The importance of winning

Matt Patricia, (at the time of writing) the Defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots said that "before learning how to win, you have to learn how to not lose". Admittedly, the sport of American Football is win or lose by its nature, with any game ending in a tie going to overtime until a winner is found. However, in the real game of football (where you actually use your feet), there could well be something we could learn from our American counterparts. Could we benefit at the top level through exposing players to win or lose environments at a younger age, and would such a format help develop players who "know how to win"?

Now let's be honest, winning is great, and anyone who says it isn't would be lying, but it certainly comes second to development in the context of youth football and the evolving player. But, how do we develop the art of winning? How do young players understand the importance of altering a style of play or changing a system based on the state of the game, or as unconventional as it may sound, "running the clock down" to ensure another W on the board? The best players in the Academy setups across the country are more often than not recruited based on the skills they possess WITH the football, however there seems to be a sheer lack of those recruited for their ability to manage a game, play tactically to ensure a win, or do something less pleasing on the eye which helps the team to a desired outcome.?Do these aspects of the game at the top level not carry importance? I'm sure you will agree that especially in the lower professional leagues of the U.K. a manager would cry out for such qualities.

So how can we develop these traits like we do for others such as passing, receiving, or defending 1v1? Like developing any other skill it is important the players have opportunity to practice and refine their techniques and methods, through intrinsic and extrinsic feedback. In other words, the players need training sessions which include games with an emphasis on winning or losing, and the tactics they employ to do so. Now this doesn't just mean letting the players play a game and keeping score, before hammering the losing team of course. The use of structured games or activities including scenarios can help develop the winning mentality. For example, here are a couple of scenarios which have worked well in my experience:

• "It is the Champions League Semi-Final second leg, you are away from home and are 2-1 down on aggregate. There is X minutes left to play, how will you play in order to reach the final."
• "Your team are down to 9 men, there is X minutes left and you are currently winning 1-0. How will you see out the game and ensure the 3 points are yours?"

But this comes with a warning. It is vital that we as coaches do not solely focus on the end result during this learning period. If we place too much value on the final outcome in the initial stages we are likely to give the impression that the final score is all that matters. As coaches we have a duty to educate the players on the HOW and the WHY. For example, if using the first scenario from above, and the team who are trailing do not succeed, is this a failure in the long term development of those individuals? Of course not, but it is important that we discuss what the players tried to do in response to that scenario. If their intentions were good, praise them for it! If they showed qualities which will help later in their career when faced with a similar scenario, for example optimism, enthusiasm or a never say die attitude, then again place value on these efforts rather than just the final score, because these are the traits we as coaches want to encourage.?

As I like to say to the players I work with, "play with a want to win attitude, not an attitude of win at all costs." What I mean by this is yes step onto the field wanting to win, that's an important quality in my eyes, however be true to what you believe in and aim to win the game through such methods, upholding the laws of the game and showing respect at all times. I believe we can develop players with the ability to win games through controlling the tempo, managing possession or altering systems and tactics, not just reverting to the easiest option which may bring success today, but provide no benefit for the player of tomorrow.

Summary:

• Give the players opportunity to work on "how to win" in your sessions
• Use scenarios to help with this
• Praise the efforts and intentions shown, not just the end result
• Create players who want to win, but not at all costs