Coaching Education

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

I spend a great deal of my weekends watching youth sports. With three young children involved in soccer, basketball, baseball and lacrosse, I have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of games and sporting environments.

Because I know very little about some of these sports, I often sit quietly, simply watching—not just the players and coaches, but the parents.

Over the years, one observation has become impossible to ignore.

Far too often, winning becomes the priority, while learning slowly slips into the background.

Children as young as five or six are competing in environments where adults become emotionally invested in results rather than development. Success is measured by the scoreline instead of the progress a child makes, the confidence they build or the enjoyment they experience.

Perhaps the most concerning behavior I witness is the constant stream of instructions shouted from the sidelines.

“Pass!”
“Shoot!”
“Don’t dribble!”
“Get rid of it!”

Imagine being eight years old, trying to scan the field, recognize teammates, avoid defenders and make a decision, all while multiple adults are telling you what to do.

Decision-making is a skill. Like every other skill, it improves only when children are allowed to think for themselves.

When adults constantly solve the game for young players, they unintentionally slow down the very learning they hope to accelerate.

The best sports parents understand that their role is not to coach from the sideline.

Their role is to provide emotional support before, during and after competition.

They celebrate effort.
They applaud courage.
They encourage resilience.
They help their children love the game.

Years from now, very few children will remember the score of an Under-10 league game.

Almost all of them, however, will remember how the adults around them made them feel.

With that thought in mind, I created the following reflection tool. Rather than asking whether you are a “good” or “bad” sports parent, it simply encourages honest reflection.

None of us are perfect.

The goal is simply to become a little better for the children who love to play.

Rate yourself on each statement.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

Rate yourself on each statement.

5 = This is a consistent strength
1 = This is an area I need to improve

After each question, write one or two sentences explaining why you gave yourself that score.

1. Do you genuinely value your child’s learning and long-term development more than winning today’s game?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Do you celebrate good play from both teams and model outstanding sportsmanship?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Do you consistently praise effort, courage and improvement rather than focusing on results?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you actively seek to learn more about the game your child plays so you can better support their development?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. After games and practices, are you able to provide unconditional support before offering advice or criticism?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Does your behavior consistently model the respect, resilience and self-control you hope your child will demonstrate?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Do you avoid coaching from the sidelines, allowing your children to make their own decisions during the game?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. How well do you help your child cope with both victory and defeat with humility, perspective and resilience?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Do you encourage your child to honor their commitments to teammates and coaches rather than making unnecessary excuses?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Do you promote a love of sport for life ahead of short-term success?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. When concerns arise (for example, playing time), do you communicate respectfully, calmly and with an open mind?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Do you consistently show respect towards coaches, referees, opponents, teammates and other parents?

Score (1–5): ________

Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

There is an enormous difference between watching two teams with a clearly defined style of play and a shared vision of the game, and watching a match where 22 players all seem to be playing from different scripts.

The contrast is as stark as driving along an open coastal road watching a beautiful sunset versus sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Interstate 95 staring at industrial smokestacks. Or, in soccer terms, it is the difference between watching a tennis match where the ball is simply returned back and forth and watching Spain at their best, combining, creating, and controlling the game through intelligent possession.

I fully appreciate that soccer is a game of opinions. Some coaches become excited watching players launch long balls toward the opposition’s goal and are horrified at the thought of a player taking more than one touch or embarking on a dribble. I simply do not see the game that way.

More importantly, I believe deeply in player development. I believe the following equation holds true:

More touches of the ball = Better learning
Possession-based soccer = More touches and more decisions
More touches = Faster player development.

Teams that value possession, combine with short passes, and penetrate intelligently create significantly more meaningful learning opportunities for every player.

I would also add another equation for coaches who genuinely prioritize development:

Attack space when it is available.
Create numerical advantages whenever possible.
If those moments do not exist, keep the ball until they do.

In other words, be patient enough to be surgical.

Small-Sided Games with Constraints

Play an enormous number of 3v3 and 4v4 games, introducing purposeful constraints that reward the behaviors you want to see.

• Every player must touch the ball during a possession before the team can score.
• Teams can score either by completing seven consecutive passes or by scoring in the goal.
• A goal only counts if it follows a two-player combination.

Full-Field Shadow Play

Shadow play can be one of the most effective methods for imprinting a style of play when delivered with clarity and energy.

• Have a clear vision for how the team should build and progress through each third of the field.
• Communicate that vision clearly and efficiently.
• Coach with enthusiasm and conviction.
• Stay true to the principles of attacking play: support, width, penetration, mobility, and creativity.

