The A.C.E. Method

Some good advice when making coaching points to young players

Though I'd like to think that I might have come up with this acronym (we all want to leave our mark somewhere), I know the idea as a whole is a well excepted practice with top level coaches.

In the majority of instances in which I make a coaching point to a young girl, I use this method.  In every case I use at least two of the three aspects (A and C or C and E). 

A - Applaud

Ask most young players what one thing they dislike most about soccer and the answer will surely be all the yelling that is directed their way.  Be it from a coach or from a parent/spectator, kids are bombarded with "helpful" information, like "Shooooooooot!", or "Boooooooot it!", shouts of "Try harder!" and car rides home full of "Why didn't you do this?" or "You should have done that!"  (Even though parents may not be raising their voice to the young players, the kids think they are being yelled at!).  Because of this, many young players in today's game are conditioned to hear negativity when an adult opens their mouth at soccer games or at practice.  In order to combat this negative sentiment, a coach should praise or applaud the young player first.  This is sure to grab their attention as well as open their minds more to what will be said next.  Also, the positive statement will work wonders for the young player's positive self worth and self esteem.

C - Coach, Constructively Criticize, Critique, Correct

After you've gotten the young player's attention with a positive applaud, now you can look to make your coaching point, critique a specific technique or tactical decision, or provide constructive criticism to a player.  They may not like it, but they'll be more apt to listen to your suggestions or critique, or take and process the criticism into a positive.

I also use words like "remember" and "don't forget" when talking about training ideas that we've covered in the past so that the girls feel that I'm just helping them with something they already know.

E - Encourage

After you've made the point you want to make, encourage the player and let them leave the interaction with another positive statement from you. 

Here's an example.

  A - That was a great effort Brownie!

  C - Remember to keep your toe pointed down and your ankle locked on the next shot!

  E - Try it again, you can do it!

Here's another one.

  A - Blondie, great job giving your teammate support!

  C - Don't forget to let your teammate breathe so you don't get pounced on by the same defender when she passes back to you.

  E - Keep it up, you're working hard!

Through all this, coaches must watch their delivery tone and their body language which can both speak louder than words!  See Neither Tone Deaf Nor Blind