So why is it not about `winning v’s development`….?
Football (soccer) is a sport.
And sport is by definition: “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.”
Compete: “strive to win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others.”
This means that `wining` (and losing) are intrinsically built into sport and therefore are built in to football (soccer)…you can’t remove it or chose whether or not to have it! It’s not and it can’t be NON-COMPETITIVE! It’s a sport!
It can be child/player centred competition!
If we can accept that ‘wining` is part of the game, then we can stop the debate on if `wining` (especially at the foundation and developmental phase) is a good or bad thing. It’s neither, its simply part of the sport, just like the ball or the goals!
So if it’s not a question of winning v’s development, what is the real question...
All sports need a way to measure the success of the game, so in turn will conclude with a `Result`.
Therefore the real question for us to ask ourselves is `how important is the `result` over player/team development`. This is because, often making choices that better enhance our chances of improving the result of the game will impact on developmental (and learning) opportunities of the players. This is because the two can often be mutually exclusive.
`Result v Development`
This means there are essentially two approaches we could choose to adopt when coaching players. One is `Results focused` or `Short-term’ and the other is `Development focused` or `Long-term’.
What’s the difference between the two approaches;
RESULTS FOCUSED (short term)
· The result of the match is the priority
· Training is focused on how to achieve the best result
· Players only/often play in their `strongest` position and are played to their strengths
· The team plays rigid formations with limited decision making
· The coach gives the players lots of instructions during the game – Don’t, Do, Must, Never, Always
· Players are not encouraged to try things and mistakes are criticised
· Coach leads all team talks and tells the players what they must and must not do
· The Result is the measure of success
· Players are selected first on their physical strengths
· Players are told what they must do and how to do it
DEVELOPMENT FOCUSED (long term)
· The players learning is the priority
· Matches are there to support the training
· Players rotate and play all positions (when the game allows)
· The team plays formations that challenge the players to make more decisions
· The coach provides guidance and asks the players questions at appropriate times during the game
· Creativity and independent decision making is encouraged even if mistakes are made
· Coach encourages the players to lead team talks and share ideas about how they are playing and possible changes
· The players progress (individually and collectively) is the measure of success
· Playe
Episode 69 - How does competition impact youth coaching and player development, a conversation with Lee Christou UEFA B coach & PE teacher
Episode 68 - Supporting & Developing Young Grassroots Players, a conversation with Paul Barry, UEFA A , Advanced Youth Award, Author and Coach Educator
Episode 67 - Coaching Positional Soccer, a conversation with Michael Curless, PH.D, USSF A Coach and author of `Coaching Positional Soccer: Perfecting Principles and Skills`
Episode 66 - Delivering sessions based on the FA Youth Award, a conversation with Paul Robinson, UEFA B, FA Youth Award and author of `The Soccer Sessions Book`
Episode 65 - The importance of psychology and mental well-being in relation to youth sports development, a conversation with Brandon Shintani, founder of Mind-Design Sports
Episode 64 - How to invest in yourself as a coach, a conversation with the awesome Laurie McGinley, UEFA & SFA Advanced Licensed Coach
Episode 63 - The Difference in Coaching Grassroots and Academy Football, a conversation with the superb Danny Fowler, founder of DF Next Level Coaching
Episode 62 - Scoreboard Soccer, an evolution of a 'Games Based' approach described by the wonderful David Baird
Episode 61 - The Concept of Storytelling in Coaching, a conversation and catch-up with the awesome Paul Barry
Episode 60 - Session Design, Match Day Considerations, a Winning Mentality and much more, a conversation with the superb George Roberts creator of My Coaching Journey
Episode 59 - Coaching U12's, a conversation with the awesome Michael Thomas, U12 Everton RTC coach and creator of the e-book `Foundation Phase Sessions`
Episode 58 - Developing The Culture to Create Positive Performances, a conversation with the superb Charlie Bill, MK Dons Women's Manager
Episode 57 - Creating a Player-Centred Environment, a conversation with the wonderful James Honeyman, Women`s Academy Manager at Arsenal FC
Episode 56 - Alchemy Coaching - Rondos and Positional Play, a conversation with the wonderful Grant Knight from King Knight Methodology.
Episode 55 - Who are you doing it for, really?
Episode 54 - The role of Coaches and Parents in youth development, a conversation with the superb John O`Sullivan from Changing the Game Project
Episode 53 - Rough and Tumble Play, a conversation with the awesome Carl Wild, Man City Foundation Phase Lead Coach
Episode 52 - Game Models, Tactical Periodization, Play v`s Practice and much more, a conversation with the wonderful Sam Holmshaw
Episode 51 - The use of language and `props` when coaching, a conversation with the awesome Billy Ready from Wycombe Wanderers FC SET
Episode 50 - A look at coaching and supporting women and girls sports development with the awesome Shay Haddow.
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