How to give your players ownership

Practice

Thinking of giving your players more ownership? Here are some top tips.  

1. Provide a positive environment  

If players feel safe and happy, that’s going to benefit everyone. A positive atmosphere at training and on matchdays will help players speak up and offer their opinions. When it comes to ownership, this is a must.  

2. Consider their stage of development  

Now, depending on the age and experience of your team, ownership will look very different.  

Start small if you’re coaching primary-aged kids or players who aren’t used to having much control. Allow them to pick teams, come up with a rule change or select the next activity.  

If players are older or used to taking the lead, try increasing their level of ownership. For instance, they could help with practice design, assess what they need to work on, set their own learning objectives or decide how to play on matchday.  

3. Listen, learn and apply  

It’s frustrating when you don’t feel heard. To avoid this with your players: 

• listen to their opinions and value their contributions 
  
• use this information to learn about your team – and individuals too 
• put your players’ decisions into practice (or let them do it instead).  

Remember: ownership is a great way to enhance enjoyment and learning. Whether your team plans the next activity or decides how to rotate positions during a game, seeing their ideas in action will encourage players to get involved.