After coaching youth sports for 14-15 years, I learned a few things along the way. Of all the things I learned, nothing is more important than these basic principles. They are my foundation for coaching kids:

-Coach the kids to learn the sport and be better at it than when you go them. Teach the fundamantals and don't go to the next level until they've mastered the basics.

-Coach the kids to learn sportsmanship and fair play. Play hard but always play fair. Be good loser and gracious winner.

-Coach the kids to have fun. No matter how many games you win or lose, they are not coming back if it wan't fun. You can teach them and lot and still have fun. It's all about your attitude as a coach.

Within each of those basic principles, you could write a book. But I have found that if you keep these as your priorities, you'll be a successful youth coach.