One of the biggest mistakes in player development is when a coach watches a player for a few weeks and immediately starts making changes to their game. It’s an approach that often comes from impatience, a lack of understanding, or worse—ego.
A coach’s job is to develop players, not force changes without fully understanding who they are. But too often, coaches rush to “fix” what they believe is wrong before they even know how the player competes, what makes them unique, or what actually needs refining. This kind of coaching doesn’t help—it hinders.
The Problem with Quick Fixes
Football isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. Every player has a unique style, mindset, and learning process. A coach who tries to impose changes too soon risks damaging confidence, disrupting natural instincts, and creating unnecessary confusion.
When a coach rushes to make changes:
They disrupt the player’s rhythm – Many players have habits that work for their game. Immediate changes often replace instinct with doubt.
They ignore the player’s individuality – A quick judgment doesn’t account for how the player processes the game mentally or emotionally.
They risk damaging trust – A player who feels misunderstood may become hesitant or withdrawn, making it harder to connect or implement effective training.
What Coaches Miss When They Rush
Coaching is more than just correcting technique—it’s about understanding the person behind the player. A coach should spend the first few weeks observing and learning, not forcing changes.
Before making adjustments, a coach must:
Observe how the player competes – Do they thrive under pressure? How do they make decisions in a game?
Build a relationship –
Understanding their personality, background, and goals creates trust and confidence.
Identify natural instincts – Instead of focusing on what looks “wrong,” recognize what makes the player effective in their own way.
Skipping these steps means a coach is working off assumptions rather than real insight. Instead of helping a player improve, they may end up taking away the very qualities that make them special.
The Role of Ego in Coaching
Many coaches rush into making changes not because the player needs them, but because they want to leave their mark. They feel the need to prove their knowledge or influence results quickly. But coaching isn’t about the coach—it’s about the player.
Ego-driven coaching prioritises the coach’s validation over the player’s actual development. Instead of working with the player, these coaches impose their own philosophy without considering whether it truly benefits the athlete in the long run.
A Better Approach: Observe, Connect, Develop
The best coaches take the time to listen and learn before making adjustments. Here’s what responsible coaching looks like:
1. Observe first – Watch the player in training and matches. Learn their habits, strengths, and weaknesses in context.
2. Build trust – Create a relationship based on open communication. Players who feel supported will be more open to change.
3. Make gradual changes – When adjustments are necessary, implement them step-by-step. Explain why they matter and how they will improve the player’s game.
What we say..
True player development requires patience, humility, and understanding. Coaches must remember that their role is to serve the player’s growth, not their own ego. By taking the time to fully understand a player before making changes, coaches can develop talent in a way that builds confidence rather than breaking it down.
Football isn’t just about winning games—it’s about creating resilient, skillful, and confident athletes. And that starts with coaching the person, not just the player.
