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A One v. One Approach:
Getting to Know Your Players

It is amazing how many coaches attempt to motivate their team, give the team confidence and create a winning team without really getting to know the most important part of the team—the individual player!  Getting to know your player will allow you to understand any zone or funk they may be in.  Preparing a short, simple sheet with common questions is an easy way to get to know your players. Here are some examples:

Some of the questions appear irrelevant to the development of soccer players, but remember, we are in the business of developing people first—players second!  After further reading and understanding, you will soon come to realize that the more you know about your players – their fears, concerns, likes, dislikes and so on – the more you will be able to help them in their development.

Develop a Player-Centered Approach

A basic principle of using sport psychology with players is firstly to be aware of your responsibility as a coach or manager in ensuring that the player is the key to everything.  The player should be the focal point of your attention.  Develop an attitude that it is your responsibility to the young player, as an adult coach, to continue to improve your own skills and knowledge to enable you to better understand and support your players.  Be there for the player’s benefit. 

Player First, Winning Second

If fun and enjoyment are key reasons for young players participating in sport, then the more the coach can do to promote a positive experience the better!  One major cause for concern and anxiety in players is a constant reference to the importance of winning; not only in competitive matches, but also in training.  If young players look upon themselves as failures when losing, they may quickly develop poor motivation to continue; they may worry more and not persist at difficult tasks.  In essence, their development will be severely impaired.  It stops players from being creative, taking chances in the game and gaining satisfaction from the process of competing rather than simply from the outcome.  Instead of emphasizing winning, coaches should encourage self-improvements.  Players are much more likely to enjoy playing and develop at a faster rate if they are encouraged to concentrate on personal improvement at the expense of simply winning.  This does not imply that players are discouraged from striving to win soccer games; it simply means changing the focus for the benefit of player development.

Keep Communication Lines Open

Children like to know they can talk to their coach.  When the child perceives the coach as always being too busy to talk – “Not having time for me” or even, “Why would he want to hear what I have to say?” – great opportunities to get to know your players may pass.  Gerard Houllier, manager of Liverpool in the English Premier League, often refers to the fact that he makes sure he spends time every day just mixing with players and chatting; showing he cares about them.  They in turn are more likely to discuss matters with him.  These may simply be small issues, but occasionally they could be important issues for the players that the coach may never know had he not given the player time. 

Some players may perform below their usual standards for reasons totally unbeknown to the coach.  There may be issues at home, at school or with friends or teammates.  Having an “open door” policy or simply speaking to each player about an issue outside of soccer at least once every practice may lead to big rewards in terms of player-coach trust and player development.

Good coaches also allow players to have a say in their development.  Feedback is a two-way concept!  This does not always come easy to inexperienced coaches and it does not mean that players are in charge of what goes on.  In a structured team, there should be some flexibility with regards to allowing players some say in how they train.

A Player Diary

A useful tool for managers and coaches is an individual player diary.  Many coaches have no idea about players’ commitments and how they really feel throughout the week.  How much other physical training does your player take part in?  A school cross-country run, school athletics, gym and so forth can all take their toll and affect a player’s motivation, confidence and commitment to your soccer team.  Why does a player look like he or she is not interested in that practice that took you ages to prepare?  The answer may be much easier to determine if you know a little more about your players’ lifestyles. 

The diary can be organized into various soccer-related responsibilities, such as “club,” “school,” “fitness,” etc. along with other physical activities like, “school,” “after-school,” “evening,” etc. with the hours needed to do each right beside it.  In addition, main weekly targets and objectives can include, “This week I am working on…” and “When I achieve this it would mean…” among others as well.

With this diary, the coach can better understand and react to the individual player’s needs.  Furthermore, the diary has an added section for players to record details about their goals and objectives for the week.  Diaries can be customized to reflect your own requirements and any specific aims that you may have as a coach.  Setting weekly goals can be particularly beneficial.

Essentially, to get the most out of your players, you need to make an attempt to know the most about them.  It’s just like driving your car.  In order to get your car to drive properly, you need to know about its engine, wheels, battery and so forth.  The more you know about it, the easier it is to answer questions and solve problems in the future.  Apply this to your players.  If you know what makes each player tick, everything else will be like clockwork.

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