because of all the reasons stated so far, lack of knowledge, or enough to be dangerous, soccer parents make it a tough game to watch. moms screeching elbows, elbows, pushing, pushing, offside, offside, handball, handball....SHUTUP!!!
Focusing on what annoys us about something rather than on our favorite positive things we get out of it...no better than harping on what a player does wrong rather than praising and encouraging what he/she does right.
However, I believe that one of the biggest obstacles youth soccer faces is the 'positive reinforcement' of doing the 'wrong thing'. (I believe someone alluded to this earlier).
For what it's worth, as any fool can tell you, having PLAYED the game does not necessarily translate into the ability to TEACH or COACH technical skills. As to tactical understanding, you'd be amazed how many top players in all sports lack tactical understanding, much less the ability to transmit it to kids.
However, I believe that one of the biggest obstacles youth soccer faces is the 'positive reinforcement' of doing the 'wrong thing'. (I believe someone alluded to this earlier).
Tough situation we find ourselves in....
I admit that was somewhat poorly worded...what I should have said was, "focusing on what a player does wrong without equally praising and encouraging what he/she does right."
What all coaches/trainers optimally seek is a proper balance between "positive reinforcement" and (negative?) correction. Neither is particularly relevant without the possibility of the other. As to being "incorrectly positive," it beats the bejeezus out of being incorrectly negative.
Bingo, JayJay. Couldn't have said it better. I'll take it a step further. Once had a coach lecture me on parenting. Told him to back off. That I wouldn't comment on his coaching, if he wouldn't comment on my parenting ... though I had considerably more experience at BOTH.
