How to develop self-aware and self-motivated players

Help players think about how they behave and perform

To help players become more self-aware, start by checking in with them. It might be a quick chat at training. But finding out how they are and what’s going on in their lives is important. It can help you figure out who they are and why they behave the way they do.

Having these conversations often and sharing your thoughts helps players understand themselves better. They can begin to explore their feelings and how they affect their behaviours. This makes them more well-rounded people and allows them to manage themselves better. Ultimately helping them to work well with others and improve their performance.

Support players to recognise how to help themselves and others

As a coach, it’s also your job to understand your players’ strengths and the areas where they can improve. Noticing these things – and how they act in different game situations – is key. You’ll be more effective at guiding players on their development journey. Plus, sharing your insight with the relevant player will enhance their self-awareness.

Players can also use this insight to support the team. For instance, they could be great at making runs in behind the defence. Or they could be a calming influence and a leader on the pitch. They can use their strengths to support their teammates and complement their abilities.

Acknowledge these strengths and challenge them to develop them even further. Create sessions that allow them to do this and work on the areas that need further development. Doing this will motivate your team and give them a focus to strive for.

Create the right environment

The environment you create has a massive impact on your players. If you get this right, it will improve their happiness and motivation.

Start by getting to know your players better. Understand what makes them who they are and what’s important to them. Getting to know their circumstances will help you figure out why your players act a certain way. This allows you to show empathy, which is key to building relationships with your team. It makes players feel understood and more motivated as they trust you.

Creating a safe space is also vital. Players need to feel comfortable without the fear of making mistakes. So give them the freedom to learn and develop.

Two-way communication is important, too. If players get the chance to contribute their ideas and have a say in their own learning, they’ll be more motivated. And they’ll feel valued.

With older players, you could set up leadership groups with captains and vice-captains. This is a place where players can share their thoughts and ideas. It’ll help them feel important and heard, even if they don’t have the confidence to speak up on their own.

Play is a great way to motivate players, too. Small-sided games allow players to have fun. And they also give players more opportunities to improve their skills. And remember to use the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002). This allows you to appropriately challenge players within your sessions.

What to consider when working with different age groups

Whoever you coach, you need to create the right environment for your players. Central to that is understanding each individual. Get to know them, their strengths, and their areas for development. That way you can develop their awareness and cater for their needs. Journals can help develop self-awareness, too. Players can use them to document and reflect on their emotions and performance.

As for developing motivated players, don’t downplay the effect fun can have. Fun activities can help engage players and set a positive tone for the session. You can also set challenges for your team. With older players, try creating individual learning plans. This will give them something specific to focus on and work towards.

Things to remember to help you develop self-aware and self-motivated players