Ricardo Rochetti

I am the fool that Mr. T pitied for all those years.

[The Sporting Resource @TheS_Resource]

A coach who demands that children listen, accept feedback and learn from mistakes must do the same.

[leedunnesoccer @LeeDunneSoccer]

I ran a session, timed everything on my watch, and the ball was in play for 66% of 90 minutes. I thought I was running a tight, efficient session. I wasn't. https://t.co/cojpoYQCO8

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

#NewProfilePic

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

@coach_kevin_m Most parents and coaches will justify it by saying something like "iron sharpens iron", while ignoring that, the vast majority of the time, the kid playing up is not even close to being "iron".

[Coach Gavin Mole @CoachGavM]

There might be nothing in youth soccer I dislike more than “fitness week.”

Are players getting significantly fitter in a week?

Are there many kids who actually enjoy it?

Children don’t need a break from soccer to get fit.

They need better soccer sessions.

Create training where they’re constantly moving, making decisions, competing, and solving problems.

The fitness comes with it.

The joy does too.

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

@UTDIMole Diego Forlán

[Coach Gavin Mole @CoachGavM]

We celebrate the coach who talks the most.

The loudest coach.

The coach directing every movement.

Since moving to NTX, I’ve had quite a few parents tell me:

“You can be harder on my kid. They can take it.”

Most of the time, what they’re really saying is:

“You can yell at my kid.”

Maybe that’s because we’ve convinced ourselves that good coaching should look loud.

Constant instructions.

Constant corrections.

Constant noise.

We say we want players who can think for themselves.

Yet we’re constantly telling them what to think.

Why are we so uncomfortable letting kids struggle, make decisions, and figure things out on their own?

[Kieron Button @kieronbutton17]

2 Key Abilities to Succeed as a Youth Football/Soccer Coach ⚽

1. Be an Inspiring Coach

Ignite passion in young kids by showing enthusiasm and belief in their potential.
- Share a clear vision for their growth, both on and off the pitch.
- Celebrate small wins to boost confidence and motivation.
- Lead by example with a positive attitude, even under pressure.

2. Connect with Kids Effectively

Build trust and rapport to help kids thrive.
- Communication: Use clear, encouraging words tailored to their age and understanding.
- Body Language: Show warmth and approachability through open gestures and eye contact.
- Understanding: Listen to their needs, fears and goals to foster a safe, supportive environment.

Be the coach who lifts energy, sparks joy, and helps kids grow into confident players and people!

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

Believe it or not, not everyone agrees with this by now.

[Ray Power @power_ray]

Surely everyone agrees with this by now? What do you think?

Laps around the pitch don’t build footballers - they build boredom 🚫

Fitness should come with the ball ⚽

Resilience comes from small-sided games 🔥

Endurance from repetition⏳

#CoachingYouthFootball

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

Taking some time off from coaching, so now when I take my son to practice, I observe not only his session, but others around his.

Lines. Patterns. Activities devoid of context (speed/pressure). Coaches yelling “Freeze” and going in soliloquies.

US youth soccer has no soul.

[Advanced Football Academy @AdvFtbAcad]

Most training sessions miss the mark.

Players practice skills,
but don't experience the pressure of a real game.

Here are 5 common mistakes coaches make that kill game realism👇

[Jacob Brown @JacobBrownDOC]

Fitness does not belong in your practice. Period.

There’s no justification for it.

If you want your kids to be in better shape then up the intensity of your activities and play more.

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

@PeterPrickett @TheS_Resource Started it yesterday, already on Match 17. Great read!

[Osku Partonen @Coach_Osku]

Every coach needs one person they can talk to without filters.

Someone who knows the team, understands the players, and has no second agenda.

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

@AngrySoccerGuy Once had a player, in the closing minutes of a tough loss, tell me she was already dreading the car ride home.

What are we doing here?

[Paul Spacey ⚽️ @PaulSpacey]

“Trust me, I’m not that parent…”

Thanks. You just confirmed you *are* that parent.

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

@AdvFtbAcad @paulspacey Agree wholeheartedly. One thing to think about is - what should the enforcement mechanism be. Violations will most likely be witnessed and/or experienced by coaches. Should the coach be in that position? Or report up? If the latter, will he/she be supported?

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

@AdvFtbAcad @paulspacey Many clubs have one. They don't mean much if they're not actually enforced - and they seldom, if ever, are.

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

Stumbled upon this today. Looks like it's a few years old, but hits close to home nonetheless.

https://t.co/n8EhEHDRS0

[Ricardo Rochetti @rrochetti]

#NewProfilePic