Minimizing Game Results

As we prepare for a highly competitive event, it is important to me to do what I can to minimize our game results for the girls and emphasize the experience and the development that will come through the experience. 

I've told the girls all week that we are not going to this event to win it.  We are going to find competition to make us better.  This doesn't mean that we are going to Chicago to lose.  Far from it as I'll do what I can during the game to get the result I want - which is usually a "W" :)  I don't see a problem with this as good coaches can balance the winning with the player development.  However when the final whistle blows after each game, it is my job as a coach to minimize the results and focus on development issues. 

Moreover, there are many aspects of a soccer match that are out of the girls' control - the ref, the field conditions, every bounce of the ball, the weather, our opponents actions, and ultimately the score.  If I allow the girls to focus on any one of these things I set them up for potential failure due to uncontrollable circumstances.  Rather, if I can help the girls focus on things over which the DO have control, they have the chance to be successful regardless of the outcome of any match.  I do this in two ways.

First, I give all the girls 3 Game Goals each tournament.  These are technical/tactical ideas that I challenge the girls to accomplish by the end of the weekend.  Some goals are given to multiple girls, but all are specific for each individual based on what I feel they need for their own individual development.

Second, I award Controlling the SEAS skillzys after each game, rewarding 4 girls for focusing on their Sportsmanship, Effort and Energy, Attitude, and Smiles. 

Both the Game Goals and the skillzys are useful development tools that also help increase the girls' passion for the game.