If you’ve stepped into coaching sports, you probably already know it’s about more than just the game. The real goal is to shape your athlete’s skills and mindset, on and off the field. This guide shares 15 proven strategies used by successful coaches, including helpful tools and actionable tips. By the end, you feel confident and prepared for the season ahead! 

Key Takeaways 

  • Key Coaching Qualities: Great coaching goes beyond the game. It's built on qualities like leadership and communication that inspire athletes on and off the field.
  • Sports Coaching Tips: The best sports coaching tips are simple and practical. Learn how to set clear goals and create useful practices to make every session a success.
  • Help from Summit Sport: For 30+ years, Summit Sport has been the trusted partner of Aussie coaches. Find the training equipment you need to coach with confidence. 

On the Field: Practice & Player Management 

Great coaching in sports starts on the field, so here's how to put your plan into action where it counts: during practice and games. 

1. Make Every Session Fun 

Kids don’t want to run laps around an oval, and in most cases, it doesn’t help them play better (unless they’re training for athletics). 

  • Start with a Fun Warm-Up: Swap boring laps for energising warm-up games like tag or relay races that get kids moving, laughing, and ready to play.
  • Add Some Friendly Competition: Incorporate friendly competition into your drills. Use mini-challenges or skill contests where kids can "beat their own score" or challenge a teammate in a supportive way.
  • Use a Light Touch: Use age-appropriate humour and light-hearted language. A relaxed atmosphere makes players feel comfortable, confident, and more willing to try new skills. 

2. Keep Your Instructions Simple 

Kids often come in knowing very little. Begin with a couple of basic skills or concepts. Don’t overload them with too much information or too many things to remember. 

  • Break It Down: Break skills into one or two simple teaching points at a time. For a passing drill, just focus on their stance before adding anything else.
  • Use Simple Cues: Replace technical jargon with short, easy-to-remember phrases. Simple cues like “eyes up” or “small steps” are easy to recall and make for more effective coaching.
  • Practice Right Away: Let players practice a new skill immediately after you introduce it. This repetition reinforces their learning far better than extended talks. 

Image by ActiV Football

3. Focus on the Fundamentals First 

Whether it’s passing, catching, dribbling, striking, or defending, prioritise core skills before complex plays or strategies. Without these, kids struggle with game flow. 

  • Game-Ready Drills: Design short-passing drills that mirror real-game distance and speed, so kids see how a skill translates to a match.
  • Reinforce Constantly: Never "move past" the basics. Even advanced players benefit from continually reworking fundamentals in every session.
  • Use Progressions: Start slow and controlled, then add speed, decision-making, and pressure. This step-by-step approach ensures players learn a skill before being overwhelmed. 

4. Give Everyone Equal Playing Time 

Making sure every child gets an equal opportunity to play on the field builds confidence. It’s a key part of what makes a great sports coach. 

  • Plan Your Subs: Create your substitution patterns before each game. This simple step helps you avoid in-the-moment stress and ensures decisions are based on fairness, not favouritism.
  • Be Transparent: Talk to parents and players about your equal-play philosophy. This builds trust and helps them understand that every child’s contribution is valued.
  • Celebrate Every Role: Find ways for every player, including those who are less skilled, to succeed in-game. Start them, give them shifts in critical roles, and celebrate their unique contributions. 

5. Rotate Every Player's Position 

All kids should try every position. If there’s a position (looking at you, goalie!) that some kids avoid, create a fair roster so everyone gets a turn and knows what to expect. 

  • Plan Your Rotations: Schedule position changes ahead of time and communicate them clearly. This makes the process smooth and less intimidating.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Use practices to try new roles before assigning them in games. This makes transitions less stressful and helps players build confidence.
  • Teach a New Skill: Use a position switch as a chance to teach a new skill, like hand-eye coordination for a player moving to the goalie box.
  • Highlight Versatility: Highlight the value of versatility. By trying every position, players learn to respect each role, which builds teamwork and promotes leadership in sports. 

6. Provide Constructive Feedback 

Giving great feedback is an essential part of coaching in sports. When it’s done right, it builds confidence and helps players learn from their mistakes. 

  • Use the "Feedback Sandwich": Start with what a player did well, address one specific improvement area, and then end with encouragement.
  • Be Specific: Avoid vague comments like “good job.” Instead, give a specific tip and a clear example, such as: “Great eye contact on that pass. Next time, open your hips to face the target.”
  • Encourage Self-Assessment: Help players take ownership by asking questions like, “What did you notice about your first touch?” 

Image by Vision Football

Off the Field: Planning & Resources 

The hours you spend off the field are just as important as the minutes you spend on it. Here's how careful planning and the right resources can help you lead your team to success. 

7. Plan Your Sessions in Advance 

Spend 15 minutes online the day before training to jot down a few things to cover. Having a plan helps you feel more confident and avoids scrambling during the session. 

  • Use a Simple Structure: Structure your sessions with a repeatable format: warm-up → skill focus → small-sided game → team wrap-up. This simple flow makes practices feel organised and focused.
  • Always Have a Backup: A simple go-to activity will save you if something isn’t working or you need to re-energise the group.
  • Be Realistic: It’s better to cover two or three skills well than to try and do too much. This quality practice is a key coaching quality that kids will benefit from. 

8. Ask Your Club for Help 

Reach out to your club for guidance. They may have training sheets, drills, or other resources you can use. 

  • Request Club Resources: Ask coordinators or senior coaches for existing training plans or drill sheets. Many clubs have these resources ready for new coaches.
  • Attend Mentoring Sessions: Take part in club-organised induction sessions or mentoring programs to get direct advice from experienced coaches.
  • Shadow a Senior Coach: Ask to observe or co-coach with a more seasoned club member. Shadowing is a fast way to learn proven approaches. 