Phase Play

Phase play allows the coach to focus on the interaction between specific units of the team. One favorite example is four midfielders and two forwards attacking against a goalkeeper, back four and four midfielders. The attacking team works towards the full-sized goal while the defending team counter-attacks to mini-goals after regaining possession. Coach in the flow whenever possible, ask questions of players away from the ball, and resist the temptation to stop play too often.

Final Thoughts

Developing a style of play is not about choreographing every movement. It is about creating a shared understanding of the game. The best teams appear connected because every player recognizes similar pictures, solves problems together, and understands the principles that guide their decisions. Experiment with these coaching methods, adapt them to your players, and help your team develop a clear identity in possession and without the ball.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

June 19, 2026-The U.S. Soccer National B License Course is in a blended format and is hosted by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and the Long Island Soccer Club.

The “B” is a 6-month online and in-person course. It combines an online experience, assignments, small group meetings, independent learning and two 4-day in-person meetings. The course is designed to help coaches who work in elite-level training and playing platforms.

The course starts on July 7, in-person meetings on September 1-4 and November 1-4 at Mitchel Athletic Complex and the “B” course concludes on December 20. 

Register here.

Any questions can be directed to Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching, Tim Bradbury.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

It is that time of year again.

The cones come out, the clipboards appear, parents suddenly become talent scouts and children begin carrying around levels of stress that would challenge many adults.

Tryout season has arrived.

Over the years, I have spent countless hours trying to reduce the anxiety surrounding tryouts. Sometimes I succeed. Often, despite everyone’s best intentions, the process still creates far too much stress, disappointment and heartache.

The reality is that we have created a system that frequently asks children to place far too much importance on a single evening or a couple of training sessions.

That makes little sense.

Many of the players attending tryouts are still years away from physical maturity. Some are early developers, some are late developers and many are simply trying to figure out how to coordinate their growing bodies. Yet we often behave as though a few hours in June can accurately predict what a player will become at 16 or 18.

It cannot.

To make matters worse, we continue to rush children into environments they may not be ready for. Players who would benefit greatly from 3v3 and 4v4 soccer are often pushed into 7v7 and 9v9 games. Clubs race toward bigger fields, bigger teams, more competition and more selection.

Faster is not always better.

In fact, it often isn’t.

Perhaps a few Club Directors might spend some time examining the approach taken by the Belgium Soccer Association. Their emphasis on development before selection is worth serious consideration.

Until then, here are a few thoughts for everyone involved.

A Few Philosophical Reminders

Tryouts Are Not a Life Sentence

At younger ages, tryouts are simply a snapshot in time.

Nothing more.

A player who is selected today may struggle tomorrow. A player who is overlooked today may flourish next year. Development is rarely linear and almost never predictable.

Learning Is Messy

Children grow at different rates.

Some have technical breakthroughs at nine. Others at 13.

Some gain confidence early. Others take years to find their voice.

The idea that every player should be evaluated against the same timeline is one of youth sports’ biggest misconceptions.

Find the Right Environment, Not the Highest Badge

Parents and coaches should focus on finding the environment that best supports development.

Not the team with the fanciest logo.

Not the league with the most letters.

Not the bumper sticker that looks best on the back of the car.

The best team is the one that gives the player the greatest opportunity to learn, grow, play and enjoy the game.

Soccer Is About More Than Soccer

Making friends matters.

Learning to communicate matters.

Developing confidence matters.

Being part of a team matters.

The social lessons children learn through sport often last far longer than the tactical lessons.

Read the Stories

Read about Michael Jordan being cut.

Read about Jamie Vardy playing non-league football.

Read about the countless athletes who experienced rejection before finding success.

Setbacks are not roadblocks. Often, they are simply detours.

Coaches Need Courage

One of the most important jobs a coach has is helping players and parents understand where they currently stand.

Those conversations require honesty.

They also require empathy.

Being truthful and being kind are not mutually exclusive.

What Good Tryouts Actually Look Like

Good tryouts should look like soccer.

Not obstacle courses.

Not relay races.

Not line drills.

Give players opportunities to play.

1v1.

2v2.

3v3.

4v4.

Let them make decisions.

Let them solve problems.

Let them show who they are as players.

At older ages, some evaluation should naturally take place in the format they actually compete in, but even then, the game itself should remain the primary teacher and evaluator.

A Few Requests for Parents

Watch from a respectful distance.

Your child is already nervous enough.

Trust me, they know this matters.

The car ride home is not the time for a detailed performance review.

No postmortem.

No analysis.

No discussion about the missed chance, poor pass or questionable decision.

Try this instead:

“I enjoyed watching you play.”

Then leave it there.

You may be surprised how powerful those five words can be.

