The Journey- Reducing Fear of Failure in Youth Football
Everyone whether a player, coach or spectator likes to win but there is too much emphasis in youth football on the outcome of matches. People are concerned with beating opponents, winning the game, the league and scoring better goals. Yes, this is the ultimate end point of any sporting event but to get there if you concentrate on the processes of getting better (For example doing the right things – passing correctly, being in the right place tactically) then more times than not the victory will come. In youth football ‘Wining at all costs’ is to often the main priority and this is transferred for the most part subconsciously to young athletes by significant others (parents, coaches, relatives). They concentrate on the end product (destination) instead of the journey to get there. This creates a culture where failure is feared but humans are more successful when they learn from their failures/mistakes, this is how humans learn from past experience. If the journey was concentrated on, the getting better side of things, then fear of failure would reduce and players/athletes would be able play their natural game without thinking about the need to win. Playing without fear and concentrating on the journey will inevitably lead to a successful outcome. Players should not be afraid of failing. Everyone fails but it is those that recover quickest that are most successful. These significant others play an important role in developing the climate/culture. What constitutes success and failure in you club? Personal improvement or winning? This will influence the players’ goals, how they portray themselves in training and matches and their attitude to failing. There are many ways that a significant other could reduce fear of failure.
- 1. Training and games should be seen as learning environments where players can concentrate on mastering the skills needed. Ajax is a great example they do something similar in their youth system; everything is about getting better players. Use drills where the players can compare against themselves previously and that reduce opportunity for players to compare against each other.
- 2. Promote where possible the journey. For example What is the first question a parent asks their child when they pick them up from the game?...’Did you win?’ This immediately increases in the athletes mind the outcome of the game and feelings of fear if the team did not win. Perhaps a better question would be ‘How did you play?’ This makes them think about their performance and their journey as opposed to the end destination.
- 3. Reward the journey not the destination. Things like effort and the right techniques should be rewarded. This will encourage them to try things and have no fear of failure.
- 4. Never criticise mistakes as players will soon become afraid to try things for fear of the criticism they will get.
Post a Comment
Html formatting: <br /> (line break) <p></p> (paragraph) <b></b> (bold) <i></i> (italics)You need to be signed into istadia.com to post comments
If you are not a member yet, registering is quick and easy! Sign up Now to keep up-to-date, network or promote yourself; or read more about the benefits.
Members login here.

Comments
Rob Robson
Sport and Business Psychologist, Warwickshire