CONCLUSION

challenges for players to achieve within games will enable them to “win” even if the outcome of the game is negative.

For example, counting the amount of successful 1v1 defending situations could mean a player wins even though the team loses. This is vital as part of long-term player development to maintain motivation and support the development of a growth mindset.

WHEN DOES IT SWITCH TO JUST WINNING?

A s players get older, coaches will want to focus more and more on the outcome of the game. However, we have to remind ourselves that winning and losing is not just an outcome, but a skill. Learning the strategies, techniques and processes required to win games is a vital piece of the puzzle that goes missing when, as a coach, we focus on just the outcome.

As players get older, we must maintain their passion to win by supporting their development. This subtle shift in our coaching style will continue to support the development of a growth mindset. They need to see the outcome as a challenge and the process that creates that outcome rather than the “win at all costs” mentality. This also allows us as coaches to focus on areas to improve and maintain motivation even when success doesn’t happen. Losing is not failure.

WHAT ABOUT THE PROFESSIONALS?

I f you look at some of the top managers in the English Premier League, like Brendan Rodgers and Pep Guardiola, they focus on the process of winning and developing their players to do the same, as opposed to focusing on the result alone. Both managers work hard to continue the development of their players, even at the highest level of the game.

I n conclusion, we must shift our perception on the winning versus development argument. The two are not opposites and should be treated as vital to a player’s development. What winning looks like will shift as players get older, but a winning mentality should be maintained throughout a player’s journey.