What does it take to be a winning youth coach? Listen in as Creed Larrucea shares stories and discusses his journey to becoming a successful youth sports coach.





Creed is a physical therapist in Sacramento, California by day, and a stud youth soccer coach by night.  He coaches youth teams and the local high school team. He is married and has 2 daughters ages 12 and 10.
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Quote
'Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out' - John Wooden
Coaching your own kids

The first key is open communication - ask your kids - 'Do you want me to coach your team?'

My Cringe & ‘Ah-Ha’ Moments

Inaction - could have started 2 teams since he had great demand for his team - but he didn't have the confidence that he could pull it off  (he since has done this.)

Teaching Children & Keeping it Fun

Patience and understanding the age-level you are at are key
Say less, have them do more - make it fun and have 'hidden' teaching in there
Soccer shooting drills:

Knockout
Bring out different style balls - tennis ball, big huge ball



Self-Confidence and teaching kids to achieve peak performance

Positive Coaching Alliance's ELM tree of success:

Effort - is one of the main things you can control
Learning - is what we're here for
Mistakes - are normal and part of growth



Culture – Discipline/Rewards/Teambuilding
Discipline

HUGE IDEA #1

One rule: 'Don't let your teammates down' - this one universal rule can apply to almost any situation
Have fun games right at the beginning of practice - this is a great way to encourage kids to get to practice on time

Rewards

Set team goals

HUGE IDEA #2

Coach Creed gives effort scores - scores based according to their effort capability

The One that Got Away

Writing down mistakes is one of the best ways to not let history repeat itself
Creed had one girl on his team who had a family member able to attend one of her games for the first time - so he tried to get her extra opportunities - but he didn't really put her in the best position to succeed and probably added pressure to her.

Best Stolen Idea
When teaching skills - 3 steps:

Show how to do it
Let them practice with slight opposition
Let them practice in game-type setting

Using this you can see progress every practice, not just at the end of the year
Best Quote/Book

Quote: 'Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out' - John Wooden
Book: The Double Goal Coach - Jim Thompson from Positive Coaching Alliance

Parting Advice

Make sure you're winning twice

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