Coaching youth soccer requires different approaches for different age groups. The youngest children are still learning coordination and gaining strength. Older children may be quite strong and fast, but all youth soccer players are still learners and need guidance from you. Maybe you're a new coach and maybe you didn't play soccer yourself. Don't forget the basics first.

Young soccer players want to move a lot and they want to compete and have fun. Coaching youth soccer should be fun because the children should be having fun. Keep the standing in line to a minimum and let everybody move the ball around. Practice drills and practice games are the key to keeping everybody moving and having fun.

How do you get little kids to pay attention? Have lots of different activities lined up for every practice. Show the kids what you want done. Give awards for performance and give tips all along on how to get the awards. Kids will listen for the tips because the tips will help get the award.

Every player needs a chance to work toward better skills. Have a plan for every session that includes lots of skill work. Don't just rely on the best players. Work with every player to improve skills. Some players improve slower, but those may eventually be your best players.

Coaching youth soccer is fun if the players improve and enjoy the game. Young players want to move and play with the ball. Design practices to include lots of playing and drills and games. Let every player stay busy with very little standing in line. Help your players improve their individual skills. If your skilled players learn to work as a team, they will put the ball in the net more often.