The only person’s behaviour you can control is your own. This is advice that casual coach developer, Ben Hardaker, keeps with him when coaching. Ben has extensive experience in coaching and teaching, and he brings that expertise to this episode as we dive deep into the topic of behaviour.

There are many causes of poor behaviour, from lack of engagement in a session to player experiences outside of training. Ben provides invaluable advice on how we can mitigate it, from the questions coaches should be asking themselves when it does occur, to how to prevent it.

We speak about codes of conduct, and Ben gives us an overview of how he makes expectations known in a way that players will take on board. Ben also shares his top session ideas, and some powerful techniques to improve your coaching skills that you may never have considered.

Covered in this episode:

• What Ben learned from teaching and coaching other sports that he brought into coaching football.
• How to show up as a good role model for players.
• The three expectations that make up Ben’s code of conduct.
• Why poor behaviour happens.
• The questions to ask yourself when poor behaviour occurs.
• How to get young players more engaged in sessions.
• Keeping emotions in check on matchday.
• Tips for keeping communication clear and concise.
• Top session ideas.

Transcript:  Episode sixteen: Managing player behaviour and engagement with Ben Hardaker