Meeting Players Where They Are

The first step in my coaching process is to develop an understanding of the player I'm working with. I try to gauge where they are mentally, emotionally, and physically. Knowing this enables me to meet them where they are in their journey. It's essential for our long-term relationship that they know that I see them, I hear them, and that I value who they are and their uniqueness. Feeling and knowing that your coach cares about you makes a significant difference in the training process because it builds trust. It did for me at the amateur level with the US youth national teams and the professional level in the MLS and Europe. 

It is also vital at this stage to create a safe training environment for the player to learn. I encourage them to fail fast and fail often because their mistakes in practice bring them closer to the answers they need in the game. I watch for signs of disappointment, embarrassment, or frustration during this phase. 

When those emotions surface, I momentarily pause the session to either reiterate the importance failure plays in our development or share a story about my struggles doing the same drill as an amateur and professional. To err is human, and there is no shame in doing so as we are learning a new skill. 

Every player is different. I have worked with players who grasp this concept quickly and others who have taken longer. Regardless of how long it takes, I am committed to helping them throughout their journey.