💡Let Players Express Themselves💡
⚽ Working with Talented Players
In the past months, I have had the pleasure of working with a U16 Regional ODP Team and a U14 National Team. Both camps included some incredibly talented players who are extremely well-driven and strong athletes. The coaches at these camps are among the best in the country.
🏆 Top Coaches, Top Feedback
Every day, we heard players ask for feedback on how to improve. Interestingly, all coaches shared one key piece of advice for all players: DON’T BE AFRAID TO TAKE RISKS.
“Do you DARE to be great?”
😨 The Fear of Taking Risks
It was amazing how rarely such talented players were willing to take risks on the field. Most players seemed to believe they could make the regional or national team by avoiding mistakes, but very few showed the willingness to take risks.
💬 Key Question: Do You Dare to Be Great?
I often asked the players, “Do you dare to be great?”
They had worked hard and proven themselves to be quality players, but I reminded them that:
- Only through risking mistakes and daring to try new things will they raise their game.
- Not making mistakes does not make a player “great.”
🌍 The Need for Bold Players in Our Game
Our country needs players who can:
- See and make dangerous penetrating passes. 🎯
- Take on defenders and finish with a goal. ⚽
- Defenders who join the attack confidently. 🛡️
These are the players who change the game positively and dynamically.
💡 Risk and Creativity: Let Players Express Themselves
As coaches, we might restrict player development by not allowing them to take creative risks. If they are only allowed to do what we say, then we limit their potential and reduce their fun on the field.
“If they do not feel free to put their stamp on the game, can we truly expect them to play with joy and creativity?”
🔓 Unlocking Potential and Embracing Freedom
It’s our responsibility as coaches to teach the fundamentals of the game and help players develop the skills they need to be great. However, it’s also important that we:
- Allow players to experiment with their ideas.
- Encourage creativity, even when it comes with the risk of mistakes.
🎯 Daring for Greatness: Letting Go and Letting Players Lead
We prove ourselves as great coaches by enabling great players to find themselves. This is their game; allowing them to own it will lead to more beauty and success on the field.
Conclusion: Daring for Glory 🏅
In conclusion, coaches and parents need to dare to let go, and players need to dare to take ownership of the game. This is the path to greatness. Together, we can create players who are not just good but exceptional.
Coaches and Parents – Are you ready to let your players take control?
Players – Do you dare to be great?
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Koach Karl’s Komments:
😊 A FUNtastic thank you to Mike Singleton for sharing these inspiring insights and to the readers for taking the time to engage with this message! Together, we can empower kids to take control of their game and unlock their full potential.
If you’re concerned about nurturing bold, creative players, lend a hand to the SOCCERevolution, and let’s begin to reduce the unacceptable 70–75% dropout rate of teenage players!
