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I live in the UK and at the grassroot (rec soccer) end, it is very common to have behavioural issues.
Now I have known numerous coaches to go over to the states on those coaching camps and they have all said how well behaved the children are, is this normal or do you have children misbehaving as much as we do here?
No…not a true perception. Bad behavior is very much present in the States. Most of it is poor parenting. Some of it is immaturity while I feel a portion is mental capacity. I typically see, at the early years, the kids with a mental capacity to absorb information and pay attention are also the ones who tend to be better players. If you only deal with rec players this may be why you have that perception.
I coach from beginner to elite and see the worse behaviour at the lower levels. Personally I really do not have too many major issues with kids, learnt how to deal with them and have made sessions more enjoyable and have learnt how to change things when they are going tits up.
It is interesting to find out cultural differences between children. I very much doubted that what I had been told was the truth, as I guessed the camps have kids who do not know each other, so children act differently.
The US is a melting pot of so many cultures that its difficult to make sweeping statements. However, I would say that in area, the vast majority of the players in “elite” (well known) clubs are well-off white kids. Among these groups of kids many dont view soccer as their primary sport as parents have them in lacrosse, basketball, etc. as well. Although there are definitely kids and parents who seem to think expectations dont apply to them, I dont think its so much a behavior problem but not enough kids put in or even have the time outside of practice with all the activities they do to make it to highest levels.
Im going to get blasted for this, but poor behavior on the pitch is more about the coach than the players. Every time I have a drill that allows the kids down time they revert to poor behavior. If you have an active lively practice that involved every player almost all the time ive never had a behavior issue- not one. I have 4 years of notes and every time I have had an issue I can attribute it to a poorly planned drill. Same in my classroom. I make a note of this and adjust what I do all the time to ensure the kids are active and moving the entire practice period.
Notice how the resting players in the clinics have rolls. They are serving balls, mirroring etc. This is not on the fly stuff. Its deliberate. It keeps the kids engaged.
Eric I coach a style of play called practice play, no kid is ever standing around, no lines or drills at all. Majority of kids are great, but I have the odd few that really struggle to concentrate on football alone. One lad in particular loves to talk about play station games and that distracts others.
I coach numerous teams and behaviour issues depend on the group. I have used the same practice on teams of similar ability at the same age and had completely different responses. Generally the better kids will play with more passion.
I’ve always tried to make sure that the kids who are giving their full effort and concentration get mine. The kids acting up are energy sappers. You end up spending your focus and energy on them, and it isn’t fair to the other kids.
When I have had issues in the past, typically early on in a season when boundaries are being tested or in a camp/clinic setting where I have a wider range of personalities and less of a rapport, I just ask the player to step out of the exercise or game and either stand or sit out. Then when there is a natural pause or break in the session for water or change of activity I address it 1 v 1, make my expectations clear, and then allow the player to tell me whether they choose to join the group again or not. I try to be dispassionate and put the ball back in the kid’s court. You have to be age appropriate with your warnings, communication, and follow through, but I think if you add this approach to the kind of well structured sessions that are being described in this thread you can avoid all but the most serious of behavioral issues. In team settings especially I’ve had a lot of success with this, as the vast majority of kids enjoy the structure and accountability. It’s a little harder with camps, clinics, or try-outs, but I have done it. Just have to be prepared to stand your ground with the parents if necessary.
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