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Coaching points should be focused on a player’s development journey and not the destination – it’s time to reframe your team’s mentality, says Abby Evans.
As players strive for success, victory on the field often takes centre stage.
However, true success extends far beyond wins and losses. It encompasses a holistic journey of growth and improvement.
Focusing on, and guiding, a player’s journey, rather than fixating solely on their destination, is essential.
Teaching players that success is subjective encourages them to focus on progress, rather than outcome, reducing pressure and anxiety, which, in turn, enhances performance.
Come matchday, players should be buzzing with excitement, not fearful of making mistakes or losing.
Throughout this article, I will discuss how implementing coaching points from training to matchday can help reframe a player’s mentality around success.
I will also share three key principles that shape my coaching philosophy and help to unlock player potential.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, we operate a performance center designed for the province’s top-performing players aged 12 to 15.
"Players have become more inquisitive and demonstrated a better comprehension..."
Our weekly sessions are created around specific themes.
In recent times, we have been placing a strong emphasis on training our players to develop a better understanding of global game principles and moments within the game.
To facilitate this learning process, our technical director creates short video clips tailored to the theme of each session. These feature players showcasing movements, techniques and actions that we aspire to instill in our own players.
This approach has proven to enhance our program. All coaches have observed a transformation in our players – they have become more inquisitive and demonstrated a better comprehension of our coaching points.
At the end of a week, we have a matchday for players. This allows them to practice the information they have been absorbing.
However, a common issue we often notice is players not implementing what we have been training into matchdays.
I believe this goes back to the player’s sole focus being on winning. So how can we effectively implement coaching points from training to matchday? And how can this help reframe players’ mentality surrounding the definition of success?
The main way I choose to transfer coaching points from training to matchday is by setting objectives.
Limiting these to a maximum of three ensures players remain focused on the tasks at hand.
It is crucial to maintain simplicity and clarity in these objectives; bombarding players with new information, moments before kick-off, risks overwhelming them.
One approach I’ve found effective is to extract match objectives from our training sessions.
For instance, we may select objectives such as quickly identifying free players, utilizing width and depth and valuing the ball in possession, based on a session that explores build-up habits.
As coaches, we can look back at a match tape to analyze certain statistics. I conduct a half-time check-in with players to gauge their feelings on the match, celebrating their strengths, while identifying areas for growth. I often refer back to the video clips they have watched.
Following the match, I facilitate a debrief discussion, using a whiteboard to engage players.
I encourage them to reflect on their individual and team performance through some of the following thought-provoking questions:
By inviting players to contribute their thoughts on the whiteboard and brainstorm together, we foster collaboration. It allows players to analyze their strengths, empowering them with confidence.
It also gives players the opportunity to view and understand their success from a developmental standpoint. This shifts players’ mentality away from just the scoreboard.
A true winning mentality goes beyond outcomes; it thrives on embracing progress, growth and development.
I grew up playing soccer in my hometown of St. John’s, in Newfoundland and Labrador. I use a lot of my personal experience to guide my coaching philosophy.
I want to empower individuals through guidance and positivity, while helping them to unlock their potential as both a person and a player.
People will always remember the imprint you leave on them, whether it’s good or bad. It’s within your control to shape how you make your players feel, and I aspire for them to feel empowered in my presence.
When coaching youth players, I believe in three key principles: confidence, comfort, and fun.
Confidence
A confident mindset is a powerful force that elevates performance, on and off the pitch.
Confidence enhances individual resilience and instills leadership qualities within players.
My approach involves empowering players through positive reinforcement, whether it is during training sessions or matches.
We celebrate all successes, regardless of their magnitude, fostering a culture where progress and achievement are recognized and valued.
Comfort
Creating an inviting atmosphere involves fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among team-mates and coaches.
A supportive environment provides a sense of comfort. Individuals feel empowered to take risks and problem-solve, without being hindered by fear of failure. It allows players to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
To build high levels of trust and respect, I seek to be present in the lives of my players, offering guidance not only in soccer-related matters, but also in life, whenever possible.
Fun
Regardless of age, if you are not enjoying what you are doing, you’ll likely stop. But, loving what you do boosts motivation.
Keeping youth players engaged in training sessions has sometimes posed challenges. I discovered a simple solution: increase competitiveness.
Players enjoy competition, and integrating it into activities improves their experience.
When I asked my players why they play soccer, they overwhelmingly responded: "Because it’s fun!". We should always prioritize fun, as it fuels their love and passion for the game.
Since emphasizing these principles during training sessions and on matchdays, I’ve observed a transformation in my players.
By combining confidence, comfort and fun, we unlock the formula for empowerment – a crucial component necessary for elevating player development.
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