Reading about soccer Together.  First, you will show your child the value of reading.  Second, you will be showing your child affection and providing comfort.  Third, you will show your child that you are interested in developing and sharing in his/her interest.  Finally, through the reading material, you may stimulate your child’s interest and establish that soccer is serious FUN and not serious work.

Watching games Together.  As you are watching games decide what you will focus on:  A specific player, A specific technique, Specific running patterns… Ask your child to imagine themselves being part of the action on the field.  Discuss the action on the field and find out if your child is really observing the game as a participant.  But, remember the younger the child, the shorter the attention span!

Watching training videos Together.  Select only ONE technique per viewing.  Plan to repeat each segment several times so that the subconscious can record the action.  Look for a different aspects of the movement such as head movement, body movement, foot movement as separate focal points.  Have your child explain to you what each movement would be if they were performing the movement.

Practice Together.  Find out what your child’s coach expects of your child so that you can reinforce those expectations at home.  Or, have your child put into action what you read about or observed.  When trying to show your child how the technique looks, be sure to laugh at your own mistakes.  Your practice sessions should be short unless your child shows great interest in continuing. Practice Together today and every day!  Since this will be your child’s only childhood, and they are available right now –Start playing right now.  Delaying practice until tomorrow is always too late, so practice together today because sometimes tomorrow never comes!