Calmness Breeds Confidence

One of the greatest gifts the game of football has given me is confidence. It is something we naturally desire for ourselves and should actively strive to instill in our players.

Confidence is not measured by the scoreboard or determined by wins and losses. True confidence comes from developing self-trust — a deeper understanding of who we are and who created us. It is the gradual realization that we have the power to grow into whoever we want to become and achieve whatever we set our minds to.

Whether you are a coach or a leader on the field, having confident teammates around you is essential — just as in life, we thrive when surrounded by confident people. As coaches, the responsibility of building that confidence falls on us, and how we choose to do it matters.

One approach that rarely works is resorting to verbal rampages or loud displays of disappointment. Players usually know when they have made a mistake almost as well as you do. While correction and teaching are essential, the delivery of your message makes all the difference. When a player is already disappointed, you face a choice: own the mistake alongside them and reinforce your trust in their ability, or shift the blame, make a scene, and actively erode their confidence.

When the game is on the line and pressure mounts, players instinctively look to their leader for reassurance. In those moments of high-stakes tension, practicing the subtle art of calmness pays tremendous dividends. Amidst the chaos and fatigue of battle, they need a steadying presence — a voice that signals, “We’ve got this.” “I trust you.”

Remaining calm during adversity communicates a powerful message: “We are okay.” People naturally borrow that sense of stability. Calmness breeds confidence, builds trust, and sets the emotional tone for the entire team.

Our goal is to help young men become confident — unafraid of making mistakes and unashamed in the arena of life or competition. That transformation begins with our own calm confidence as leaders.

Bring enthusiasm, show emotion, and praise loudly! Celebrating success enhances the experience and fuels growth. Football is meant to be fun, and it is played best when athletes feel free and supported. Acknowledge what needs correction, but always remember our primary responsibility before we react: to build young men into confident, proud individuals. That will be among your greatest contributions to the game.