A Learning Experience



Moments of learning come from unexpected sources. And unless it is reflected upon often these opportunities are lost.
Last week I attended a football training, not to play but observe. One of my close friends is a coach and he was conducting trials at the time.
When the session finished he came and sat with me and we had a chat about the session, the players, and the potential of the squad. He vented about his frustrations with the trials and what he was struggling with. It became clear that one of the main concerns was that a range of players from both U18's and U16's were trialling. They were selecting two teams, yet training them together.
After speaking for a while I mentioned the possibility of splitting the squads into U18's and U16's. Then, if U16 players were being considered for U18 positions then you could pull the 'stand outs' over into the U18 trials. He has mentioned this was something he had considered and would think about doing it in the next trial.
Earlier this week, after the next training session I received a text message thanking me. I really didn't know what I had done. At the trials the teams were split for the last 1/3 of the session. There was more clarity and decisions were made somewhat easier.
I denied having any influence, knowing that he had considered the use of splitting the squads prior to my input. However, he said 'it was exactly what I needed to hear. Don't undervalue a perfectly timed suggestion'.
I have since realised the importance of this. While often suggestions are undervalued or disregarded completely, sometimes all we need, as a coach or a teacher is someone to confirm our thoughts. To remind us that we have the ability and knowledge to create our own style of teaching or coaching. Sometimes a little shove is all we need to truly recognise the power that we have.
So, often the key is confidence, with a fraction of apprehension to keep us grounded. It's during those moments that we might need a little shove, a word of advice, or a bit of encouragement to do what we know we can.