Guidelines for Communicating with Youth Soccer Players

• No Sarcasm
• Look them in the eyes and be at their level
• No sunglasses when you're speaking to the players
• No slang or cursing
• No derogatory comments
• No teasing
• Be positive
• Be clear, concise, correct
• Be motivating
• Praise in public, criticize in private
• Be careful of the tone of your voice and don't scream
• Keep the context age-appropriate
• Make sure players understand what you're saying by reinforcing verbal communication with demonstrations and diagrams
• Watch your body language as it says volumes about what you're thinking even if you don't say it out load
• Get your players to think by asking questions rather than telling them everything
• Be honest and straightforward
• Turn off the cell phones - speak to them in person