Coaches often focus on what goes wrong during games and practices, but positive forward-thinking coaching can lead to greater success and a more positive team culture. The key is to emphasize what you want to see from your players, rather than dwelling on mistakes or what you don’t see. This thinking-shift, as explained by Pete Carroll, former coach of the Seattle Seahawks and USC Trojans, can revolutionize the way you coach. Here’s what he says about teaching in sport: “We’re really disciplined as coaches to always talk about what we want to see, the desired outcome, not about what went wrong or what the mistake was.”
This concept is a significant departure from traditional soccer coaching, where feedback often revolves around what players did wrong or what the team did wrong. If you want to improve your coaching and maximize what you accomplish in each session, here’s how forward-thinking coaching can help you get there.
1. Focus on Desired Outcomes
It’s easy to get wrapped up in criticizing players for mistakes, but this negative focus can be demoralizing. By emphasizing desired outcomes, you help players visualize success. Instead of saying, “You didn’t track your runner,” you can say, “Let’s work toward maintaining tight, goal-side defending to prevent passes.” This approach keeps the conversation positive and directed toward improved execution.
2. Use Future-Oriented Language
Language plays a crucial role in coaching. Forward-thinking coaching relies on “how” and “where” questions that guide players to consider their next action. Phrases like “How can you create space for your teammates?” or “Where could you position yourself for the next action?” encourage players to think ahead, fostering a proactive mindset.
3. Promote a Growth Mindset
Focusing on the future rather than the past helps promote a growth mindset in players. A Growth Mindset, according to Stanford University research Carol Dweck, is a state of thinking where the individual believes ability is fluid and can be changed through deliberate efforts (in contrast a Fixed Mindset is one where the individual believes they are what they are and cannot change). This growth thinking encourages them to view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. By addressing what can be done to improve, coaches create an environment where players feel motivated to take risks and learn from their experiences.
4. Build Positive Team Culture
A forward-thinking coaching approach fosters a positive team culture. By emphasizing how players will improve in the environment and with positive efforts, you create an atmosphere of mutual support. This not only helps players develop their playing abilities but also strengthens team togetherness, as players feel valued and understood.
5. Encourage Self-Reflection and Accountability
Forward-thinking coaching doesn’t mean ignoring mistakes—it means reframing them in a constructive way. Encourage players to reflect on their performance and consider what they can do better in the future. This accountability allows players to take ownership of their development while staying focused on positive change.
Conclusion
Forward-thinking coaching is a game-changer for soccer coaches looking to accomplish more in their practices. By focusing on desired outcomes, using future-oriented language, promoting a growth mindset (growth thinking), building a positive team culture, and encouraging self-reflection, you can create an environment where players thrive.
If you found these tips helpful, please share this article with other coaches in your network. Let’s continue the conversation about how we can make soccer coaching more effective and empowering. Feel free to leave your comments and insights below!
