This section on psychology for soccer is designed to provide a range of soccer psychology skills and ideas that can assist a coach to develop their players, both as people and as soccer players.

Coaches tend to be natural psychologists because they are constantly observing players behaviour. Coaches naturally realise that it is important to ensure the players are mentally prepared to train and play. It is a recognised fact that the difference in the players and teams performance is very often down to the mental strength of the players.

It is therefore very important that a coach mentally prepares their players correctly to increase performance and enjoyment levels. Getting to know and understand your players is a key aspect in coaching. It is very important in assisting players to prepare mentally and in the players developing mental skills for playing soccer. As a coach you will need to assist young players to:

• Have the confidence to make correct decisions in pressurised match and training situations
• Develop courage to front up physical challenges, for example playing against physically bigger players, making tackles, working hard
• To have the desire to train, practice and play
• Have the courage to attempt new skills, techniques, play in different positions, and accept challenges
• To concentrate, pay attention and focus on key instructions and information

One simple way a coach can assist their young players in improving their mental qualities is to ensure that there is a positive and enjoyable coaching environment. Important elements that the positive coaching environment should encourage are:

• To enjoy their football and feel successful at whatever ability level they display
• Young players are positively encouraged to explore, experiment and develop new skills
• The players are encouraged to have a positive input in training and matches
• To be constantly stretched mentally and challenged to improve their ability
• Encouraged to have an open mind and think for themselves

Recognise that winning isn't everything

It is a recognised fact that fun and enjoyment are key factors in young players choosing to play soccer. Therefore, it is very important that coaches do all they can to provide a positive and enjoyable soccer experience. One major cause of anxiety, nervousness and lack of confidence in young players is the way that winning can be focused on at the expense of enjoyment. If young players consider themselves as failures because they don't win, then there is a danger that this can demotivate them, causing them anxiety, anxiousness and a lack of confidence. This attitude to winning by the coach can also inhibit the players and stop them expressing themselves, taking chances and being creative. This certainly does not mean that coaches should stop encouraging players to win, but that the main focus should not be just about winning and more on player development and enjoyment. By providing the right kind of coaching environment a coach can really assist in the mental strengths of their players.

Keep the communication "door" open for your players

If a player has a problem that is effecting their development, both as a person and a player, then they will need to address that problem to try and overcome it. They may be unhappy with school, friends, parents. This in turn can dramatically effect the way the player acts and performs in training and at matches. By speaking and being friendly to all the players and letting them know you are there for them and prepared to listen in confidence to them, you will hugely benefit from an increased player - coach trust and player development.

Encourage the players to talk and joke with you. Humour is a very good ice breaker and encourages trust and respect. Ask the players their opinion about training, tactics. Remember that listening to players, really listening is a vital skill for a coach and can help players avoid and overcome problems that can inhibit them from developing as players and people.