Football coaching techniques have evolved significantly over the years. One rising trend involves employing specific game principles. But have you ever wondered how these principles resonate in a player’s mind? This post explores the fascinating intersection of coaching language, psychology, and game principles in modern football.
Read more: How Football Principles Influence Player PsychologyThe Language of Coaching
Being a coach or trainer is immensely rewarding. The language used during coaching sessions, particularly terms like ‘game principles’ and ‘half-spaces’, piqued my interest during the KNVB training. These terminologies provide tangible guidelines for players. Yet, how does our brain perceive and act upon these cues? Delving deeper, I recently stumbled upon the ‘Relation Frame Theory’, giving insight into the power of framing in coaching.
Power of Framing
In essence, framing involves evoking a particular mental image through language. Such images form unconsciously in our brains. Consider the terms “climate change” versus “global warming.” Both refer to the same phenomenon, but the latter might elicit a more emotional response. Politicians frequently use framing to position statements. Thus, the language becomes paramount in influencing human behavior by painting certain mental images.
The Impact of Language on Behavior
Language continually forms connections in our minds, guiding our actions. For instance, seeing a sign that reads, “Warning: Electrified fence! Do not touch!” would likely deter you from touching it. Similarly, reading about a vitamin extending life expectancy by ten years might prompt a purchase. In these examples, language overrides direct experience, proving its profound influence on our behavior.
Framing in Football
Frames can evoke varied thoughts, guiding players’ actions on the field. The language used can both empower players or plant seeds of doubt. For instance, after a rough tackle, a player might hesitate to initiate action, even when encouraged by the coach’s words. Thus, a coach’s word choice profoundly impacts a player’s in-game decisions. Such frames get further complicated when coaches with different visions use similar terms, potentially confusing players.
Game Principles and Frames
Briefly, game principles are concise instructions indicating a coach’s desired playing style. These principles can be seen as frames painted by the coach, aiding players in visualizing game situations. The primary advantage of these principles over traditional coaching lies in their simplicity. Yet, ensuring players align their mental images with the intended principle remains a challenge.
An Anecdote on Player Psychology
Revisiting the forward fearful of a defender’s violent tackle, in one game he might overcome his fear, but in another, he might hold back. Hearing cues like “Take Action” or “1v1” might reignite memories of the harsh tackle, inhibiting him. Such past experiences persist in memory. However, therapeutic methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help reinterpret these past experiences.
Nuances in Language
Interestingly, our brain tends to omit words like “not.” For instance, hearing “I don’t find you ugly” might leave an impression of the word “ugly.” Such is the simplicity yet power of framing.
Applying Frames in Football Coaching
While the 21st-century football coaching landscape heavily relies on implicit learning, team instructions and strategies necessitate language. Given that a word can evoke diverse images, coaches must be explicit in their communication. Game principles, as frames, simplify strategies, making them memorable for players. Still, words can carry negative connotations or be misunderstood. Thus, clarity in communication is paramount.
To coach effectively in modern football, understanding the psychological impact of words and frames is crucial. Game principles, when communicated clearly, can guide players efficiently, ensuring optimal performance on the field.
Sources: Jansen, Gijs, Tim Batink, and Liselotte Delwel. “Time to ACT! : het basisboek voor professionals.” Zaltbommel: Thema, uitgeverij van Schouten & Nelissen, 2014. Print.