Match Day Heads!

[74offsuit]

Thank you for the replies.

Advice taken on board

[DanD]

Each player has got to find their own personal stress level where they play their best game. This level will be different for each player so an inspiring pep talk before a game will help some but cripple others. If you want any exercises or advice on how to help players find their "optimum stress level", give me a shout.

[74offsuit]

Hi Dan

Yes I would like some more information on this, as it sounds interesting.

[Charlie]

Originally Posted by ian.curry

Perhaps I do - the kids I coach are 14 years old, young adults in my eyes, and spend all day at school together, evenings walking around doing whatever teenagers do and by and large their first loyalty will be to each other. It isn't player power - but understanding what is and isn't acceptable from coach and player. I won't use kicking someone out and telling them to come back when they've sorted themselves as a first port of call because, a) they probably won't come back and b) talking and resolving is much easier.

As for resentments for having to do pushups,squats - there really isn't. More often than not they are smiling whilst doing them, finding it hard but knowing why they are doing them. Its very unusual for it to be one kid doing them alone - usually a team punishment, and even more unusual for it to be the same kid twice.

14 - agreed! A difficult age and one I also wouldn't just say "leave" to. Kids still turning up with mummy, well, maybe?

[addas10]

i belive im not a great speaker infront of players in the changing room but i believe that huddling works and a big come on team! alwyas gets them motivated, i am pretty harsh on the team when it comes to behaviour and make sure that if anyone is messing about in the changing they are sent out of teh room and are NOT in the starting line up (this has been made very clear to the players) talking for to long will bore them also with younger teams i find its good to remind them of the last training session what you learnt and what you expect. also i find that although tell them dont come over to determind and over expectant of them as this will put added pressure. what you do pre match should also be followed into the game from beginning to end im telling my players "positions!" "formation!" "win that ball, its your ball!" constent motivation and directions is key to them keeping on there toes and staying alert.

[MichaelDZH]

Hi. I find forum about work and travel. Where can I to see it? Best Regards, Michael.

[idge]

There's some very interesting comments on this and from a personal point of view, my kids respond very well to music and film.

You could try showing an emotional video (edited) before the match - like an inspirational game or play some uplifting music.

Different players respond to different arousal techniques, so it can take some time to find out what works and what doesn't - but it's very worthwhile because it gets your players into that positive frame of mind and they're bursting with energy.

If you concentrate on your players, they will appreciate it, whatever the age group. Some of my kids come from very 'disadvantaged' backgrounds
and some would say they are unruly and distracted - not suprising with the stories I hear about their upbringing. However, the point is to make sure when they turn up for training and matches is that their concentration is on me and their team and what is required of them.

Alot of this come downs to how well they feel prepared for the game.
If they feel well prepared, naturally they will feel more confident about
their own abilty and they will feel motivated and energised to play.

I find music and video, or even a 'motivational' speech can get them into that right frame of mind and focussing on their soccer before a game.

[mr dazzer]

hi, it sounds to me that your players, being at the age they are 14, may find it difficult to approach you for whatever reason, as you may seem regimented with win at all costs attitude to them, try playing some small sided fun games in training with two teams against each other, then you should see their own competative sides being displayed, so then you can inhance this by praise and support. Also be very careful about dishing out that so called punishment as that is a very fine line you are treading.