Finally…

When the team lists come out, remember this:

Your reaction becomes part of your child’s education.

Children are always watching.

They are learning how to handle disappointment.

They are learning how to respond to adversity.

They are learning what really matters.

Long after they have forgotten which team they made at 10 years old, they will remember how the adults around them behaved.

Keep perspective.

Show empathy.

Stay calm.

And remember that the goal is not to raise elite 10-year-olds.

The goal is to raise healthy, resilient, confident young people who love the game and want to keep playing it.

By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

It is a drum I have beaten before, and one that is revisited on almost every coaching license or diploma course offered. Based on the many games I have watched this season, it is a drum worth beating again.

The conversation usually begins with a simple question: What makes soccer unique? From there, we connect the nature of the game to how players learn and what they enjoy most about playing.

Eventually, coaches arrive at an important realization: soccer is a game that demands players read and understand situations, scan constantly, and make countless rapid decisions based on what they perceive around them. Decision-making is not a small part of the game — it is the game.

There is often another breakthrough moment when coaches recognize something equally important: players actually enjoy making decisions for themselves. They enjoy solving problems. In fact, they are uniquely positioned to do so. Players know more about their own bodies, athletic abilities, technical skill levels, and emotional states than anyone else possibly can.

At any given moment in a match, a player occupies a unique position on a specific blade of grass, facing a specific problem in a constantly changing environment. Only that player has access to all the information needed to begin solving that problem.

Each decision they make, good or bad, becomes part of their growth. Every experience helps shape better decisions the next time around. Soccer truly is the players’ game, and players must be allowed the freedom to think within it.

As both a soccer fan and an educator, this seems obvious to me. That is why I am continually staggered by the drive, passion, and sometimes outright anger displayed by parents and coaches who spend entire games making sure players are either unable to think or too afraid to do so.

So, to every parent or coach who constantly shouts instructions during games, I would ask you to honestly consider the following questions:

1. Do you value your child’s ability to reason and think independently?
2. Do you recognize that soccer is a game in which every player makes hundreds of decisions each match?
3. How would you feel if your child went to school and, while trying to solve a math problem, adults stood beside them screaming answers?
4. What matters more to you: your child’s long-term growth and enjoyment, or the scoreline at the end of the game?
5. By what process do you magically place yourself inside the player’s body — seeing, feeling, and understanding everything they do — so that you can decide the “correct” solution to the problem they face?

For educational reasons, developmental reasons, enjoyment reasons, and simply because it makes sense, make a pledge this season:

Let the players think.
Let them solve problems.
Let them grow.

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

April 27, 2026-The US Soccer “D” course, hosted by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and Tobar Soccer, is a blended course.

It’s online and two weekends for in-person meetings. The D course is focused on players Under-7 to Under-12. The blended format for this course combines an online experience, assignments, small group meetings, independent learning and in-person meetings.

Webinar on April 29, in-person meetings on May 30 and 31 plus June 20 and 21 at Fairfield By Marriott in Goshen. 

Register here.

Any questions can be directed to Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching, Tim Bradbury.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

April 24, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to host a “C” coaching course starting this summer in Albany.

“The C is a great course that is a vital stepping stone for those that wish to move onto the B and A courses,” commented Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching for Eastern New York. “The C is the foundation of all high-level licenses and is full of vital teaching strategies and game concepts.“

Register for the “C” coaching course kicking off on August 9 in Albany.

The course encompasses the various tasks of the coach, including training sessions, coaching games, leading players, leading the teams and managing a performance environment plus vital theory sessions on periodization and principles of play with field sessions. 

Any questions on either course can be directed to Tim Bradbury.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

In addition to structured observation and session recording, one of the most effective ways to gather feedback is to ask the players themselves.

Would you describe your practices as busy and active?

• Not at all
• Somewhat
• Busy
• Very busy

Do you spend a lot of time at practice standing around waiting for things to be organized?

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

Your coach helps you enjoy practice:

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

Your coach pushes you to work hard:

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

Your coach frequently uses questions and asks you to think and solve problems:

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

Your coach is more likely to give an order than ask a question:

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

Your coach shows interest in things you do outside of soccer:

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

Your coach uses humor to help make training fun:

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

Your coach treats mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow:

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

When you make a mistake, your coach gets angry:

• Frequently
• Sometimes
• Rarely
• Never

You feel that your coach is most concerned with:

• Winning only
• Player development only
• A good balance

You would say that your coach:

• Talks all the time
• Lets you talk
• Helps the team talk together

Your coach presents information in a way that:

• You easily understand
• Is too much at once
• Is too confusing

Complete the sentence: I wish my coach would…

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