We regret to say that summer is coming to an end. That means the end of holidays and a return to work. But that’s not always a bad thing! In fact, at Kaptiva Sports Academy we are looking forward to resuming our daily activities. But it’s always necessary to prepare and get off to a good start. Let’s see how coaches approach the start of the season.
Firstly, it should be noted that there is prior preparation for how the start of the season will be managed. First of all, we must welcome the lads, both the veterans and the new faces, and explain the dynamics and rules of coexistence. But let’s delve deeper into the world of football once the introductions have been made.
Adaptation and Team Identity Building
The first months of the season are critical for establishing the foundation of athletic and psychological work. Players, newly arrived from different countries and contexts, face the challenge of adapting to a new routine, unfamiliar teammates, and the academy’s demands.
At the same time, they must integrate into their external clubs, effectively managing a dual set of responsibilities. Adding to this challenge, living far from home can complicate their ability to fulfill all their duties.
During this period, the coach must act as a facilitator, creating an environment of support and cohesion. It is crucial to dedicate time to getting to know each player in depth: their goals, fears, and motivations. This not only fosters trust but also allows for tailored athletic and emotional interventions.
Initial trainings
Initial training sessions should focus on group dynamics to strengthen interpersonal relationships and progressive exercises to avoid physical and emotional overload. Individual and group discussions are essential during this stage to reinforce the team’s sense of belonging and shared values.
Following the Kaptiva methodology, as we explained in one of our previous blog posts, the kids learn to solve real problems based on a dialogue with the coach. This is one of the points that is usually emphasised from the outset, so that players understand the dynamics of training from the very beginning.
In summary, the first few days and weeks are usually focused on building a coach-player relationship. This also generates empathy and strengthens teamwork. Not only that, but the players adapt more easily to the Kaptiva Sports Academy routine, which also helps to create strong bonds between them.
Preparing for tournaments and different clinics
Although we will go into more detail about these key moments in the season later on, you can already take a look at the type of work a coach does during tournaments. Even so, it is important to note that, from the start of the season, coaches have all the tournaments of the year in mind, and they adjust training sessions according to the needs and possible improvements they detect.
These events, tournaments and clinics are usually very stimulating for players, so focusing on the importance of training to perform well in these matches is essential. Coaches emphasise the importance of staying in good physical shape and eating well.
However, the initial work of the coaches must be complemented by that of tutors and psychologists. All of this, taken together, helps the children get off to a good start and understand how Kaptiva Sports Academy works.
This is how coaches approach the start of the season. If you have any questions about our methodology or staff, please do not hesitate to contact us.
