Parents shout SHOOT as soon as we cross halfway

Question

Our players are starting to take shots from miles out because the touchline gets excited whenever we get into the other half. Some of them can strike the ball well, but it is replacing better decisions around the box. How would you address this without making shooting sound like a bad thing?

Verified Coach · Accepted Answer

I’d speak to the adults before trying to coach the shooting out of the players.

A child hears “SHOOT!” from four voices and understandably thinks that is the decision they are expected to make. If the attempt then gets praised because it was powerful, the habit gets reinforced.

I’d keep the parent message positive: encourage the attack, but leave the final decision to the player.

With the players, I’d still protect shooting bravery. The question is not “should you stop shooting?” It is “what else can you see before you shoot?”

That might be a teammate closer to goal, space to carry into, or a better angle.

At U10, I want players willing to finish.

I just do not want the touchline deciding the moment for them.

Hannah_7 · Answer

We asked parents to shout the player's name or just 'well done' rather than the action. Shoot and pass were the two words we specifically wanted gone.

SideStreet · Answer

I caught myself doing this. The worst part was my son actually passed one day and then looked at me because I had shouted shoot. I realised I was overriding what he saw.

EM_47 · Answer

I do think some children can shoot from distance and should be allowed to. The problem is the whole touchline reacting before they have even looked around. I would separate 'we like you being brave to shoot' from 'every attack needs a shot'.

Lucy_94 · Answer

Our coach explained that the children hear the instruction before they see the defender. That made sense to the parents more than simply being told not to shout.

WL76 · Answer

Cheer the decision after it happens, dont make it for them.

Parents shout SHOOT as soon as we cross halfway

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