Getting Started with CoachFives

🎯 Focus on What Matters

Short, positive, personalized feedback conversations that make a real difference to player development and wellbeing.

⚡ Simple & Effective

A straightforward framework that gives you the tools to manage and track meaningful feedback across your season.

🤝 Strengthen Connections

Build trust and belonging with every player while supporting their individual journey and team success.

How CoachFives Works

1

Get Ready

Register and set up your team in minutes

2

Get Set

Understand player development with our skill ladders

3

Go!

Focus, observe, and have meaningful conversations

💡 Key Principle

CoachFives isn't about more control — it's about more connection. We help you communicate better, not more, creating space for players to thrive while feeling truly supported.

1 Log In with Google

Google Account Login

CoachFives uses Google authentication for secure, easy access. Simply log in at app.coachfives.com with your Google account to get started.

2 Create Your Team

Team Details

After logging in, you'll create your team with just a few essential details: team name, season start date, and season end date. CoachFives keeps setup simple so you can get started quickly.

3 Add Your Players

Adding Players

To add a player, click the 3-dot menu in the top right corner of your Team Page, then select "Add Player". You can add players at any time throughout the season.

Player Information

Currently, you only need to provide the player's name. CoachFives keeps it simple and focused on what matters most.

⏱️ Time Estimate

Complete setup takes about 5-10 minutes for a typical team of 15-20 players.

6 Core Skills Framework

CoachFives centers observations and conversations around 6 core skills that form the foundation of player development:

First Touch

Receiving the ball and maintaining control

1v1

Creating space to run, pass, or shoot

Passing

Combining with teammates & maintaining possession

Attack

Creating and finishing goal-chances

Defense

Anticipating, intercepting, winning the ball back

Team Spirit

Supporting teammates & respecting the opponents

Skill Ladder Example: First Touch

Each skill has 5 progression levels beyond "Starting Out" (the baseline level). Players may begin the season at any level depending on their current abilities, giving coaches a clear development path to guide each player's individual journey.

First Touch Development

✓

Starting Out

✓

Tries to Control

Safe Feet

Clever Under Pressure

Air to Ground

Gold

In this example: The player is currently demonstrating "Tries to Control" and their next development step would be "Safe Feet".

Visual Learning

Throughout the app, click on the info or video icon to watch demonstrations and refresh your understanding of each skill level.

1 Select a Focus Skill

One Skill at a Time

Choose one of the 6 core skills for your team to focus on for 2-3 weeks. This prevents overwhelm and allows for deeper observation. Click on the skill boxes at the top of your team page to see observation data and select your focus.

2 Observe with Purpose

During Match Day

Step back and observe how each player demonstrates the focus skill. Remember: game day is their day, not your day for constant instruction.

During Training

Use free play time at the end of sessions to observe players naturally using skills without pressure or instruction.

3 Capture Observations

In the App: Quick Capture

Click "Capture Observation"
Select the player and choose:

🖐️ "Not There Yet" (Single Five)
For effort and trying - they're working on it but haven't quite achieved the skill level yet

🙌 "Yes! Onwards" (Double Five)
For clear progress - they've demonstrated the skill and are ready for the next level

Add Notes (Optional)
Brief context: "Great control under pressure from two defenders"

Observe with Amazement

Don't just see what players can't do. Look for what they're trying to do, moving towards, and succeeding in. Focus on progress, not perfection.

The CoachFives Conversation Framework

What's Up?

Always start with an open question about the previous game:
• What did you think about the game?
• What was your best moment?
• Your worst?

Well Done!

Talk about the Focus Skill (e.g. First Touch) and what a player is doing well (even if it is not progress); always give a five!

Make a big deal — a double five — if you have seen progress to the next level. And tie that progress to the player's effort in practice.

What's Next?

Explain what the football gurus say about the next level in this focus skill.

How that would benefit the player and the team.

Ask the player if they can show this. Demo a couple of times with the player and give them some way to practice this at home.

Purposeful practice is the key!

This is the basic 1-2-3 feedback formula.

Of course feel free to add or change to chat feels right for you and your players.

Conversation Example

A 2-3 Minute CoachFives Conversation

What's Up?

Coach: "Hi Alex, how's everything going? What did you think of Saturday's game?"

[Listen to their response, connect personally]

Well Done!

Coach: "We've been focusing on First Touch, and you're getting much safer with the ball — I noticed how you kept possession even when two players were pressuring you. That's a solid five! 🖐️ It really helps the team when you can do that."

What's Next?

Coach: "The football gurus say the next level is 'Clever Under Pressure' — that means when defenders are close, you can turn or move to create even more space. This would make you even more valuable to the team because you could help us keep the ball and start attacks."

Coach: "Can you show me how you might turn away from pressure? Let's try it a couple times... Great! Want to practice this at home? Maybe get your mum or dad to put gentle pressure on you while you receive the ball and try to turn away."

After the Conversation

Capture in the App

Click "Capture Conversation," confirm the date, and add any notes for future reference. This builds your feedback record over time.

Age-Appropriate Delivery

Younger players (6-9): Keep it short, visual, and skill-focused
Older players (10-14): Include how their skills contribute to team success

Remember

This isn't about "telling players what they can do better" — it's a two-way conversation that encourages reflection, reinforces strengths, and guides next steps.

Coaching Philosophy

🎯 Observe with Purpose

Understand what player progress looks like. With young players, the game is all about core skills. Choose one skill, observe each player, then move to another skill.

👀 Observe with Amazement

Look for what players are trying to do, moving towards, and succeeding in. Use match day as your feedback goldmine by stepping back and observing.

💬 Provide Supportive Feedback

Focus on two-way conversations that build confidence, reinforce belonging, and provide clear next steps for development.

Timing & Frequency

Recommended Schedule

Observations: During every match and 1-2 training sessions per week

Conversations: 2-3 players per week (ensures everyone gets feedback monthly)

Focus Skills: 2-3 weeks per skill (allows for depth and progress)

Addressing Over-Coaching Concerns

💡 Our Response to "Don't Over-Coach"

We agree — kids don't need constant instruction. CoachFives isn't about more control, it's about more connection. We help you talk better, not more. Better feedback means you can step back more during games because you've already built the connection and clarity kids need.

Future Features

📊 Advanced Analytics

Skill summaries by player and team, with suggested training activities based on your team profile.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parent Updates

Automated parent communication with development updates and home practice suggestions.

🎯 Smart Prompts

Skill focus reminders and conversation prompts tailored to your team's development stage.

We Want Your Input!

CoachFives is YOUR feedback app. If you have ideas for features or improvements that would support your coaching needs, we'd love to hear from you.

Email us: info@coachfives.com

Welcome to CoachFives