Youth Football Parents

Responsibilities of a Youth Football Coach-

What Parents Should Expect From Youth Football Coaches

Coaching youth football is an amazing experience that is both a fun and challenging. It is  gratifying to watch the kids develop better skills and grow as individuals, as the season progresses. There are a number of responsibilities that come with being a youth football coach. A youth football coach is obligated to teach kids proper playing techniques that are effective and safe. The kids look up to the coaching staff, and the kids’ actions on and off the football field are a direct reflection of how well they are coached. Coaches need to keep the big picture in mind and not only focus on winning games. So much of what the kids learn from their coaches today, will help them be more successful tomorrow.

First and foremost, the youth football coaches must teach safe techniques for playing football. Since there is physical contact during each play, it is imperative to teach safe blocking, tackling and game awareness techniques. Without the implementation of proper techniques, injuries can occur. In addition to the skills used on the field, youth football coaches need an understanding about nutrition and hydration, and how they relate to their football players. All members of the coaching staff need to make water breaks a priority during practices and drills. The last thing that you’d want to happen is to have a kid get hurt, or become ill, because of poor coaching.

Youth sports coaches should always demonstrate respect for their team members, opponents, referees, spectators, parents and opposing coaches. Coaches are role models.. They should lead by example. Coaches should be professional when conducting practices, during games and when dealing with parents. Coaches should also be knowledgeable, informed, organized and courteous. The coach should also look the part of a coach and make sure they dress appropriately. He sets the mood for the team and should strive for safe and professional youth football environment which is worthy of respect.

Teamwork is an important aspect of a youth football, and the coach needs to focus on creating a positive team atmosphere amongst all the coaches and players. Coaches should help foster a sense of camaraderie amongst the players. They should encourage activities off the football field, such as team dinners, team trips to professional sporting events and volunteering at community projects, to further develop this camaraderie.  Youth football athletes should be taught about responsibility. Coming to practice and games on time and ready to work hard is an important aspect of being a member of a team.  Learned at a young age, this skill will surely be beneficial into adulthood.  Youth football is not just about winning and losing games. Youth football is about discipline, teamwork, hard work and commitment. It is a team; it takes the efforts of many to be successful.

Youth football coaches should give nothing less than 100% to all players on the team; no one should be overlooked! The youth football coach is a special parent volunteer. The kids will respond positively to the coaches’ efforts and coaches will be rewarded by getting nothing less than 100% effort from their kids in return. Youth coaches need to be firm with issues such as lack of effort, unexcused lateness and absents from team activities and negative behavior towards teammates and coaches. Coaching requires a lot of “tough love”.

The youth coaches’ main priority should be the safety of the players. The emphasis should be placed on teaching proper techniques to ensure everyone’s safety and as well as solid football play. In addition, youth football coaches and players should exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. There should be no tolerance for offensive language, cheating or fighting amongst teammates and/or opponents. Make sure your players understand the difference between aggressive play and hostile play. Aggressive play is playing physically within the rules with the intent to win and do one’s best, whereas hostile play is excessive roughness with the intent to injure. Trying to injure another player should never be tolerated. There is no pride in winning a game by breaking the rules or purposely causing harm to another player. Youth coaches should always teach the importance of teamwork, discipline, hard work, and commitment; which is all traits needed to grow as an individual and to be successful in life. Coaches who conduct themselves with professionalism and focus on safety and fostering the team atmosphere, will be rewarded by a full of joy, success and fond memories that will last for many years to come.

The Off-Season

What are your children going to do during the off-season? Here are some tips to keep your children in shape and busy and productive:

• Develop an effective off-season workout routine.
• Take your kid to NFL or collegiate games.
• Watch last season’s games on tape and look for areas for improvement.
• Participate in other sports.
• Attend a youth football camp.  These camps are probably the best way to help children prepare for the upcoming football season.

Here is an in depth article we have written about helping your players have a productive youth football off- season.

Fueling the Body

The body only works well when it has healthy fuel (or food). It is especially important for your child to eat well before all games and practices.  If not, it will show on the field.

Sports and energy drink marketers would like you to believe sports and energy drinks are what athletes should drink for hydration-water will do the trick!

Importance of Hydration in Youth Football Players

Water is the most abundant, yet the most overlooked, substance in the body.  To ensure proper hydration, drink water before, during and after every work out. Drinking enough water is essential for a youth football player’s performance.

Hydration is commonly overlooked, especially at the youth level. Since kids are so physically active, staying hydrated during their youth and teenage years might be even more important than keeping hydrated at other times in life. Staying hydrated during intense physical activity is crucial for getting the most out of practice and work outs.

Hydration is also necessary for preventing cramps, fatigue, dizziness, and overheating.  The human body is like a car.  We all know that an engine cannot run properly without enough oil. Water is like the oil for a car engine. If the athlete is not hydrated properly it can lead to complications. Dehydration can cause temporary, and sometimes even permanent, damage to the body.

Coaches and parents should make sure the kids are hydrated before, during, and after all physical activities.