Fear of Failure!

Developing Player Programme academy trials on the horizon...

For many young players, next week is an important step in their fledgling young careers. With the final DPP trial taking place next week and the realization that not everyone will get the desired outcome is quite a daunting prospect. It is important that players are prepared for every eventuality and enjoy the whole process, this is easier for some and harder for others to digest.

It is important that expectations are realistic and players are aware of the possible outcomes. For me, players should be extremely proud, however, of already being in the academy set up and appreciate that they are good rugby players regardless of what the trial result is. Many peers would love to have had the opportunity to work alongside good players and coaches.

So with that in mind relish this last trial opportunity and do not let the fear of the unknown hold you back. This is one final chance for you to show what you can do... go for it! Whatever happens, don't leave anything out on the pitch and again learn from this experience. Your rugby journey will be a continuous learning process. Those prepared to listen, adapt and show resilience will accelerate their progress ahead of others.

Turning a NO and over time changing it into a YES!

So how can we gain from a negative or bad outcome? I feel there is too much focus on winning and always needing to achieve. Sport or in fact life does not always work out like this! Yes it is competitive and we certainly prepare to win but for me, there is too much onus on always having to succeed. The players that stand out are the ones that keep working hard, go until the final minute, show a good attitude regardless of the scenarios both in games and training. Not the players that stand up when their teams are 50 nil up or when things are going rosy.

The ability to be level headed and grounded are great qualities to have. Not to get too carried away when winning or upset when you lose. Try and reflect upon yourself and ways that you can improve or just switch off. Don't dwell on a bad game. It is in the past, move on and look forward!

Academies are fantastic at getting the balance right and although there is a competitive element for selection (which there has to be) - the focus is very much on individual development and improving skillset, mindset and work rate. These attributes are key to the progression of both the individual and the team. Players that are now playing at the elite level would have also missed out on a trial or team selection at some stage. It is how we learn, bounce back and show perseverance to go again.

If you are unsuccessful this time around, of course, be disappointed (would be strange if you weren't) but channel this initial frustration into a positive focus going forward. Take on board the constructive and thorough feedback from coaches and run with it. This now will test how much you really want it... Are you willing to put the hard yards in? Will you practice and improve certain aspects of your game?

If you need any help whether it be coaching sessions, fitness conditioning or just advice please do get in touch at www.jkrugbycoachingandmentoring.com or jkcoachingandmentoring@gmail.com

My summary

First of all good luck ahead of the trial, enjoy it and go and do your best! Remember this is just a little step along the way. No careers are established at this stage whether it is a yes or a no. Remember many players, coaches and others have also failed or made mistakes at some stage.

For me, mistakes are great as long as you don't keep making the same ones. Mistakes are an integral part of the learning process and they allow us to improve and make a better decision next time around.

Whatever the outcome of your trial, be prepared to work hard and keep playing with a smile on your face. If you work hard, are willing to learn and enjoy it, everything will eventually click into place. Every experience is a positive one!

James Kaminski