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Development habits, game-day preparation, recovery and ownership of growth.

Start with match-day preparation, individual development habits, recovery basics, goal setting, and ways players can take ownership of improvement between sessions.

PLAYER QUICK GUIDE
• Before games: arrive early, hydrate, check equipment, warm up with purpose and know your role.
• During games: communicate, scan before receiving, react quickly after losing the ball and stay connected to teammates.
• After games: cool down, rehydrate, identify one thing done well and one thing to improve.
• Between sessions: get quality touches on the ball, work both feet, practice first touch and passing, and set one simple development goal for the week.

Official U.S. Soccer Player Resources →

Expectations, communication, weather, tournaments and supporting development.

Find practical guidance on communication, player support, sideline expectations, weather decisions, tournaments, registration, and helping young players enjoy long-term development.

PARENT QUICK GUIDE
• Before training: make sure your player has water, proper footwear, shin guards and arrives ready to participate.
• On the sideline: encourage effort and teamwork without coaching over the coach or criticizing officials.
• After games: ask what your player enjoyed or learned before discussing mistakes or results.
• Communication: use the program’s normal communication channel for schedule, attendance or player concerns.
• Weather: watch official team messages for heat, lightning or field-related changes before traveling.

U.S. Soccer Safeguarding Resources →

Player-centered coaching, age-appropriate development and education resources.

Use this hub for session planning, player-centered coaching, age-appropriate development, technical progressions, goalkeeper considerations, safety, and continuing coach education.

COACH QUICK GUIDE
• Plan with a clear objective instead of collecting unrelated drills.
• Keep players active and maximize meaningful touches and decisions.
• Progress from simple to game-like while adjusting difficulty to the group.
• Coach the individual inside the team: technique, confidence, communication and understanding all matter.
• Finish with a game or realistic activity that lets players apply the session theme.
• Review what worked after the session and adjust the next plan accordingly.

U.S. Soccer Learning Center →

Laws of the Game, positioning, signals, preparation and referee development.

Use this section for Laws of the Game support, positioning, signals, match preparation, game management, referee development, and pathways to official education.

REFEREE QUICK GUIDE
• Before the match: confirm time and field, inspect equipment, review competition rules and arrive early.
• Pregame: check the field and goals, complete player/equipment checks and coordinate responsibilities with the referee crew.
• During play: stay close enough to see incidents, use clear signals, communicate calmly and apply the Laws consistently.
• Game management: prevent problems when possible, recognize misconduct early and keep decisions focused on safety and fairness.
• After the match: complete required reports promptly and review any difficult decisions for continued development.

IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27 →

BEYOND THE SESSION

Preparation, confidence, recovery, decision-making, education and support all play a part in helping people grow within the game.