The Spider Monkeys - How it all started

Two year ago my wife signed the kids up for soccer for the first time at our local parks and recreation. A few days later I got this phone call while at work from an unknown number. I was totally blind sided it was the coordinator from the parks and recreation asking me to be a soccer coach. "Well…I know nothing about soccer." He assured me that it would be okay and I would learn as I went along.

Then it happened. A memory hit me. It was in the form of a scene in a movie. After my boy completed his t-ball season and I was tucking him in bed he says to me "Daddy, next time I play t-ball I want you to be my coach." And I reply kissing him on the cheek. "Yeah, sure that would be great! I'd like that!"

The coordinator started guilt tripping me saying that if I would not do it then my boy could not play because he does not have a coach. I took a moment and thought about my class schedule and figured I could swing a few nights a week. "Sure…okay I'll do it."

Two years later, and a total of five season (Fall and Spring) I'm still into it.

I learned everything by reading a few books on coaching youth soccer and also Wikis and Blogs. Those methods generally are teaching the kids to pass the ball as soon as they get it and shoot the ball as soon as they get somewhere near the goal. Let me tell you something. It is very stressful when you get down there to the goal. You simply fall apart because of the pressure and stress.

I've decided this year to take on a whole new paradigm. Instead of yelling at the kids to play hot potato out there on the field and hope they get a lucky shot in. I am only working two skills that will teach them everything they need to know.

Decisive Dribbling: This will entail handling the ball and using a series of fakes and moves which will shut down the other team's defense.

Shooting the ball: By practicing shooting the ball each team member will be confident in shooting.

Imagine a whole team that shows confidence in handling the ball and shows no fear.