Photo by Macarthur FC

9. Communicate Clearly with Parents 

Building trust with parents is a key coaching quality that makes the season smoother for everyone. It all starts with clear communication. 

  • Set Expectations Early: Before the season, send a welcome email that outlines your communication channels, session expectations, and your approach to coaching.
  • Use a Single Channel: Keep parents informed of schedule changes and team updates using one consistent platform, like a group messaging app or an email list.
  • Set Sideline Boundaries: Clearly explain your expectations for sideline behaviour. Encourage support, but kindly ask parents to avoid giving instructions to players during a game. 

10. Take Time to Learn Yourself 

Being a great coach means being a lifelong learner. This commitment to your own development is a key part of leadership in sports. 

  • Join Workshops: Join coaching workshops or webinars run by local authorities or your sport’s governing body. These sessions are a great way to get fresh perspectives.
  • Reflect and Ask: Reflect after each session or game. Note what went well and what could improve, then seek advice from more experienced coaches or official channels.
  • Stay Updated: Subscribe to club, league, or sport newsletters. These are fantastic resources for sharing new resources and opportunities for ongoing coach development. 

11. Explore Online Guides & Resources 

There are so many beginner-friendly coaching resources online to help you feel prepared and confident. Here are some of our favourites. 

Soccer 

Netball 

Basketball 

Rugby 

  • Rugby Australia Coaching Resources: Free coaching videos and structured player development guides, including session plans for all junior formats.
  • Rugby Coach Weekly: Ready-made practise plans for all ages. These are great for last-minute session ideas and building confidence. 

Your Coaching Mindset 

Beyond the drills and the game plans, what makes a great sports coach is their mindset. Follow these tips to build a strong culture of respect and teamwork. 

12. Fair Play for All 

At a young age, there are no superstars. Every child should get equal playing time and opportunities. 

  • Ensure Equal Play: Make sure every child gets equal playing time and communicate this transparently to parents and players. 
  • Prioritise Development: Emphasise that at young ages, development and enjoyment matter more than winning or individual “star” status. 
  • Promote the Fair Play Code: Uphold a culture of respect with players, officials, and opponents. Following codes like the Fair Play Code is a great coaching quality that promotes integrity and safety. 

Image by KickIt Touch

13. Lead by Example 

Your team will look to you to set the standard. That’s why leadership in sports starts with how you act, on and off the field. 

  • Be Professional: Treat players, opponents, officials, and parents with respect. Your behaviour sets the tone for the entire team.
  • Model Commitment: Demonstrate a strong work ethic and punctuality. When you’re dedicated, players will understand the importance of being committed to their team.
  • Respond Positively: Show a positive reaction to mistakes or losses. How you respond to setbacks sets the tone for the team’s culture and resilience. 

14. Stay Patient and Empathetic 

Patience and empathy are crucial coaching qualities. Remember that kids develop at different rates, and your role is to guide them, not demand instant perfection. 

  • Encourage Steady Progress: Focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate small wins and remind players that improvement is a marathon, not a sprint. 
  • Listen with Empathy: Listen to your players’ questions and frustrations. By understanding their perspective, you can provide the encouragement and reassurance they need. 
  • Be Constructive: Avoid impatience or negative criticism. Frame your corrections constructively by focusing on specific behaviours, not personal flaws. 

15. Build Trust and Respect 

Building trust and respect with your team is a key part of effective coaching in sports. When players feel safe and valued, they're more willing to take risks and grow. 

  • Create a Safe Space: Foster an open environment where players feel safe to express ideas or admit mistakes without fear of ridicule. 
  • Be Consistent: Keep your promises and be consistent in your rules and consequences. This builds credibility and shows players they can rely on you. 
  • Encourage Mutual Respect: Encourage teamwork and support among your players. When they respect each other, it builds a stronger bond and a more resilient team culture. 

Summit Sport’s Coaching Tools and Equipment 

The best coaches know that quality kit is essential to player development. For over 30 years, Summit Sport has provided trusted, durable equipment that’s used by elite institutions. 

  • Training Cones & Markers: The go-to tools for improving agility and ball control, helping you run organised, effective drills. 
  • Bibs: Simplify practice by easily separating teams and ensuring every athlete feels like a cohesive part of the group. 
  • Goalkeeping Equipment: From gloves to padding, the right gear provides the safety and confidence goalkeepers need to perform. 
  • Whistles & First Aid: A clear whistle helps you control the pace of play, while a well-stocked first-aid kit is a must-have for every coach. 
  • Sports Bags: Keep all your gear organised in one place with a durable sports bag, so you're always ready for practice. 
  • Coaching Folders: Perfect for planning your drills and strategies, coaching folders help you stay on track and deliver a focused session. 
  • Goals: Essential for practice and games, the right goals allow your team to work on shooting and defence. 
  • Balls: Having enough of the right balls for your sport is fundamental to any successful practice or match. 

What Makes a Great Coach in Sport? 

Ultimately, becoming a successful coach means focusing on the qualities that inspire your athletes both on and off the field. Coaching in sports is all about continually improving and helping your team succeed. Explore Summit Sport’s coaching gear and resources to help your athletes reach their true potential!

TAGS:

BasketballClubsNetballRugbySchoolsSoccer

Netball Positions Explained: Roles of All 7 Players

Prev Post

How to Coach Kids Soccer: Positions, Tips & Getting Started

Next Post

Leave A Comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published