Taking Control: The Importance of Ownership

One of the most fundamental principles in coaching footballers is ownership. Players are constantly required to make split-second decisions, whether under high pressure or in key moments that could change the outcome. If they don’t feel in control of their decisions or fear making mistakes, their development and confidence can suffer.

What is ownership? Ownership refers to a player’s ability to take responsibility for their decisions. Every movement in football involves countless micro-decisions. For example, adjusting foot positioning before receiving a pass, angling the body when pressing, or making slight changes in pace to find space. In possession, the more visible choices include whether to pass, receive, shoot, or dribble. Out of possession, it involves decisions like when to press, cover, or adjust body positioning and more. Football is full of unpredictable situations, and without the ability to take ownership, players will struggle to develop, adapt, and influence the game effectively.

So, how can we, as coaches, foster ownership in young players? It all starts with a positive environment -one that builds confidence in decision-making. Players must feel free to express themselves and showcase their abilities without fear of criticism. If we believe they’ve made the wrong decision, instead of simply correcting them, we should ask: “Why did you choose to do X?”. By discussing their thought process and analyzing decisions together, we help players learn from mistakes while encouraging them to try again and self-correct.

It’s also crucial to listen to the players. How do they feel? What do they think about the session? Where do they believe they perform best? Encouraging self-reflection helps players better understand their strengths and areas for improvement, boosting their confidence and commitment. But listening isn’t enough, we must also apply their feedback on the field to reinforce their sense of ownership.

One simple yet effective way to develop ownership is by giving players choices. Instead of dictating every action, ask: “Would you like to do A or B?” This approach forces them to make decisions and take responsibility for their choices. As they get comfortable making small decisions, they’ll gain the confidence to handle more complex situations in the game. Additionally, we can challenge their thinking by asking open-ended questions that don’t reveal the answer, such as: “What do you think is the best option in this situation?”. This encourages players to justify their decisions, and develop a deeper understanding.

At higher levels, ownership leads to stronger tactical awareness, better leadership, and more effective teamwork. A player who takes ownership is proactive, accountable, and willing to learn. These traits that contribute to both personal development and overall team success. Coaches working with adult players should continue fostering ownership. Encourage self-analysis, decision-making, and accountability, ensuring players remain engaged and responsible for their progress.

Watch this video to dive deeper into ownership: How to Give Your Players Ownership?

To gain deeper insights into ownership in football and player decision-making, you can explore relevant webinars on Football Webinars:

• Shaping Players’ Ownership in Football with Jan Van Loon – providing insights into empowering players to take responsibility for their development.
• Different Ways of Learning with Keith Boanas – assessing players’ understanding and different learning methods.
• Scanning and Decision Making with Kris Van Der Haegen – developing intelligent players who can make quick and effective decisions in various game situations.

By continuously learning and refining your approach, you can empower athletes to take responsibility for their decisions and growth.