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5v5•U9•Coach Development

Our assistant coach gives different instructions to me during matches

Asked by SuffolkAlex
639 views 4 replies
Nothing major, but I will ask the players to find their own solution and two minutes later my assistant is shouting exactly where to pass. We both mean well. How much should two coaches agree beforehand so the kids are not hearing two versions of football?

VERIFIED COACH RESPONSE

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UEFA C Coach

Grassroots session design

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I would agree the coaching behaviour before the game, not try to solve it while both of you are already reacting emotionally. You do not need identical personalities, but the players need one clear environment. I’d decide three things together: what are we focusing on today, when will we intervene, and what are we deliberately leaving to the players? If your theme is decision-making, for example, both coaches should know that shouting the next pass is off-limits. You can also split responsibilities. One coach watches the game, one manages substitutions and player conversations, rather than both shouting competing information. Afterwards, review one or two moments without blaming each other. The assistant may not realise they are undoing your message. Two coaches can disagree about football. That is normal. The key is not making eight-year-olds stand in the middle of the disagreement while the ball is at their feet.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Join the football discussion. 4 replies

P

Paul_12

Coach

Agree the theme and the behaviour before kick-off. Two coaches can see football differently, but the kids should not be solving our disagreement while they play.
C

ClaireT

Coach

We split jobs. One watches the game, one handles subs and chats to players coming off. Instantly cut the amount of double-coaching.
A

AfterWorkCoach82

Assistant Coach

we had this exact chat. neither of us thought we were shouting much until we realised we were both filling every silence.
R

Ryan35

Parent

Two well-meaning coaches can still sound like airport announcements.

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