Reader,
One of the most fascinating, challenging and enjoyable parts of coaching, is the mental game.
There are so many dynamics at play when it comes to groups of people working together in teams.
We can all easily be drawn to the technical and tactical elements of the game in our coaching, but understanding how a possible intervention could enhance (or detract from) individual or team performance, building relationships with players, the role of social dynamics, team connection and the impact of results all play a massive part in the environment.
We cannot take emotion out of the game or the environment, but we can direct it positively. Dr. Suze Brown shares a great example in this discussion saying from the player’s perspective:
“If you’re a centre-back and you lose the ball in your own half, you want to use that emotion to drive you to win the ball back; you don’t want to feel sadness at having lost it — that wouldn’t be healthy or productive.”
Similarly, as coaches, we should be emotionally intelligent, self-aware, model good behaviours, and try to maintain control to think clearly, but we are human.
Coaches are highly invested in the development or performance of their teams so perfection is likely to be unattainable when it comes to controlling our emotions.
Three things to consider.
- How do you build psychological outcomes into your session design? Do you ever plan practices based on developing resilience, persistence, courage, determination or other character traits we might want to develop in our players?
- How well do you know the individuals in your care? Are you clear on what kind of support or intervention might be best with each player and what their context away from training is?
- Can you create a positive environment with your players by focusing on players’ strengths as a starting point?
One thing for you to try this week.
Plan a practice with psychological development in mind. Can you plan a session that stretches or supports players to develop a psychological attribute?
Give it a try and see how the players respond.
One critical resource on the topic.
Check out this brilliant Masterclass Discussion with top Sports Psychologist Dan Abrahams for a deep dive into the topic of psychology.
