Personalities in youth soccer need to be talked about more. Some athletes have the ‘natural know how’ to simply work hard and understand it takes a lot of failure to reach your goals. Others get so frustrated that they don’t want to practice the harder skills. Then you have others who think they’re better than they are vs ones who aren’t confident enough. It’s important for coaches and parents to understand these personalities when it comes to practicing soccer or any sport.
Being able to adapt no matter what your personality
In soccer players will be hit with many things.
From working with teammates and coaches all the way to current performance.
The ability to adapt is valuable, not only in athletics, but also life in general…
For me being an entrepreneur there are things that need to be adjusted every 2 years just to survive.
In soccer, whether your personality is shy or super outgoing you need to learn to adapt.
Whether it be during the moment or with a different team/coach.
If you’re shy, at some point you better learn to talk on the field by demanding the ball or helping a teammate know there’s a man on.
To be your best, you’ll have to adapt, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Naturally understanding and attacking the challenge
I don’t know any kids or people who like to make mistakes…
But some understand it’s what it takes and are willing to practice till they get it right.
This is the player who probably does better than others practicing by themselves at home – like this.
Being this natural understanding personality doesn’t mean it’s the best.
There’s a “best”… Some kids need to be taught how to think.
Either way, it’s important to identify what personality you are, so you can know how to respond in different situations better.
Wanting to learn and show
Some kids want to show you that they already know how to do it…
So much, that they’ll say “O I know” before you explain anything:)
There are players I train every week who I’ll show how to do something and they’ll get it wrong.
Then I say “watch this” but they don’t look – instead try to do it again:) I think this is okay and is just how they are.
As a coach you have to adapt the teaching methods depending on who’s doing the lesson.
Struggling to deal with mistakes
Now, none of us like to make mistakes, but there is the person who wants to keep practicing and get it right vs the one who doesn’t want to practice because it makes them feel bad.
Feelings are a big problem…
We can’t live by our feelings, instead we need to attack the challenge till we get it.
Then you become stronger because you faced it and won.
Knowing that it’s normal to mess up is vital. It’s not that you’re not good enough.
Soccer is not easy and to be your best you have to be patient and keep practicing.
Some things like juggling take years to get good.
Check out these 7 juggling tips and improve your skills.
“Youth players need to know that it’s okay to make mistakes.”
Shy personalities in soccer
With shy players it’s the total opposite from the outgoing ones.
Coaches don’t have to worry about the shy players acting up, nor being disrespectful.
Shy players usually are highly motivated to practice and get things right…
These are most likely their own worst critic and will thrive better with a coach who is patient and encouraging.
There are thousands of shy athletes who play college and pro sports.
Again, out of all the personalities in youth soccer, there’s not one that’s the “best”.
Read this article about Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne called ‘let me talk’ + video.
Great story how he went from a shy kid to the world best player.
One of the most important things a shy personality needs to know is that it’s okay and often times great to be quite.
There’s an old saying “a truly wise person says few words.”
Be confident in your personality.
The outgoing personality
Every team needs a few outgoing player personalities in youth soccer.
People who make everyone laugh and break the ice make things more fun and light…
It doesn’t make them more fun to be around, but makes the atmosphere better.
It’s good to have a mix of personalities…
If everyone talked the whole time it would be TOO MUCH!
One important thing to know is you have to learn to think before you talk.
Don’t be that person is is just non stop talking because it’s important to also be a listener.
Being yourself is one of the most important things in life, but also we all need to keep learning how to carry ourselves the best we can.
There’s a time to chat and a time to chill out and observe.
In private lessons these chatter bugs make it to where I have to tell them to focus on training.
You can’t take away from what you’re there to do, which is put in the work.
Talking too much can hinder your development.
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