Alive and Kicking
Today was my debut as Soccer Coach... It went as well as can be expected with a group of 5-year-olds standing on a cold and rainy field.
I must've done something right. They all paid attention. They all did what I told them to do. Only one of them wandered off. And none of them cried. Success!
The first thing I did was let them kick the ball really hard and then chase after it, so by the time they got back they were too tired to be silly. Then we worked on dribbling the ball around in circles. Last, I had them pass the ball back and forth to each other (although I know from watching my son play soccer that kids never pass).
Then I gathered them around to ask, "Should you go into a store and steal a piece of candy?" Their eyes got wide and they shook their heads. Then I asked, "Should you go into your friend's room and steal a toy?" Again, frightened looks and vehement denials. Finally I said, "In the game of soccer, you SHOULD steal... Steal the ball from the other team!" They liked that.
My daughter is very proud of her bright orange team shirt... This follows in the tradition of my son's bright purple and bright red t-shirts from past soccer seasons. Oh well, they make good paint clothes when the season's done.
The goal of this month-long soccer season is FUN, and that's what I'll be making sure these kids get from this experience. A whole lot of fun. And yummy after-game snacks. And a little bit of stealing.
I must've done something right. They all paid attention. They all did what I told them to do. Only one of them wandered off. And none of them cried. Success!
The first thing I did was let them kick the ball really hard and then chase after it, so by the time they got back they were too tired to be silly. Then we worked on dribbling the ball around in circles. Last, I had them pass the ball back and forth to each other (although I know from watching my son play soccer that kids never pass).
Then I gathered them around to ask, "Should you go into a store and steal a piece of candy?" Their eyes got wide and they shook their heads. Then I asked, "Should you go into your friend's room and steal a toy?" Again, frightened looks and vehement denials. Finally I said, "In the game of soccer, you SHOULD steal... Steal the ball from the other team!" They liked that.
My daughter is very proud of her bright orange team shirt... This follows in the tradition of my son's bright purple and bright red t-shirts from past soccer seasons. Oh well, they make good paint clothes when the season's done.
The goal of this month-long soccer season is FUN, and that's what I'll be making sure these kids get from this experience. A whole lot of fun. And yummy after-game snacks. And a little bit of stealing.
Permalink posted by Phil at 12:01 AM
3 Comments:
I've got to remember that one. Funny. My two-year old is showing an aptitude for soccer and even though I'm not athletic, I my end up coaching in a few years. I look forward to hearing more of your coaching stories.
Stephen, I'm not athletic either. And this is the first time I've ever coached anything. It was quite unnerving to have five little faces looking at me like I'm an expert. I just had to remember to keep it simple and fun.
Your already better than the coaches I had as a kid.
Post a Comment
<< Home