The Comeback Kid: From Self-Doubt to Composed Confidence
Every coach has that one player. The one who shows up with raw talent but their mindset was holding them back. They have all the skill in the world, but a single mistake—a missed pass, a failed tackle—sends them into a spiral of frustration and self-blame. One player who has completely changed his mindset over the last 3 years with me is Roberto and his transformation is a powerful lesson for every player/person.
His troubles stemmed from a previous football coach who would shout at him when he made mistakes, giving him a fear of failure - something I'm passionate about coaching out of kids.
When he first joined us, his reactions to failure were immediate and intense. A misplaced shot would lead to him putting his head down, shoulders slumping. He’d spend the next several minutes of the game replaying his mistake, losing focus and making more errors. He was his own toughest critic, and it was holding him back from reaching his potential.
We knew his technical ability was there, but his mindset was the real challenge. So, we started working on his mental game just as much as his physical one. We focused on a simple principle: mistakes are not a reflection of your worth, but an opportunity for growth.
We introduced him to concepts like:
Mindful Reaction: Instead of reacting emotionally to a mistake, we taught him to pause, take a deep breath, and immediately refocus on the next play. He learned to let go of what had just happened and be present in the moment.
The "Next Play" Mentality: We constantly drilled the idea that what's done is done. A mistake is just a moment in a long game. His job was to make the next moment count, not dwell on the last one.
Celebrating Effort: Instead of only praising perfect outcomes, we celebrated his effort and his willingness to try. This built his confidence to attempt difficult plays without the fear of failure.
The 1% Rule: All I ask from my players is that I want them to try and be 1% better than the previous time they attempted that pass, shot, rep, set or attempt.
The change wasn't overnight. It was the result of consistent, disciplined work. But over time, we started to see a different player emerge. The frustrated gestures disappeared. The slumping shoulders straightened. He began to communicate more on the pitch and his composure became a natural part of his game.
Today, he is a different player and person. He is composed, assured, and his technical ability is able to flourish because of this. He knows that mistakes are a part of the game, and he no longer lets them define him. He trusts his training and his process, and it shows in his performance.
His journey is proof that talent alone isn't enough. The most successful players are those who can master their mindset. They understand that true confidence comes not from never making a mistake, but from knowing how to handle one.
Are you ready to build a mindset that can overcome any challenge on the pitch?
Join us in group sessions, get personalised attention with 1-2-1 coaching, or train from anywhere in the world with our online programs.
