Captains

Many players aspire to wear the "C" or captains armband in representation of his team. The truth is, not everyone is cut out or properly prepared to be a captain.

Captains can be difference makers for their team. You want positive difference makers as captains.

Captains are, as an extension of the coach, the on-field leaders of the team. Captains must set the tone and the pace for training. They decide the team's standards in training and for play - what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.

Not every player is suitable to be a captain. Poise and composure in addition to leadership skills are necessary to be an effective captain. A captain needs to be able to deal with effectively and positively with adversity encountered during training and matches. He must be a team player both capable and willing to help teammates in an encouraging and enabling manner. Captains must be builders, not destroyers, of confidence.

A captain must have both knowledge of and passion for the game of soccer. This is a player who has helped determine the shared vision of the team and is compelled in his commitment to helping the team achieve that vision.

Before leading others, a captain must take care of his own business. Not every player is a someone that others will listen to. A captain is not necessarily the teams "best" player nor is he necessarily the most outspoken player. The captain is a thinker and effective problem solver who places the team's achievement above all else. The captain is well respected by coaches and teammates alike.

Respect is given and received through positivity and a calm mature manner. Staying focused and on task is a necessity. He should have enthusiasm for the achievements of his teammates as well as his own. He should be encouraging and helpful to both coaches and teammates. In a word, steady. Never too high and never too low emotionally yet always engaged.

Captains cannot give lip service to the ideals and standards of the team. If he is going to talk the talk, he must walk the walk - in all aspects of the team environment including punctuality, fitness, communication, nutrition and hydration, respectfulness, trustworthiness and inclusiveness. Teammates are equals and each is valued equally for his contribution to the team no matter how great or small that contribution might be.

Just like a good coach, a captain must be a good listener. He must be approachable by both teammates and coaches as well as by referees. He must possess and exercise the ability to deal with each in a calm, poised and respectful manner.

A captain must be a team player and willingly follow instructions from the coaching staff. It is okay to debate with the coach(es) in private, but he must be respectful of the coach's final decision and follow through on instructions for the good of the team.

A captain must be knowledgeable of the game. On-the-pitch the captain should be able to function as a coach in directing play, helping maintain shape, space and pace from both sides of the ball. Good, effective and efficient communication is a must for a captain. Once again, taking caring of his own business first but not being so self absorbed that he cannot help teammates position and play to their full potential in a calm and composed manner.

Most importantly the captain embraces the position with humility and recognition that being a captain is both an honor and privilege, not a right or an entitlement. 

One of the best captains I ever had was a young lady by the name of Shayna. Thoroughly strong, resilient and inclusive. Compassionate when called upon to be. Respectful and trustworthy. A vocal on-field leader - both forceful and encouraging. I wish I could clone the characteristics, traits and qualities she brought to the role of captain.

Great Question about Great Players

I awoke this morning to an email asking me about my favorite and least favorite players I have ever coached.  The questioner was not asking for names as these would mean little to him.  Rather he was inquiring about characteristics or traits that made players stand out.

Two players immediately came to mind; Terry and Steve.  Both of these players were gifted athletes and looked upon as the best on their respective teams. Terry's teams had great success while Steve's teams were successful.  There is a difference and it was found in what set the two players apart from one another.

It's easy to lead when all is going well.

It's easy to be out in front when the skies are clear.

It's easy to be first in line when there are no obstacles to overcome.

When Terry arrived at the field the atmosphere changed. It became charged with energy and expectations. You knew Terry was bringing his "A" game and quite honestly, no one wanted to let Terry down. His energy, enthusiasm and determination to succeed were unmatched. 

As Terry went, so went the team.

Terry's teams were ultra successful in large part because Terry would have it no other way.  He was confident in his ability and that somehow made those around him confident in their own (supporting?) abilities.  He brought out the best in those around him because he always gave his best. There was never a moment too big for Terry.

Steve was similarly the undisputed leader of his team. It can also be said that as Steve went, so too did his team go.  The difference was Steve often shrunk in the big moments.  I wouldn't say he froze up or shied away from big moments, but Steve also did not elevate his game. Steve was not capable of putting a team on his back and elevating everyone's game around him. So when Steve did not rise to the occasion, neither did his teams.

Interestingly enough, Terry was a quiet guy. He didn't talk much at all. He didn't have to. A true leader by example.  Steve on the other hand was a talker, kind of a rah rah guy. As I reminisce about these two this morning I find myself considering this.  Terry said little and so had little to back up or prove.  Steve talked a good game but faltered in the big moments. Steve talked the talk but failed to walk the walk when it was most important to do so. With each big moment success that Terry delivered, confidence, energy and enthusiasm soared throughout the team.  With each big moment failure to deliver on Steve's part, confidence, energy and enthusiasm were drained from the team. 

In the end, Terry is one of my favorite, if not my favorite player, I have coached.  I'm not sure it is fair to say Steve is my least favorite player.  It has more to do with disappointment with Steve. It's always about what might have been with Steve whereas with Terry it's always about the challenges met and obstacles overcome.