---
title: "Freedom to fail"
date: 2026-11-11T11:00:00-05:00
categories: ["opinion"]
url: https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/11/freedom-to-fail/
---

# Freedom to fail

Netherlands 3x3 basketball programme manager Victor Anfiloff in [De VoetbalTrainer](https://www.voetbaltrainer.nl/victor-anfilo%EF%AC%80-de-kunst-van-coachen) translated from Dutch:

> You can't fake it. My first question is always: has that athlete already shown it in training? If someone hasn't mastered a skill there yet, I don't find it credible to suddenly shout during a match that they can do it. That athlete knows themselves that they can't do it yet.
>
> But I have very often seen someone show something in training and then no longer dare to do it in matches. Then that person is no longer focused on the skill, but on the possible consequences.
>
> At a moment like that I try to create freedom. Freedom to do the right thing, but above all freedom to fail. I take over part of the responsibility. I can literally say: do it. You have my full permission. If it doesn't work, I'll take responsibility for it. I know you can do this.

You must have no fear of failure if you want to succeed in anything.

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