How to rebuild when confidence is waning

Coaching demands not just tactical knowledge and leadership, but also emotional resilience and confidence.

 

It can be easy to lose that self-belief when training sessions aren’t going as planned, the team is struggling to get results, or you feel like your players aren’t developing or enjoying the game.

 

For many coaches, especially those who pride themselves on creating a positive and growth-centered environment, these challenges can feel particularly heavy. 

 

So, if you find yourself in a slump, or questioning your ability to inspire and lead, here are four things to focus on to regain your confidence as a coach...

 

Reconnect with your ’why?’

When self-doubt begins to creep in, it’s essential to revisit the core reason you started coaching in the first place.

Why do you love soccer? Why did you decide to coach? Often, the passion for developing players and fostering a love of the game is what drives coaches forward. 

 

Reflect on these motivations. Journaling about your values and the positive impact you’ve had on players, even beyond wins and losses, can reignite your passion. 

 

When your purpose is clear, the confidence to move forward grows, regardless of the immediate outcomes on the field.

 

Create a support network

Coaching can feel isolating, especially when things aren’t going well. Many coaches find themselves carrying the weight of the team’s struggles alone. 

 

One of the most effective ways to rebuild your confidence is to seek support. Whether it’s a mentor, a peer in the coaching world, or a community of fellow female coaches, having people to talk to, share experiences with, and gain perspective from, can be a game-changer. 

 

These conversations can often lead to fresh ideas, and reassurance that you’re not alone in facing challenges. 

Even seasoned coaches have moments of doubt, and connecting with others can provide practical advice and emotional encouragement.

 

Evaluate and adjust

When things aren’t going well, take a step back and evaluate what’s happening from a tactical and emotional standpoint.

 

Are the drills too complex? Are the players struggling with communication? Or is it more about the emotional energy in the team? 

 

Breaking down specific areas that need improvement can make the situation feel more manageable. 

 

Once you identify problem areas, make small, targeted adjustments. Sometimes, even minor tweaks to session structure, communication style, or team-building activities can make a big difference in turning around the team’s energy – and your own.

 

Celebrate small wins

When your confidence is low, it’s easy to focus only on what’s going wrong – but positive moments, however small, are happening, too.

 

Make it a point to celebrate the little wins, whether it’s a player showing improvement in a practice, a well-executed team play, or simply seeing players smiling and enjoying the game. 

 

These small successes can serve as reminders that progress is happening, even if it’s not immediately obvious in the results. 

 

By shifting your focus to these wins, you can build momentum and slowly restore your confidence.

 

Being a coach is as much about managing emotions – your own, and your players’ – as it is about strategy and skill development.

 

When confidence wanes, as it will for even the best coaches, it’s important to remember that the journey, and your team’s performance, will never be linear. 

 

By revisiting your ’why?’, seeking support, and celebrating small wins, you will not only rediscover your confidence, but also model resilience and growth for your team.