What not to say at your child's soccer game.

"Shoot! SHOOT!" — while the coach is calling for a pass

The practical problem: two adults, two instructions, one kid in the middle. Obeying you means ignoring the coach. Instead: cheer outcomes, don't call plays. "Go on!" works for every decision they make.

"What was THAT?!" — straight after a mistake

The mistake has already happened, and a public review gives the player no useful next action. Instead: say nothing, or use a neutral "next one" and let play continue.

"Ref, are you blind?!"

Whatever the referee's experience, shouting from the sideline does not change the decision. Instead: leave the call with the referee and focus on the next phase of play.

"Get stuck in! Don't be soft!"

Calling a player "soft" is personal rather than actionable. Instead: acknowledge a specific moment when it happens: "great challenge" is clearer than a judgement about the player.

"Why didn't you pass to your teammate when they were free?"

Tactical feedback is easier to follow when it comes from the coach in training, rather than from several adults after the match. Instead: start with "I loved watching you play" and let them decide whether to discuss the game.

"You were the best one out there."

It makes the feedback about ranking players instead of describing the match. Instead: be specific: "that first-half run was great."

"We'll practise shooting all week, then it'll go in."

Turning the result into an immediate practice plan adds an assignment they did not ask for. Instead: leave the offer open: "we can practise together if you want."