Resources
Coach's ResourcesBelow are several articles and resources of interest to our coaches. Click on the title of the resource to view it. Those items listed with this symbol,
, require that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader Installed on your system to view them. You can download Acrobat Reader by clicking on the graphic at the bottom of the list.10 Week Practice Guide
This is a 10 week practice outline, that can serve as a guide for your practice schedule. It includes a main goal for each session and drills to accomplish each goal.
Coaching U5 and U6 Soccer
This is an instructional guide on how to coach the little ones. It contains everything you need to coach U5 and U6 at NYSL. Even if you have never coached or played soccer in your life, this guide will fool everyone into thinking you are a pro.
Child Capabilities
Sometimes it is easy to forget exactly what a child is capable of at younger ages, This handout will help you better understand the inner workings of a 5 to 7 year old mind.
Handout Sheet for U5 Parents
Here is a great "Cheat Sheet" to use at the beginiing of the season when you speak to your U5 and U6 parents. It covers the basic rules, talkes about practices, reminds the parents to behave, and most importantly, has the weather line phone number on it. If you would like a copy of this handout as a Microsoft Word document, Click Here
Why Soccer is the Best Sport for Kids
This article, written by an NYSL board member, tells you why he believes soccer is the absolute best sport there is for kids.
Six Things Parents Should Say to Their Players
This article, written by Bruce Brownlee, is short and sweet and captures the spirit of NYSL.
Coaching Your Own Child
How can you reduce or prevent problems when coaching your own child? This article provides some insight into this question.
Motivation of Young Athletes Part 1
Why do children want to play organized sports? What are their goals, hopes and aspirations? It is important to remember that kids are not just small adults. This article, and the next one, provide information about what really motivates younger players.
Motivation of Young Athletes Part 2
Once children have decided to participate in organized youth sports, the next issue in terms of motivation is what keeps them in sport. This article speaks to this question.
Integrating High Skilled and Less Skilled Athletes
With younger athlete, it is very common for skill levels to vary widely. How do you stress fun for all with such disparate skill levels? This article talks to this issue.
101 Ways to Praise Your Child
Need a few ideas for simple ways to praise your kids? Here are 101 of them!
Current Issues in Youth Sports
Looking to the future, what is the most significant issue facing youth sports? Dr. Richard K. Stratton, PhD. (Florida State University) examines this question.
Approaching Your Child's Coach
Does the coach need a little coaching? Here are some suggestions for how to make approaching your childs coach a positive experience.
Equal Playing Time for All
Why does NYSL believe strongly in equal playong time for all players. This article describes how important this practice is for young athletes.
Stress in Youth Sports
Is there stress in youth sports? Of course there is! But, is this always a bad thing? This article discusses types of stress and their relationship to youth in sports.
The Importance of Shin Guards
A study conducted at the Institute for the Preventative Sports Medicine discusses how important shinguards are, and provides some interesting information on what types are most effective.
How Important is Winning?
The answer depends on your definition of "winning". This article by By Michael A. Clark, Adjunct Assistant Professor. Ph. D., from Michigan State University may surprise you.
Players Rights and Responsibilities
So, you have decided you want to play sports. Or maybe you are already on a team. In this day and age it seems like everyone is talking about children's rights. What are your rights as a player? And, what responsibilities go along with them?
Players: How to Handle Coach Problems
This article, aimed at younger players, asks "Are you afraid to talk to your coach because you think it will only make the problem worse? Are you afraid to tell your parents because you believe they will just defend the coach or that your parents will make the coach mad at you?" It then goes on to describe how to overcome these fears, and address their concerns.
