What emotions and behaviours to expect from players at training
The truth is that this can wildly vary. But football player behaviour will be underpinned by whatever has happened in the lead-up to training.
For instance, players arriving from school may’ve sat behind a desk and been quiet all day. So, they’re excited to play football and want to let off steam. Then, you may experience players turning up tired and a bit agitated after a long day. They may not have the same energy or interest.
While these examples are the opposite of each other, they can both negatively impact your session if not managed correctly. Those full of energy may be running around and constantly talking to their friends instead of focusing on the session. Meanwhile, tired players may get frustrated easily and act out.
The trick is to find out what’s triggered their emotions and behaviour. Then, you can tailor your approach to support them.
How to support your players’ behaviour at training
Here are some tips to help you support football players with their emotions and behaviours at training:
- Put on an arrival activity where players can team up with a friend. This allows them to burn off some energy and catch up with their mate before you dive into the rest of the session.
- While players take part in an arrival activity, take the time to chat with their parents or carers. Find out how they’re feeling from those who know them best.
- Have a traffic light system displayed on a board where they can write their name against the light that reflects how they’re feeling. Red if they’ve had a bad day, amber if it’s been alright and green if they’re having a good day. This is great for younger players. And you can use the insight to plan how to approach and support everyone.
- Use language that acts as an invitation for them to give feedback to you. Start conversations off by saying things like “I’m wondering”, “I’m guessing”, and “I’ve noticed that”. This can encourage them to talk to you about how they’re feeling.
- Ensure that the challenge of your practices is right. If it’s too difficult, that will impact the players’ emotions.
- Make training fun. If the players are bored, they’re likely to misbehave.
What emotions and behaviours to expect from players on matchday
Again, players can display a wide range of emotions. But matchday brings real competition. And that can affect people in different ways.
Compared to training, you’re more likely to encounter players feeling nervous and anxious on a matchday. On the flip side, some may be full of adrenaline and relish the match. Both situations can impact the way they behave and their performance.
And don’t forget that the coaches’ behaviour can have an impact, too. Any negative behaviours can spill out onto the pitch – putting players under pressure or increasing the chance of them acting out.
How to support your players’ behaviour on matchday
To help, here are a few tips you can use to support football players on matchday:
- Observe your players’ body language and behaviour when they arrive. If they’re unusually quiet or acting differently compared to normal, talk to their parents or carers first. Then, find a moment to ask the player how they are. They could be nervous about the match. This is an opportunity to reassure them and put them at ease.
- Be in control of your own behaviour. As a coach, you’ve got to lead by example and be a good role model for your players.
- Be consistent in the way you behave. If you’re usually calm and composed on matchday but then start shouting and struggle to contain your emotions, that will mirror on the pitch, too.
- Don’t put pressure on the result. Development and enjoyment come first.
- Work with the players to create the club values and behaviours you want to see on a matchday. If you’ve already done this, remind them of the expectations they created.
