Remember that children are often easily led, anxious to please and prone to over-enthusiasm, and so plenty of praise and positive reinforcement is needed – especially with beginners.
Children find it hard to understand negative instructions and easier to understand positive reinforcement and this can frequently mean playing down the result and playing up the performance.This reduces the child’s anxiety and decreases their worry about failing.Remember that children do not mean to make mistakes; we should accept mistakes as a necessary part of learning.
Make sure the players play by the Laws.The majority of children at these ages will not knowingly infringe the Laws of the Game.Finally, work with other adults, not against them, and by so doing reinforce positive attitudes among the children.
Interference from the touchline
Whilst the fun and friendly atmosphere created by Mini-Soccer should keep such instances to a minimum, there may be situations which arise where comments and abuse from adults, parents and coaches are made from the touch line.
These comments could be directed at other coaches, parents or players. What can be done?Stay calm; do not get into disagreement; report the matter to relevant league organizers; set a positive responsible example.
