Coaches Corner: Former Pros Share Top Youth Coaching Tips

Coaching kids in sports is about more than just teaching the rules of the game. It’s about helping them grow, stay confident, and, most importantly, have fun. But what’s the right way to coach young athletes? To find out, we turned to those who’ve gone from playing at the highest level to guiding the next generation—former pro athletes turned youth coaches.

In this post, we’ll break down their top tips so you can feel confident, whether you’re coaching your child’s T-ball team or leading a middle school soccer squad. You don’t need to be an expert; just a little heart and the right mindset can go a long way.

Why Coaching Youth Sports Is So Important

Youth sports offer more than just physical activity. They build teamwork, confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. But a lot of that depends on how kids are coached. A great coach can make a shy child feel like a superstar, while a not-so-great one can leave them doubting themselves.

As a parent-turned-coach once told me, “They probably won’t remember the scoreboard, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.” That’s the essence of great coaching.

Top Coaching Tips from Former Pros

1. Keep Practices Fun and Focused

Kids aren’t mini adults—they learn best when they’re enjoying themselves. Former professional soccer player and now youth coach, Amy Rodriguez, puts it simply: “If it’s not fun, they won’t keep playing.”

How can you keep practices engaging?

• Mix up drills – Use games that build skills while keeping things lively.
• Encourage friendly competition – Split them into teams and give them goals.
• Don’t over-coach – Let them play freely, observe, and guide only when needed.

2. Build Confidence, Not Pressure

Kids put enough pressure on themselves already. Your job is to lift them up, not weigh them down. Former MLB pitcher Kyle Farnsworth, now coaching youth baseball, says, “We often forget they’re just kids. We expect too much, too soon.”

To help kids grow in confidence:

• Celebrate the effort – Not just the outcome. Applaud hustle, teamwork, and trying something new.
• Don’t dwell on mistakes – Turn them into teachable moments instead of criticisms.
• Use positive reinforcement – A high-five goes a long way.

Think of coaching like gardening. You’re not forcing a plant to bloom—you’re setting up the right conditions so it can grow on its own.

3. Set Clear Expectations and Keep It Simple

Young athletes do best when they know what’s expected—and when coaches keep instructions simple. Former NFL player and current high school coach Eric Decker advises coaches to “focus on just one or two things per session.”

Some quick tips:

• Start with a team huddle – Go over the day’s goals. Make it informal, quick, and clear.
• Keep instructions short – Most kids lose focus after about 10-15 seconds.
• Demonstrate more, talk less – Kids learn a lot by watching.

4. Promote Teamwork Over Individual Glory

One of the biggest lessons sports teach is how to work with others. Help kids understand that success isn’t just about scoring points, but lifting each other up.

You could say it like this: “It’s not about who scores, it’s about who helped make the play happen.”

Encourage:

• Cheering each other on
• Passing instead of going solo
• Rotating positions so everyone gets a chance to shine

One coach shared how they had their team create weekly “teammate awards,” where players nominated each other for being helpful or showing spirit. It’s a small gesture that builds big bonds.

5. Be a Role Model, Not Just a Coach

Kids watch everything. Your attitude, your tone, how you treat the referee—they notice it all. As a coach, you’re not just teaching a sport, you’re showing them how to navigate life.

Ask yourself:

• Do I stay calm under pressure?
• Do I show respect to everyone?
• Do I apologize if I make a mistake?

When kids see you practicing good sportsmanship, they’ll follow your lead. You’re their first example of what leadership looks like.

Keys to Remember If You’re a First-Time Coach

Feeling nervous about coaching for the first time? You’re not alone. Even seasoned pros had to start somewhere. Here are a few key takeaways to help guide you:

• It’s okay to not know everything – Your willingness to learn matters more than your sports knowledge.
• Keep your goals simple – Focus on fun, teamwork, and growth.
• Take support where you can get it – There are toolkits, communities, and other coaches who’ve been in your shoes.

And remember, your influence goes far beyond the field or court. Kids often remember their coaches for years—long after they stop playing. That’s how powerful your role is.

Final Thoughts: Coaching is a Gift

At the end of the day, youth coaching isn’t about creating the next pro athlete. It’s about building good humans. If you can help a child feel seen, valued, and part of something, you’re already winning.

So, whether you’re coaching soccer, baseball, basketball, or your local tee-ball team—embrace the role with patience, encouragement, and a whole lot of fun.

Still feeling a little unsure? We’ve got you covered.

For all first-time or rookie coaches, grab your Voluntold Toolkit here!