It was a U12 match last Saturday and the score was tied with just minutes left on the clock. One of our midfielders, Emma, had the ball and was under pressure. Instead of panicking, she scanned the field, spotted her teammate, and passed decisively. Mia, her teammate, received the ball and drove toward the circle, but instead of taking a rushed shot, she faked, drew the defender, and passed to another player, who scored the winning goal.
What stood out wasn’t just the technical execution—it was the life lessons on display. Emma showed social skills by trusting her teammate. Mia demonstrated creativity with her fake and pass. And the entire team exhibited good manners and behavior by celebrating the goal together, showing respect for their opponents and thanking the umpires after the game.
Moments like this remind us that as youth coaches, we’re not just teaching hockey, we’re shaping young lives. The question is: How do we ensure we’re doing it right?
The Role of the Coach: More Than Just Hockey
As a youth coach, your role isn’t to replace the parent, but you will inevitably impact the lives of the players you coach beyond the game. Field hockey is a vehicle for teaching life lessons, skills that extend far beyond the pitch. The seven lessons we’ll explore here are timeless and essential. The challenge is incorporating them into your daily coaching in a way that feels natural and impactful. Have these - or your own set of life lessons - always in the back of your head when training and coaching youth.
Teaching 7 Life Lessons Through Field Hockey
Let’s break down each of the seven lessons and explore how you can teach them through real-life examples during training or games.
