Inside The Game
Inside The Game is a weekly podcast with Stuart Sharples, hosted by Steel United, designed to support coaches, players, and parents by breaking down key topics from our coaching curriculum. Each episode dives into a fundamental aspect of the game, explores a core value that shapes player development, and features a special guest offering insights on the weekly theme. Whether you're on the pitch or in the stands, this podcast will help you understand the game on a deeper level. Let’s step inside the game!
Inside The Game
Episode Five - How to Support Players with Anxiety
n this episode of Inside The Game, we continue our spring coaching journey by taking a deeper look at switching the play—not just from a tactical angle, but through the emotional lens of player confidence. We discuss how anxiety can impact decision-making on the field and why supporting the mental well-being of athletes is just as important as developing their technical skills.
Our guest, Sean Datson, brings valuable insight into how coaches can recognize performance anxiety, create emotionally safe environments, and build trust within their teams. We explore practical strategies for helping players stay composed under pressure and how the core value of Respect plays a key role in creating a positive, supportive team culture.
If you're looking to grow your players' confidence while reinforcing key curriculum topics, this episode offers both on-field advice and off-field perspective to elevate your coaching. Tune in and learn how to lead with empathy, build trust, and coach the whole player.