16 Tips for the First Time Coach
Positive Coaching Alliance
Summary
A practical starter guide offering 16 foundational tips for first-time youth coaches. It focuses on building trust, structuring practices, supporting player development, and fostering a fun, inclusive team culture. The tips are clear, actionable, and rooted in Positive Coaching Alliance’s values.
HOW AND WHEN IT CAN HELP
- Ideal for new or volunteer coaches who need quick, simple guidance.
- Useful at the beginning of the season or when preparing a first practice.
- Supports coaches working with younger or recreational-level players.
- Helps organizations onboarding new coaches with little formal training.
- Provides a framework for early-season parent/caregiver engagement.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
The tone is supportive and realistic—it acknowledges the challenges new coaches face and offers low-barrier, relationship-first strategies. From greeting players by name to designing intentional practices and managing body language, the resource gives coaches confidence to lead with clarity and care.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE
- How are new coaches currently supported before their first practice or game?
- Which of these tips could be introduced during your coach orientation sessions?
- How might you adapt the language or delivery of these tips for different age groups or cultural contexts?
- What additional local tools—like sample practice plans or mentor check-ins—could complement this guide?
- How can veteran coaches help reinforce these core tips through peer support or modeling?
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
PCA’s vision is to build a world where every child benefits from a positive youth sports experience with a coach who inspires them to become the best version of themselves in the game and in life. They train coaches and partner with youth sports organizations, parents, sports leaders, and communities to make youth sports more positive, equitable, and accessible to all kids regardless of social or economic circumstances.
CREDITING CONTRIBUTORS
The Resource Hub is made possible by the generosity of contributors. It demonstrates the rich expertise and collective team spirit that exists across our soccer community.
All resources that have been contributed to the Resource Hub are free for users of the Hub to learn from, adapt and implement in their own organization and community.
Where relevant, we encourage users of the resources to formally or informally credit the resource creator, to acknowledge their expertise and generosity.