Six Attributes to Look For in Your Captain (Part 1)

The role of team captain has the potential to be both the most challenging and the most rewarding of all for a player. One definition of the job is to ensure that each player is in the right frame of mind to give all that they have to the team effort.

Even today, with leadership roles and responsibilities shared amongst the players, the skipper’s role remains central to the team’s performance.

Not only must captains be competent in their playing, they need to inspire confidence in their players, evaluate the game plan and change it if circumstances dictate. They need to handle pressure well, make tactical decisions and communicate effectively with the referee as well as the team.

Not only is the captain a player, he is a leader, communicator, key decision maker, and important link between team and coach. What, then, should you as a coach be looking for in your captain?

1. Each captain is different

The first thing to remember is that there is no one set of characteristics possessed by effective captains. Very different personalities can be successful captains.

2. Mentally strong

The mental part of the job is arguably the hardest part. All captains should be mentally strong. Inevitably, the captain will be criticized at some point, both within and outside the team.

Equally, the captain needs to remain focused and aware whilst under intense pressure during a game, so that he can make the correct decisions at the right time. To cope with this requires considerable mental fortitude.

Some captains say that the mental aspect of captaincy is the hardest part, because there is so much more to think about, as well as playing.

3. Excellent communicator

KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid

This is a skill required by all captains. The captain will need to encourage and manage on-field communication between all the players, as well as maintaining effective communication both with players and between players and the coaching staff off of it.

However, this does not mean that the only voice to be heard on the field should be that of the captain’s. Indeed, the captain should only speak when necessary, being able to keep his communication concise and to the point.