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May 5, 2008

SoccerHelp Newsletter

How to Motivate Players to Play a Position They Do Not Like

Note From David. Occasionally, you may have to try to talk a player into playing a position that the player doesn’t enjoy playing. I remember several times where I had to talk players into playing Goalkeeper because no one wanted to play that position. This newsletter is a letter from a coach who had that problem and my reply. I hope your season is going well. We’ve had so much rain in my area that most of the games have been rained out. If you’re a Premium Member, check the list of New Articles. There is a big link at the top of the SoccerHelp Home Page and at the top of the Premium Home Page. I just added an article about Coaching During Games, which will be the subject of a future newsletter. It discusses how to teach important things such as Coaching Rule Number 3 during games. David at SoccerHelp.

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SoccerHelp Tips

How to Motivate Players to Play a Position They Do Not Like

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Hi SoccerHelp,

We only have two girls who can play goalie well, and one of them does not want to play goalie….. so her mom says. Any suggestions for encouraging her to play some goalie on a consistent basis?

Thanks,

Ted

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Hi Ted,

My best idea is to make it a "Big Deal Good Thing". One way to do this is to have the entire team thank the Goalies after each match (thank all the players who played Goalie) in front of parents. It is nice if you lead an applause for them and for you to brag on their efforts in front of all the players and parents.

Another idea that will encourage them to want to play Goalie is to buy a cool iron-on patch that is only for the players who play Goalie. Choose a color or use the Lightning Bolt, the Shamrock or a Star color. Let the Goalies decide which patch they want to be the "Goalie patch".

I used this approach and it worked.

David at SoccerHelp

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DVDs I Recommend: (The links go to the Detailed Review of the DVD)

For U-4, U-6 Coaches: Coach Doug SoccerHelp Method of Coaching Ages 3, 4, 5 & 6 DVD

For How To Teach Skills: Soccer Success One On One Coaching (Basic and Intermediate Skills) DVD, Mia Hamm Soccer Secrets DVD and Gold Star Sleeve Ties, England Skills Uncovered DVD, Training Girls and Women To Win 3-DVD Set

For Motivation, Fun and Foot Skills (experienced and travel players age 9 and older): GOL! (Brazilian Soccer Foot Skills and Ball Control Training) DVD

For Rec Girls: Mia Hamm Soccer Secrets with Gold Star Sleeve Ties

For Moves: Coerver Play Great Soccer 2-DVD Set, GOL! (Brazilian Soccer Foot Skills and Ball Control Training) DVD

For Travel Team Players: GOL! (Brazilian Soccer Foot Skills and Ball Control Training) DVD, Coerver Play Great Soccer 2-DVD Set, England Skills Uncovered DVD, Training Girls and Women To Win 3-DVD Set.

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