Here’s some of the ways we try to build that in our sessions:

1. Laugh at the small stuff — some mistakes just aren’t a big deal.

2. Have a laugh together (not at).

3. Keep the rep live — let them respond.

4. Add consequences — extra action.

5. Celebrate the response.

6. Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities.

7. Review recurring mistakes, not one-offs.

8. Train high-risk situations — this increases the chance of mistakes and forces composure under pressure.

9. Everyone wears VOS TRAIN gloves (super-slippy palm) — mistakes are more frequent, so there are more chances to deal with them. Because everyone’s in the same boat, resistance drops and goalkeepers become more open to learning and failing. This fosters a growth mindset where long-term development is prioritised over short-term success.

Mistakes aren’t failure. They’re training for composure.