Why the Last Step to Accomplishment Is Often the Hardest
Coaching my sons' U12 soccer team has been a rewarding journey. We've seen significant progress: improved ball control, better communication, and a growing understanding of the game. Yet, as we edge closer to excellence (being really, really good for this age), the final refinements—like maintaining proper spacing, making quick passes, and valuing the assist as much as the goal—prove to be the most challenging.
This phenomenon isn't unique to soccer. Psychological research indicates that motivation often dips in the middle stages of goal pursuit, creating a "U-shaped" curve where enthusiasm is high at the beginning and end but wanes in the middle. Additionally, the "plateau effect" describes how progress can stagnate after initial gains, making further improvement feel elusive.
In our practices, the boys grasp the importance of spreading out and passing, yet during games, old habits resurface. This regression is common; as players approach mastery, the required adjustments become subtler and demand greater cognitive effort. The brain, favoring familiar patterns, resists these changes, making the final steps toward improvement particularly taxing.
As a coach, witnessing the team's proximity to excellence is both exhilarating and frustrating. I find myself more vocal, urging them to make that extra pass or hold their position. This intensity stems from a desire to see them realize their potential, understanding that these final tweaks can elevate their game significantly. And not for me. I am truly one of those parents/coaches that could not care at all about winning or the team record. And I do not want, nor will accept, any “glory.” It is a “classroom” for the boys, a series of life-long learned lessons they can apply in so many different circumstances… if I do this correctly.
Research supports the importance of focusing on the process rather than solely the outcome. Emphasizing effort and incremental progress helps maintain motivation and fosters a growth mindset. By celebrating small victories and reinforcing positive behaviors, we can guide young athletes through the challenging final stages of skill development.
The last steps toward achieving a goal are often the most demanding, both mentally and emotionally. Recognizing this can help coaches, players, and parents provide the support and encouragement needed to push through these final hurdles, leading to meaningful and lasting improvement.
Also, it keeps perspective about what is truly important in life… not the wins, but the experience that comes from teamwork, doing it together, and having fun.
