My coaching "philosophy"

A fundamental question I asked myself is why I coach?

I coach because I take satisfaction from facilitating players development, inspiring them and improving individual and team performance.

My coaching “philosophy” underpins and aligns everything I do as a coach and guides my behaviour.

It is based on my knowledge, my experiences and my core values: Respect, Trust, Honesty, Consistency, Accountability and Empathy.

I focus on things that I have control. “Controlling the controllables.”

Effective coaching is the ability to utilise the available resources to achieve desired outcomes.

Desired outcomes can vary from environment to another environment.

Management

As I walk in a new team-environment I always try to observe first, understand where I am.

I always think which key steps will help me to achieve our purpose.

Effective management of players and staff is a vital part of my role when I want to create an environment where everyone feel valued. My approach to coaching is centred around the player.

I strongly believe that building relationships with different personalities are one of the strongest things in humanity and a great skill of a coach to have. When and how to communicate is key.

As a coach I strive to understand them as people first and as players second. I am interested in their background, who they are and where they aspire to be. It’s important that they feel and understand my personality and build a two-way trust both on and off the pitch.

I strongly believe that players must take responsibility in their learning and contributes positively to the group and whilst it’s something I expect, I understand that people are complex and may not exhibit those behaviours immediately, therefore it is essential that I work with the individuals on developing these positive habitual behaviours.

My environments should live by with some rules, some non-negotiables: Hard work, Togetherness and Leading by example. Consequences can help people to change.

I can remain flexible on how, when and why to do things. “When the why is clear, the how is easy.”

Session Design

I am a learning designer who facilitates the learning process and the learning environment, giving the players ownership, time, space to grow and develop.

I always try to make players explore, discover and constantly adapt. Not all people adapt or develop at the same speed, same way. We are unique and some need more time than others.

I teach players to learn how to learn, recognise the opportunities for interactions and not give the solutions unless is needed.

My session design must always have, flow, excitement, development, consequences and an environment in which players can enjoy their football.

The game is the reference. I usually structure my sessions having direction, positions and tactical concepts.

My weekly schedule must always have the balance between the practice spectrum, “repetition without repetition,” chaos and realism depending on the periodised training day outcome.

The delivery of training sessions can vary from autocratic direct instruction to a more guided discovery approach depending on the objectives, type of practice, personality and situation.

My personal outlook is that “Everything has a place in the game.”

Reflection

Self-awareness is a starting point of personal development and I am looking forward to seeing my “philosophy” in the next decade how it will change, adapt and evolve.

“If you follow the same steps of another coach you will always be second.”