Player Assessment
Psychological (Attitude)
Regardless of a player's performance, their skill, tactical, and physical display, other factors heavily influence a coach's decision regarding a particular player. Coaches will look at the player's mental and psychological make up, their mental ability to quickly and correctly read and assess situations, their motivational drive and will power, their self confidence, and emotional stability. Competition reveals character! Each coach loves to identify key players with personalities and qualities that cause them to become team leaders. The following personality traits are the most recognizable:
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Drive
- Pure "will-power", eager to achieve goals, a burning desire to achieve success, strong, self motivation, commitment, dedication, determination. Self critical, not deprecating.
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Aggressiveness
- "Go getter", strong self assertive, takes risks, wants to dominate opponents, works hard and ruthless in attack and defense.
- Danger bad losers, inclined to retaliation and revenge fouls, loses self control, general lack of discipline. Doesn't know and understand the difference between Passion and Emotion.
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Determination
- Seeks the direct way towards goal, no compromising, doesn't hesitate when making decisions, willingness, fully concentrated, success oriented.
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Responsibility
- Intelligent, can read game tactically (anticipation), conscientious, reliable, wants security, cooperative, ready for compromise, stable and skillful player.
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Leadership
- Intelligence, dedication, pride, bears responsibility for the team, influences the environment, anticipation, intuition, independent and spontaneous, convincing and dominating player, hard worker, no surrender, composed, self controlled, endurable, communicative, respected, trustful.
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Self Control
- Discipline, emotional stability, composure, discretion
- Self Confidence
- Secure ball control and determined application of skills and tactics under pressure (both external and self imposed).
- Danger these players tend to underrate opposing players, show a lack of willingness to be coached, and become easily complacent.
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Mental Toughness
- Persistency, consistency, commitment throughout the game, no surrender, tough self assertion.
- Knowing that simply put, no grades, no play.
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Coachability
- Ready to learn and to achieve goals, self motivated, attentive and receptive, willingness, interested, spontaneous, committing themselves, likes to discuss problems, hard worker, self disciplined, creative, constructive, progressive.
- Conscientiousness
Sensitive, nervous pre contest anxiety, diligent, always wants to give their best, modest, reserved, fearful, pondering, self critical, depends on success, reliable player in solid environment. - Trustfulness
Reliable, self confident, will be respected and attracts the support of teammates, untiring commitment, composed and self controlled, detTuesday, October 28, 2003 team spirit. - Communication
Willing to communicate with teammates and coaches about what is going right and wrong. Willing to suggest solutions and accept decisions. Willing to talk on field. Ability to communicate in a positive manner.
