In our quest to help the younger soccer players improve, we may have started something that is more harmful than helpful.
It is natural for adults to shout encouragement and advice to children as they are playing. The instinct to help is prevalent in all of us. As role models, however, we may need to take a look at some other more familiar sports and learn from them.
Picture these examples:
- The long fly ball is heading toward left-center field. The fielders begin to run underneath the ball. Do the coach or parents start yelling directions to the fielders as who, what, where and how to catch the ball?
- The quarterback drops back into the pocket to throw a pass, and his pass protection starts breaking down. Does the football coach or quarterbacks’ parents begin yelling instructions to the scrambler as to where and how to run in order to avoid being sacked?
- The ball handler is in the lane ready to shoot a lay-up. An opponent is coming from the right side to block the shot. Can the coach or shooters parents call out any instruction that will help the player protect the ball from the opponent to get a clear shot at the basket?
You, of course, know that the answer in all the above situations is a loud and resounding – NO!
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