As many of you who know me I love a good football match (or soccer for those completely North American-ized). I was coaching my U10 Development team 'Strikers FC' last night when the team captain asked for the opportunity to play keeper.
He's a strong player on the ball and a natural centre mid-fielder. He also calms down the play when we are under attack and is often in on our scoring attempts. So what is a coach to do?
Life is a leason on risk. Those more risk adverse may wait for another opportunity to put their key players into a supporting role, especially in a close match. However there was an opportunity here with very little to lose (except some pride) to reward a key player and see how the rest of the team gels when faced with some adversity.
Obviously the game changed. It always will. An emphasis was put on the defensive.
About half-way through the second half an interesting twist occured. Teams at this level are used to having a team play defensively. Our opponents got frustrated and then we started to get the odd offensive chance -- naturally. I was on the sideline saying little and just watching this occur.
We scored the only goal of the second half and as a coach I was proud to see how the team performed. Not as individuals but really in adjusting to what was required by the team in the moment.
All too often we may lean too much on our key players in our organizations and don't know how the team will come together if they were to leave, go on vacation, etc. When there is an opportunity to see how the team can perform without -- try it! In most cases we think there is too much to lose, however if you truly look at the situation more often than not it is just some pride at stake.
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