7 Reasons to Hire a Private Soccer Coach
Sometimes players want more than their team practices. They want to work on their individual skills. They want to speed up the development of their game.
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A private soccer trainer is supplemental to your team practices.
They can help you focus on certain aspects of your game that need improvement. Also, a coach can motivate you and hold you more accountable.
I’ve seen many young players get better in a season because they worked with a trainer. They had better ball skills, got faster, and made better decisions.
Here’s an example…
You could have this too.
Are you still on the fence about hiring a private soccer coach? This article will help.
Why Should I Hire a Private Soccer Coach?
Let’s dive into the reasons why hiring a private soccer trainer is the right choice for you.
Personalized Training Programs
You can expect to receive personalized training programs that are tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Unlike group training sessions, you’ll get to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Then, they will create a training program to help you improve in the areas where you need it most.
One of the benefits of personalized training programs is that they can help you achieve your goals faster.
As you improve in certain areas, your coach can update your training program to help you continue to improve. This means that you will always be challenged and that your training will remain effective over time.
Accelerated Skill Development
Hiring a private soccer coach can accelerate your skill development in ways that group training sessions cannot. Here are two reasons why:
1. Technique Refinement
Private coaching allows you to work on your technique with a coach who can provide personalized feedback.
You will receive one-on-one attention, which means you can focus on the specific areas of your game that need improvement.
A private coach can help you refine your technique and correct any bad habits you may have developed.
By working on your technique, you can improve your overall performance on the field!
2. Tactical Awareness
Working with a private soccer coach can help you understand the game better and teach you how to make better decisions on the field.
They will help you develop your game sense, which is crucial for success in soccer.
By working on your tactical awareness with a private coach, you can become a smarter player and make better decisions on the field.
Flexible Scheduling
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a private soccer coach is the flexibility they offer.
Unlike team practices, private coaches often have more flexible schedules, allowing you to arrange training sessions that work best for your busy schedule.
This can be particularly helpful if you have other commitments, such as school or extracurricular activities.
Private coaches can work around your schedule, offering training sessions at a time that works best for you.
Motivation and Mental Coaching
I’ve said it many times over, your mental game is just as important as your physical.
A great trainer will help you develop a positive mindset. They will help you push through the hard times. And, they’ll have your best interest.
1. Goal Setting
One of the first things that a private soccer coach will do is help you set goals.
This can be a powerful motivator, as it gives you something concrete to work towards. Your coach can help you set realistic, achievable goals that will help you improve your skills and become a better player.
2. Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can help you grow as a player. It will help you to keep going.
Your coach can point out the things you’re doing well and offer constructive feedback on areas where you need to improve.
3. Mental Toughness
Mental toughness is a key component of success in soccer.
A private coach can help you develop mental toughness by teaching you techniques for staying focused, staying positive, and pushing through mental barriers.
Sometimes, they can also help you develop coping strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other mental challenges.
4. Visualization
Visualizing what could be rather than what is can help keep you motivated.
Working with a private coach can help you develop visualization techniques that will help you stay focused and motivated during games and practices.
They can also help you visualize success, which can be a powerful motivator.
5. Accountability
A coach can hold you accountable. They can help you set deadlines and hold you accountable for meeting them.
This can be a powerful motivator, as it helps you stay focused and on track towards your goals.
You’ll Have More Access to Other Coaches
By hiring a private coach, you will also have access to their growing network of players, clubs, and coaches.
Players are so tunnel-visioned inside their soccer club and they forget that there are other options out there.
By getting introduced to other talented players, they are expanding their network. A valuable asset as players get older.
Additionally, some private coaches can provide good direction for the college pathway. They may have existing connections with coaches and scouts.
Are You Ready for a Private Soccer Coach?
Hiring a private soccer coach isn’t for everyone. It’s not for most.
Some factors come into play…the big one being financial.
Hiring a private coach can cost anywhere from $50-$200 per hour. The range will depend on the trainer’s experience and what part of the country you live in.
This is a big expense on top of the $3,500+ club fees families incur.
Also, players may find that the training they get from their soccer team is enough.
As parents, it’s important to assess this. Don’t push them into something they don’t want to do (especially if it’s extra time). Be sensitive to the fact that all players have different ambitions. Some players want to turn pro and some just want to play with their friends.
For players who want to work with a private trainer, the best place to find one is to ask for recommendations.
Work with them and be ready to move forward or pull out if it’s not a great connection.
Remember, this is about you – the player – so work with someone you enjoy and who will motivate you!
Written By: Beau Bridges
Founder of SoccerNovo
I’m Beau 👋 a proud dad of an MLS NEXT player, former soccer coach, soccer enthusiast, and board member of our local youth sports program. I created soccernovo.com to share my knowledge of the game and help parents learn more about youth soccer in the U.S. I also authored an eBook ‘Soccer Coach Made Simple‘. Learn more about Beau.
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