As a part time youth soccer coach, during the game we try to only communicate with clapping. It's tough! We can use half time to add in any tactical changes or discuss observations. Us adults even leave the team for 2 minutes alone so they can discuss things themselves, and in their own way. But the best learning experience for youth players is to solve soccer problems on their own. If a player feels down about a decision or mistake, after the game we prompt them to discuss what they could have done better, then tell them how lucky they are to have had that learning opportunity and that next time they will be better prepared. Great article!
As a part time youth soccer coach, during the game we try to only communicate with clapping. It's tough! We can use half time to add in any tactical changes or discuss observations. Us adults even leave the team for 2 minutes alone so they can discuss things themselves, and in their own way. But the best learning experience for youth players is to solve soccer problems on their own. If a player feels down about a decision or mistake, after the game we prompt them to discuss what they could have done better, then tell them how lucky they are to have had that learning opportunity and that next time they will be better prepared. Great article!