Reader,
This week, I had a really impactful discussion with a trusted colleague and friend who is a genuine expert in the talent development space.
I was sharing some ideas with him around potential improvements or adaptations to the club programme I lead. As we talked and I discussed implementing some new ideas, we ended up wandering down the rabbit hole of the environmental demands of football (and organised sport).
In every session, it’s natural for coaches with a plan to consider what outcomes they’re looking for. We might want to focus on a technical element, a tactical approach in preparation for a game, or simply just be demanding with the group. What emerged in our conversation was: how many layers can we continually put into programmes before it becomes too much?
A youth player may move between multiple environments in a week. It is likely that they also spend their days in a classroom, having to behave in certain ways and tow the line. They then have demands at home, potentially a part-time job, the pressure of exams and if they have time, other sports.
Between all these structured environments, well-meaning coaches can really begin to remove the joy and only focus on the outcome. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s important to create great environments, push players to improve and support them when challenged, but it really got me thinking about the joy of the game, and the fact that organised sport can simply mean players move from one demand to the next.
Three Things to Consider
- Consider the context of your players. What stage of the school term are they at, and how can you ensure that when they arrive in your training environment, the focus isn’t just on tactical or technical demands and outcomes?
- If your players play various sports or play in different football environments, gain an understanding of what those look like so you can shape yours accordingly. For example, if one environment is putting players through their paces physically, perhaps you can de-load conditioning components and ramp up social or technical challenges.
- Don’t be afraid to just put joy, connection and laughter at the forefront of your session planning. Fun games that create connection, competition and encourage players to keep turning up and giving their best can greatly improve the motivational climate.
One thing to try this week
If you don’t have clarity on the demands your players are expected to meet each week, survey your playing group or the parents via Whatsapp.
Ask them how many sports they play, how many other football sessions they do, whether they also go to the gym and how school is going.
Inevitably, you will learn something and can adapt your approach accordingly with individuals in the team.
One Critical Resource on the Topic
Check out this article from sports psychologist John Haime on the importance of play from a motivational perspective in sport.
