motivational quotes

This is the first in a series of motivational quotes for youth football (soccer) coaches - short, sharp, easy to remember messages you can use in half time team talks, before the game or at training sessions.

"don't just stand there!"

1. Those who are involved in what's happening
2. Those who are watching what’s happening
3. Those who are asking, "What's happening?"

Which one do you want to be?

To be a fully involved, number 1 player you should be asking yourself "what if" and acting accordingly...every time you don’t have the ball.

For example, you might ask "what if my teammate crosses the ball; will anyone be in the middle to score a goal?" If the answer is that "no", then the next thing to do might be to make a near post run. Or…"what if my teammate were to lose the ball, would there be someone there to support them and get the ball back?" If the answer to this question is "no" then this might be the time to step back and help them out.

If you keep asking yourself "what if?" you will be involved in the game all the time, you’ll be making a full contribution to the team and you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more! 

I tell my players “if you try something that doesn’t work, I’m OK with that. The worst mistake you can make is not to do anything. If you are thinking and looking to make things happen (with runs or support), you are being proactive and good things will usually come.”

If the whole team is asking ‘what if’ questions throughout the match and moving accordingly the team will be successful.

Don’t just stand there!

Do you have any particularly effective pep talks? Send them to me and I'll share them with the online soccer coaching community. 

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