A tale as old as time in youth soccer, and sports in general, is the issue of playing time. Many athletes and their proud parents feel that they’re getting the short end of the stick when it comes to receiving opportunities from their coach to prove themselves in game situations.
While it’s often tempting to blame the coach, perhaps feeling that an unfair grudge is being held, very often there are more practical steps that players can take in order to earn more playing time.
If your child wants to get more playing time on their soccer team, there are a few things they can do:
1. Attend every practice and arrive on time: Showing up to practice regularly and on time shows the coach that your child is committed and serious about soccer. This can help them earn more playing time, as the coach will see that they are reliable and willing to work hard.
2. Work hard and be coachable: During practice, your child should focus on giving their best effort and working hard. They should also be open to feedback from the coach and be willing to try new things. This can help the coach see that they are coachable and willing to improve, which can increase their chances of getting more playing time.
3. Communicate with the coach: Your child should talk to their coach and let them know that they want to get more playing time. They can ask the coach what they need to do to earn more playing time, and then work on improving in those areas. This shows the coach that they are serious about getting better and increasing their playing time.
4. Be a good teammate: Being a good teammate is important for earning more playing time. Your child should support their teammates, work well with others, and show good sportsmanship. This can help the coach see that they are a valuable member of the team and can increase their chances of getting more playing time.
By attending practice regularly, working hard, communicating with the coach, and being a good teammate, your child can increase their chances of getting more playing time on their soccer team.
For more advice on how to earn more playing time, watch the video below.
