How should we finish the season?
Hi coaches, after a bit of perspective from experienced coaches.
I’ve been coaching for 14 years and, honestly, I feel like I’ve tried just about everything.
I’ve got an U13 Girls Academy team that’s had a tough season. They’re a young group and we’ve come a long way. Their technical basics have improved enormously, training standards are good, and they understand what we’re trying to do.
The problem is game day.
Under pressure, about half the team stops communicating, doesn’t tighten up defensively, doesn’t push up together in attack, and switches off without the ball. We concede goals that are more about effort, concentration and teamwork than ability.
I genuinely believe the constant losses are now affecting confidence and motivation, which probably isn’t helping.
With only six weeks left in the season, I’m questioning my approach.
Do I keep trying to coach these weaknesses and hope something clicks? Or do I accept that meaningful behavioural change probably won’t happen this late, coach more from the sideline, simplify everything, and just help the girls get through the season with as much confidence as possible?
I’d be interested to hear from coaches who’ve been in a similar position. What would you do?