Stop Following the Crowd! Ben Bartlett on Coach Groupthink
Jul 2, 2024
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Ben Bartlett, Director of Methodology at Houston Dynamo, challenges traditional coaching methods in soccer. He emphasizes the dangers of groupthink and stresses the importance of focusing on players' needs. The discussion also covers coach development, adaptation, and success, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adapting to diverse coaching settings. Additionally, the podcast explores balancing flexibility and values in coaching philosophy and transforming coaching in America with a focus on development and accountability.
Encourage emotional player engagement for a dynamic playing style.
Challenge groupthink by tailoring coaching approaches to individual players.
Prioritize intentional variety in coaching to enhance player growth.
Deep dives
Ben Bartlett discusses frustration with rigid coaching methods and the importance of emotional engagement in football
Ben Bartlett expresses his frustration with the rigid coaching methods that prioritize uniformity and control over the emotional and creative aspects that make football captivating. He highlights the tension between leadership's desire for control through conformity and the need for players to express themselves freely on the field. Bartlett emphasizes the importance of allowing players to engage emotionally with the game, encouraging coaches to consider the emotional impact of their coaching styles and promote a more open and dynamic approach to playing football.
Dangers of Groupthink in Football Tactics and Coaching Philosophy
Ben Bartlett warns against the prevalent groupthink mentality in football that leads to a homogenized approach to tactics and coaching philosophy. He cautions against blindly emulating successful teams and coaches without understanding the unique context of each situation. Bartlett emphasizes the need for coaches to challenge conventional thinking and to focus on developing a diverse range of coaching approaches that are tailored to the individual needs of players. By encouraging coaches to think critically and embrace variety, Bartlett advocates for a more nuanced and flexible approach to coaching.
Importance of Intentional Coaching and Variety in Player Development
Ben Bartlett discusses the significance of intentional coaching practices that prioritize providing players with diverse experiences while maintaining a clear focus on individual player development. He highlights the value of offering players a range of experiences to enhance their skills and adaptability, emphasizing the need for coaches to be deliberate in their approach to fostering player growth. Bartlett underscores the importance of preparing players for the future by focusing on intentional variety in coaching methods and experiences, ensuring that individuals are equipped to succeed in evolving football landscapes.
Balancing Certainty and Flexibility in Coaching
Ben Bartlett examines the balance between certainty and flexibility in coaching, acknowledging the discomfort that comes with navigating the grey areas of coaching decisions. He emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt and respond to different contexts while maintaining core values and principles. Bartlett advocates for coaches to embrace uncertainty and adopt a just-in-time approach to coaching, allowing space for individualized responses that cater to specific player needs and environmental demands. By encouraging coaches to find a balance between structure and adaptability, Bartlett promotes a more holistic and effective coaching philosophy.
Elite Soccer Coaching Award: Fostering Accountability and Contextual Coaching Skills
Ben Bartlett introduces the Elite Soccer Coaching Award as a platform for developing coaches' accountability and contextual coaching skills. He discusses the importance of moving beyond traditional coaching education models focused on 'what' and 'how' to delve into the 'why' of coaching decisions. Bartlett emphasizes the value of holding coaches accountable for their intentions and actions, encouraging them to assess their impact on player development. Through the award's components, Bartlett aims to enable coaches to build a comprehensive coaching dossier that showcases their coaching principles, values, and adaptive strategies, ultimately fostering a more thoughtful and impactful coaching approach.
Gary is joined by Ben Bartlett (Director of Methodology at Houston Dynamo) to discuss the current direction of coaching development and whether we should be asking better questions around how we are learning and communicating the game.
As a thought leader in the game, Ben has written two outstanding books called Constraining Football and Connected Coaching. He is also designed and delivered the Elite Soccer Coaching Award - which you can check out on the link below:
https://elitesoccercoaching.net/coaching-award
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