Beating nerves on a return to coaching

We don’t always give ourselves enough credit for how challenging and nerve-wracking it can be to stand in front of a group of players, deliver a message and then take them through a session.

If you have had some time away from coaching – be it due to the off-season, a holiday or any other circumstance – it may feel extra daunting when you return.

Like anything, going back to something after time away can take a bit of getting used to. The good news is there are some things you can do to make it easier on yourself...

Keep it simple

Your first session back after a break is not the time to try something elaborate - or even something you have never done before.

Stick to something you know. Even better, just play small-sided games. Lots of 2v2s and 3v3s will give you a chance to settle back into things and offer some light coaching without the need to do anything too intense.

If your players have also been away, small-sided games are one of the best ways for them to ease back into training, too.

Plan ahead

Even though you are keeping it simple, you still need to plan. This should help you feel more prepared for the session.

Normal planning principles apply: think about the space you will have, the equipment you will need, how many players you are expecting and what the timings of your session might be.

Find out, too, how long your route in will take. Perhaps lay out your outfit the night before, or on the morning of the session.

Focus on connection

If you’re coaching a group you have coached before, they will want to know how you have been. If you are coaching a new group, they will want to get to know you.

In both instances, make an effort to chat to players and to connect, or reconnect, with them. Don’t be scared to use some of the session to do this, whether in groups or one-to-one chats.

Remember...you are likely not the only nervous one

You will definitely have players who are nervous, too, or who have other things going on in their lives that they are worried about.

You are all in it together and your time together is a chance to create a safe space.

Think about who you have around you

You may have a co-coach you regularly work with. If so, lean on them when you need to.

Let them do the same to you if they have also been away – figure it out together.

If you don’t coach with anyone, can you ask someone else in the club to assist or support?

Perhaps get them doing some of the admin and organisational jobs while you settle back into running a session.

And don’t forget to have chats with your support network outside of football too.

Be kind to yourself

It may not feel like it at times, but you have coached before. You are more than capable of holding a space and running a session. Always remind yourself of that.

Go slow – don’t expect too much of yourself straight away. You are unlikely to be firing on all cylinders immediately.

When you reflect, go easy on yourself. If you think the session didn’t go well, that’s fine - it was the first one back. Remember, though, a session is never as bad as we think it is.

Enjoy it

You are back on the grass after some time away, so give yourself a chance to remember all of the things you enjoy about that – whether it is the fresh air, having a ball at your feet or seeing your players again.

The more you lean into the enjoyment of it, the more the nerves will fade away.