Coaches Notebook

Most rookie youth football coaches overlook one of the most important aspects of coaching youth football.

A good youth football coach is a positive coach.

Never come down on a player in a completely negative way, it is your job as coach to teach and educate these young players, if they are making mistakes it is more likely YOU are not coaching them.

So stay positive and find the most effective way to communicate with your players, do not be afraid to think outside the box to teach your players.

These players show up to have a good time, so you must stay positive.

As you try and teach your players you will learn very quickly that they are all different, what works for one player may not work for another. Be careful how you handle yourself. As you see players make mistakes, try and explain what he is doing wrong, and show the the correct way, and make sure the players fully UNDERSTAND what you expect.

Do not come down hard, however you must maintain authority and discipline over your team, it takes trial and error to find that balance so don't give up.

Remember just because a player has talent, he still has to have the mental side of the game.

Some players will never be able to do all of the things you want them to do, but every player should have fun and be able to contribute to the team's success in some manner. Keep a good eye on all of your practices, watch for the sleeper, if you do this you will find a diamond in the rough.

Remember coach, it's your job to teach, coach and educate your players, if they fail its on you. If you are negative, your team and players will emulate you and they will be negative.