Mandatory Coach & Assistant Coach Certification Clinic (required 1x per year)

This hands-on Certification Clinic from a "how do I coach these kids" perspective, provides you some basic tools  to conduct your practices.  At the end of the Certification Clinic, you will have been shown and performed some basic drills with proper technique for you to use at your practices.  This in-house Certification Clinic is for coaches and assistant coaches U4-U19.  It does require you to wear athletic gear and bring a soccer ball.

3. Free MTsc United  Player Clinics

Plan to have your players sign-up for these free clinics. Up to four times per year, MTsc United provides free striker and goalkeeper training administered by a professional.

Know Club Rules

MTsc United has added the White Book on-line, which provides all club rules for game days, practices, the complex and more. This website always has the latest updated White Book release which takes precedence over hard copy published books.  It is very important to know the rules of MTsc United and the White Book is how to do that.

Know and Practice Safety

In addition to the MTsc United White Book, please review the expanded information provided on this website under the "SAFETY & COMMUNICATION" tab located on the left side banner of the homepage or click on the link below.  Concussion management, hydration, goal safety, words can hurt and much more are critical safety items that MUST be reviewed, learned and put to practice.  Safety always comes first.

Let's start learning how to organize practices and visually see drills and practice session management.

MTsc United has a DVD available at the office for U4-U10 coaches. This DVD provides age-based drills and demonstrates proper technique.   

For all coaches U4-U19,  click on the below PDF for a pocket guide relative to Soccer Talk covering game and field terms, referee terms and more.  This guide is good for coaches, parents and spectators.

Now, you are fully ready to build your own practice plans!  MTsc United is providing you a head start with actual session plans and guides by age, skills and more.  Additionally the below resources will help you vary your sessions and focus on specific aspects of the game by providing you relevant drills and guidance.

There is no "right answer" for training sessions other than to avoid as best as possible players standing around waiting.  There are many approaches.  The one you use will probably come down to personal preference.  Regardless, they all take some planning and deciding on which approach works best for you will probably take some trial and error.

The following are some websites that are already dedicated to skills training and all have free usable information.

Metro Tulsa Soccer Club United has compiled this list of web sites and resources to offer information about soccer coaching and training. MTsc United does not endorse or recommend any of these materials. They are provided here to help coaches make appropriate choices about activities and training for their teams. These resources contain information that is not appropriate for all ages or teams. Coaches should always consider each player’s age, skill level, conditioning, special needs, and medical conditions when selecting training activities.

Below is a progression of various helpful guides and lesson plans (based on the age of your team) to assist you with developing your own practice plans.  There is also a guide to use specifically for goalkeepers.  Just CLICK on the PDF below, print and follow for a first step in making your practices the most effective and appropriate as possible.

There are many more resources available on-line.

See you on the pitch.

MTsc nation “Where Kids Come First!”