Blog Post: 5 Areas of Focus for Improvement Next Season

By Mike Conway

It’s a great time to reflect on the season that’s been, take the positives and the improvements we can make in readiness for greater success next season.

 

Based on my work across elite sport in Cricket, Football and Basketball, I thought I’d share what you, as a coach, could learn and develop….


Mindfulness and Focus




In today's fast-paced game, players are often bombarded with distractions. That's where mindfulness and focus come into play. In learning mindfulness techniques and sharing them with your players, you can help your players develop the ability to remain present and engaged during crucial moments. This is not just about being mentally prepared; it’s about cultivating a state of awareness that enhances decision-making and performance. Imagine your team executing plays with precision, driven by a collective calmness and clarity of purpose!

 

The Power of Goal Setting



Setting clear, achievable goals is the backbone of any successful team. You can set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for yourself and in pre-season share these with your players. You’ll then be able to work to connect your team goal, to individual goals, and thus

encourage players to take ownership of their development. This fosters a growth mindset, where challenges become opportunities, and every training session is a step toward success.

 

Visualisation Techniques


Visualisation is a powerful tool that elite athletes use to enhance performance. Learning on how visualisation works and how to develop visualisation techniques, will help you be successful as a coach, but you can then help players mentally rehearse their performances. By creating vivid mental images of success, players can improve their confidence and reduce anxiety. When they can envision themselves executing plays flawlessly, they’re more likely to manifest those visions on the field. As coaches, we need to guide them through this mental process, making it a part of their training routine.

 

Cultivating Team Culture and Values


A strong team culture is vital for success. Coaches who foster a caring environment where team culture and values are prioritized are more successful. This isn’t just about winning games; it’s about building a community. By establishing clear values and encouraging open communication, you can create a safe space where players feel valued and motivated. When your team understands its culture and shares common values, they’ll play not just for themselves, but for each other. 

 

Building Mental Resilience



Mental resilience is an important life skill, it’s not just for sport. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and maintain composure under pressure is what separates good players from great ones. The great coaches can learn and develop strategies to build this resilience in their players and help them develop a robust mental framework to tackle challenges both on and off the field. With guidance from you, your team will be better equipped to handle the ups and downs of the game, turning adversity into strength.

 

By integrating mindfulness, goal setting, visualisation, great team culture, and mental resilience into your coaching philosophy, you’ll not only enhance your team's performance but also foster your players’ personal growth.

 

This is just a small snapshot based on my experiences, what I’ve observed and learnt from coaches, great individuals and teams I’ve worked with and what I teach at the elite level. You can get access to my work and specific tools, techniques and examples to learn and develop in these areas, you can access the FCA XV Essential Skills Program.

 

Any purchase of the “CPD Bundle” or “CPD + RPL Bundle” in October 2024 also includes complimentary access to “Fast Track Mindfulness” (RRP $19)– simply go to https://www.fcaxvcollege.com/collections and sign up to one of the bundles to get access. (Offer ends 31st October 2024).