Little girls can tackle, dive into headers, snag rebounds in traffic and be tough like the boys - if they are coached to. Give the girls you coach room to be as strong as they can be within the parameters set by the rules of the game.

2. Set Clear Goals

Individually and as a team, kids need focus for their energies. To facilitate progress, set clear, concise goals for every practice and game. Make sure goals are attainable and relevant to the skills and tactics your team needs to work on.

3. Evaluate Progress Regularly

Setting goals is only the first step. Evaluating strides each player made in a given direction is equally important to improvement. Girls need to know when they have acheived - so they remain engaged and enthusiastice. On the other hand, girls need to know when they have fallen short of their goals - so they can alter their effort or approach next time.

4. Be Mindful of Social Dynamics

Sports don't exist in a social vacuum at any level. Crushes, cliques and power dynamics come to practice every day, like it or not. Observe your group and work to understand what social forces are affecting their progress. Exploit positive behavior (leadership, support, honesty) and intervene to diffuse negative behaviors (bullying, isolation, caddiness).

5. Take a Process-Oriented Approach

The athletic development of kids is slow to come when wins and losses are the success gauge of a season. Concentrate on how to shoot the ball rather than whether or not a goal is scored. Focus on fundamental skills, tactics and strategies over the obsessed - about victory.

6. Respect Each Player' Contribution

Every player on your team has something to offer the group - whether it's a positive attitude, a fast 100-meter dash or a smart play. It's your job to find each girl's contributions - physical, emotional and mental.

7. Create Expectations

Before your season begins, let players know what expectations you have for them (timeliness, effort, equipment) and let them know what they can expect of you (feedback, support, communication). Create a predictable environment to support their learning.

8. Set an Example of Sportsmanship

Your treatment of officials, opponents and fans willundoubtedly be noted and mimicked - by both players and parents. Recognize your role and make a commitment to respecting the spirit of the game and all those involved.

9. Help Parents Understand Their Supporting Role

Parental support is a key to a successful season. However, parental meddling in coaching details is a sure sign of trouble. Communicate your goals and expectations with parents - but demand autonomy in coaching practices and decisions.

10. Focus on Fun

After all, that's what playing is all about, right?

Reprinted with permission for the Women's Sports Foundation, the #1 resource for girls and women in sports www.womenssportsfoundation.org