Coaching guide
Written as a script you can use on the day, not as background reading. Follow it and the player won't freeze up in the first session.
Running the first session
For a child, talking one-to-one with an unfamiliar adult through a screen is genuinely nerve-racking. Don't coach in the first five minutes.
- 10-5 min
Ice-breaking (no coaching)
Just ask about favourite players, the team they support, their position. Nothing about their own play yet. Greet the guardian too. Whether they relax here decides how the rest goes.
- 25-15 min
Watch the video together, starting with the good
Always play a good moment first. Ask 'that was nice — why did you do that?' and let them put it into words. Open with criticism and they'll be defensive for the rest of the call.
- 315-35 min
Give exactly one area to grow
One, not several — several means none are remembered. Frame it as 'this would make it even better', not 'that's wrong', and always give the reason.
- 435-45 min
Agree this week's task together
One thing they can start this week. Having them say 'I'll try it' out loud raises follow-through. Tell them you'll check next time.
- 545-50 min
Close on their best moment
Replay the single best clip together at the end. People remember an experience by how it ended. Finish on 'I want to do that again'.
If a guardian is present, close with a word to them as well. Telling them how to reinforce it at home makes continuing far more likely.
How to talk to children
The same point lands in opposite ways depending on how it's said. The aim is to make them better, not to correct them.
AvoidThat's wrong.
UseTry it this way and it gets even better.
Opening with negation reads as being told off, and they stop taking risks. Point to a direction instead.
AvoidGreat, well played.
UseAt 2:14 you set your body shape before the turn — that was the key.
Vague praise doesn't land. Only specifically named success becomes repeatable confidence.
AvoidAlso this, and this, and your defending.
UseLet's take just this one away today.
List several improvements and none get acted on. Narrowing to one is the most effective thing you can do.
AvoidNormally you'd do this.
UseGiven how good you are at this, here's another option.
Generic advice isn't about them. Tie it to what this particular player does well.
Coach code of conduct
Because we work with minors, these apply without exception. Confirmed breaches result in account suspension.
Assume a guardian is present
Sessions with students under 18 assume a guardian attends. If nobody is present, don't push ahead — contact us.
Keep contact on the platform
Don't exchange personal social accounts, phone numbers, or email addresses. This protects the family and you.
Address the play, not the person
No remarks about appearance, personality, or home life. Coaching is about what happens on the pitch.
Use videos only for coaching
Storing, reposting, or sharing submitted videos is prohibited. Videos are deleted 90 days after delivery.
Response deadlines
Players leave because they were kept waiting, far more often than because of the content. Please keep to these deadlines; we'll follow up if they're missed.
Zoom join link: issued automatically with the booking
There is nothing for you to register. Once a booking is confirmed, the same link appears for both the player and you. Tell the team if it does not.
Deliver the report: within 24 hours of the lesson
The report closes the experience and is what families judge it by. Enthusiasm drops the longer it takes.
Send a short note: within 48 hours of the video
Not mandatory, but it completely changes how nervous the child is on the day. One line is enough.