All of my blogs so far have been specific to events which I have attended, not really specific upon what I spend a lot of time doing, which is coaching. This season has been 'weird' and I'm sure that isn't the correct term to use. I think it's a season where I've have had different roles within different teams, all of which beneficial in some way. Whether that's picking out traits I want to avoid or spotting areas which I need to push on with to create and maintain success.
The term weird is quite loose, I've been in 5-6 different coaching environments this season each one has been completely different, whether that is because of the coaches stood around me, the impact I'm trying to have or the environment. This blog is aimed at the environment which we as coaches create and how important that is to success.
I'm sure if you read anything around the Youth Modules one of the first key points is developing the environment. Creating a scene where players can experiment, trial new skills and know that they aren't making mistakes but in fact developing as players. Be able to build an atmosphere filled with fun and creativity - if that's being creative with the sessions you put on, in coaching- finding ways to gain attention retain it and most importantly allowing players to be creative.
Something which has really started to bother me this season is standing next to another coach or watching other coaches who make every decision for their players. Shoot, pass, turn, quick throw, cross it, tackle, run, work harder. Why are they being told every move? Sure from a few foot higher we can see the game differently and where the space is, but by commanding every move, where is the players' metal development? Later on in the game or their playing career they will always look for that guidance on what to do. I'm not saying be quiet, maybe use different cues, 'look up' instead of 'pass it to Billy.' Watch the game from their level, can they even see that pass? Do they need to pass? This environment we are creating isn't beneficial for the players and their development.
"Let the game be the teacher." Again don't take it too literal and walk away after throwing a ball in. Who are you helping by doing that? Allow mistakes, cause to us losing the ball is an error, but what if the ball was lost due to players trying to pass the ball around, or attempting a turn and not quite getting it spot on. Surely that just provides a platform for the player to know what they've done wrong, but they can have another go even if the next time we see a similar error, they might feel closer to success.
As coaches we can't feel the game, I'm sure we like to think we can. When that ball drops allow the player to decide if to take a touch, shoot or header the ball. Why scream shoot at them and see a child panic and then deflate after missing the goal. Find the positives, ask the players to give feedback, what can they see happening? With winning blinkers on, what have you as a coach missed? This way the players get to have their say, which more often than not is eye opening. Their feelings and thoughts cannot be by-passed, it's their game after all.
Getting back on track after that rant... This season has provided me with opportunities to work with some phenomenal coaches and people, who are very good at being enthused from the first minute it the last. When players arrive at a session, the coach is the first person they see, that enthusiasm, banter, up-lifting emotions is the perfect start to getting players into the session.
From the first session I spent with Lancashire's Girls Player Development Centre I pin pointed the positive atmosphere as something which had been missing from other environments which either I had been in or tried to create. Their positive and fun filled environment allows players to develop and get the support they need without feeling like their mistakes are being judged. A lot of this is created by the coaches who put on the sessions. Having that level of energy is priceless, to then be able to put that into sessions and enthuse players is at another level. One which I'm aiming at, by moving around my sessions and constantly talking I can keep energy levels high and show my players that my attention is fully on them, I'm not standing and judging them.
This environment, it's down for us to build and allow our players in to. Piece it around your philosophy/ aims to have fun and be safe. Allow creativity, but also know when to coach. Attempting to build a fortress is great if you've got the bricks, but there aren't many kids who like to play football indoors.
I've learnt that by sticking to my beliefs and having an open mind, I can relax. I'm not a tense boss like figure, scared of offering opinions because someone else might not agree. If I enjoy myself, it will hopefully rub off onto the players I'm working with, adding to the positive and fun session.
A quote used by players, 'the only person you can control on the pitch is yourself' this works for coaches, you can only control yourself, but by controlling yourself correctly you can affect players and they way in which they control themselves.
It's more than grass and cones, the positive environment starts with us. The coaches.
