Introduction
“We’ve even gone from lowlights to a really good standard thanks to everything I’ve learned from the course.”
Every team starts somewhere. The transformation from starting point to current reality is your coaching story.
Why Starting Points Matter
Perspective Maintenance
In difficult moments, remembering where you started provides perspective.
“We’re struggling now, but remember how we were in September.”
Progress Evidence
When development feels slow, documentation shows it’s actually happening.
Celebration Opportunities
Progress deserves celebration. Documented starting points make progress visible.
Learning Extraction
Understanding what created change helps you replicate it.
What to Document
Technical Baseline
For each player:
- Current skill levels
- Specific technical gaps
- Comfort zones and stretch areas
For the team:
- Collective capabilities
- Group understanding
- Technical ceiling
Tactical Understanding
What do they understand about:
- Positions and roles
- Team shape
- Decision-making
- Game phases
Physical Markers
- Fitness levels
- Speed and power
- Coordination
- Recovery capacity
Mental/Emotional State
- Confidence levels
- Team cohesion
- Response to challenges
- Enjoyment indicators
Match Performance
Early season matches recorded or noted:
- What worked
- What didn’t
- Clear struggles
- Surprising successes
Documentation Methods
Video
Even phone footage creates valuable records.
Record portions of early training and matches. You’ll be glad you did.
Written Notes
Simple observations after sessions:
- Date
- What you noticed
- Key challenges
- Small wins
Photos
Team photos, training snapshots, match moments.
Visual reminders of the journey.
Player Records
Individual progress logs:
- Session by session observations
- Skill development notes
- Feedback given and received
Using Documentation
Monthly Review
Look back at documentation monthly:
- What’s changed?
- What’s stayed the same?
- What needs attention?
Player Conversations
Share documented progress with players:
- “Remember when you couldn’t do X? Look at you now”
- Evidence of development builds confidence
Parent Communication
Documented progress supports parent conversations:
- “Here’s where Jake started. Here’s where he is now”
- Concrete evidence beats abstract claims
Season-End Reflection
Full journey review at season end:
- What worked?
- What would you change?
- What will you carry forward?
The Transformation Story
“From lowlights to a really good standard.”
That’s not just a statement. It’s a story:
- Where did you start?
- What did you try?
- What worked?
- What didn’t?
- Where are you now?
Every coach should be able to tell this story specifically and evidentially.
Creating the Comparison
Side-by-Side Analysis
Early season vs late season:
- Same players, different capabilities
- Same challenges, different responses
- Same situations, different execution
Before/After Moments
Specific skills that changed:
- First touch
- Passing accuracy
- Decision-making
- Positioning
Match Evolution
Compare early and late season matches:
- Shape and organisation
- Ball retention
- Creating chances
- Defensive solidity
Conclusion
Every team starts somewhere.
Document your starting point. Track your progress. Celebrate your development.
The story from lowlights to standard is worth telling - and worth preserving.