Choosing a starting team
When it comes to choosing a starting team, many coaches choose based on each player’s performance the previous week. Try not to do this. Rather, focus on how well each team member did in practice that week. In addition, you may also want to consider other variables such as attendance, effort, and attitude.
If you choose a starting team and notice that any of your beginning players are lacking in warm-up, feel free to change things up. You want to ensure that all players are ready to play and are focused on doing their best before you put them in, so never be afraid to change your starting line-up last minute if you need to.
Make adjustments
When it comes to team games, you never know how well your team (or any individual player) will perform on a given week. In addition, you may not be familiar with the other team’s skills and plays. Because the game is unpredictable, decisions that you made beforehand may not work out to your benefit. If this is the case, feel free to switch things up at half-time. If you notice that one of your team members is unequally matched with an opponent, switch it up. Similarly, if you notice that the other team is particularly athletic, feel free to change up your schemes.
Sideline coaching
If you are a good coach, most of your coaching should be completed during practice. Use practice time to train your players and improve on their skills, and use game time to see how well the training sessions are working. Do not use game time as an opportunity to yell and scream at your players. Rather, save any interjections for issues that require attention immediately.
Speaking at half time
As the game progresses, be sure to take notes about both the positive and negative aspects of the play. While you may see a great deal of things that need to be worked upon, try to limit your halftime discussion to speaking about 2 or 3 issues. Be specific when addressing problems and never be afraid to praise a player for a job well done.
Speaking after the game
After your players have had some time to cool down, take a few minutes to address anything that you did not have the chance to speak about during half time. Note any improvements that could be made and that could be incorporated into next week’s training session. Similarly, discuss where improvementsĀ haveĀ been made – addressing the positive will keep your players motivated!