One of the challenges on the CPD courses was to design sessions and interventions to support and development mental strengths. We covered the “4 Cs” (Concentration, Control, Commitment and Confidence) on the level 2 course, but at a very superficial level, without really thinking about how to coach them.
And this might prove to be the key to this difficult topic – rather than trying to “teach” Concentration, or Commitment, the development of mental skills needs to be consciously included into a holistic training programme.
Easy to write, less easy to put into action. So my challenge for 2015 is to integrate mental skills alongside technical, tactical and physical, for players of all ages and abilities.
There will be stand-alone interventions, but more often I believe that the coach can introduce, by creating the right learning environment for the player and (especially) by his own example. By displaying and praising Concentration and Commitment, by building Confidence by allowing every player to experience some success in every session, and importantly by remaining calm and in Control.
It it is going to be an interesting year!
The Teesra 