When I first started trading over 20 years ago, I didn’t have the roadmap I’m about to share with you. I remember one of my earliest mistakes vividly—placing a large trade based on gut feeling rather than research, only to watch my position in the market go against me in minutes.
It felt crushing at the time, but that loss taught me the importance of preparation and discipline, lessons that became the foundation of my trading approach. Back then, it felt like being thrown into the deep end without knowing how to swim. The markets were both exciting and intimidating, and every decision carried a mix of hope and fear. Over time, I’ve come to understand that sports trading is a journey—one with distinct stages that every trader must navigate.
Figuring out where you are in your trading journey is like having a map—it helps you focus on what’s important, avoid frustration, and move forward with confidence. Early in my career, I tried jumping ahead, tackling complex strategies before mastering the basics, and it cost me dearly. I’m here to help you avoid those mistakes and make steady progress toward success.
Let’s talk about the three main stages of becoming a sports trader and how to figure out which stage you’re in. By recognizing these stages, you can create a clear plan and enjoy the process of learning and growing as a trader.
The Three Stages of Sports Trader Development
1. Learning to Trade
What It’s Like:
This is where everyone starts. You’re learning the basics like how odds work, how to use the betting exchange platforms, and what strategies are out there.
I remember early days of sports trading, the betting exchanges were like the Wild West. Most people had no idea what they were doing, me included and getting help and guidance was non existent. It really was dog-eat-dog and the survival of the fittest back then
Two decades on the markets have matured to what we see today, with data and AI now playing an important role in a sports traders journey, learning to trade is a complex process.
How It Feels:
- Overwhelming: There’s a lot of information to take in all at once. Every decision feels huge.
- Uncertain: You might wonder if you’re doing things right or if trading is even for you. Mistakes feel discouraging, but they’re actually part of learning.
What to Focus On:
- Learn the basics: Understand odds, markets, and how to make trades. Familiarize yourself with the tools and platforms.
- Get educated: Watch you tube videos, read guides, and join trading communities to share ideas and experiences
- Practice safely: Use small amounts of money or simulations to learn without big risks. I can’t stress enough how important it is to start small—I learned this the hard way after losing more than I could afford in the beginning.
2. Becoming a Trader
What It’s Like:
Once you understand the basics, you start experimenting and finding what works for you. For me, this was the most challenging phase. I’d develop a strategy that seemed promising, only to watch it crumble under real market conditions.
This is where the market teaches you humility. I still remember a day when I let my emotions get the better of me, chasing losses after a bad trade. What started as a manageable mistake snowballed into one of my worst trading days. That experience forced me to confront my lack of discipline and rethink how I approached risk.
How It Feels:
- Frustrating: Sometimes your strategies don’t work, and you might doubt yourself. It’s easy to feel stuck when you hit a rough patch.
- Determined: You’re committed to improving and finding your groove. Each setback teaches you something new.
What to Focus On:
- Make it your own: Adjust strategies to fit your style and comfort level. Experiment to discover what suits you best. I realized during this phase that football markets played to my strengths more than others.
- Stay mentally tough: Learn to handle emotions like fear and greed so they don’t mess up your decisions. Resilience is key, and it’s something I had to develop after a string of painful losses.
- Keep track: Write down your trades and results to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Analyzing my trading journal helped me spot patterns I’d otherwise have missed.
3. Mastering Trading
What It’s Like:
This stage is about experience and consistency. You’ve been through ups and downs, refined your strategies, and know how to stick to your plan. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being steady and adaptable. By this point, trading becomes more of a disciplined routine than a rollercoaster of emotions.
How It Feels:
- Confident: You trust your process and stay calm under pressure. You don’t panic when things don’t go as planned.
- Humble: You know there’s always more to learn and improve. Even after 20 years, I’m still picking up new tricks and adapting to changing markets.
What to Focus On:
- Keep improving: Fine-tune your strategies as markets change. Stay ahead by adapting to new trends.
- Stay cool: Make decisions based on facts and logic, not emotions. Keeping a level head is crucial.
- Share your knowledge: Teaching others can help you learn even more. Mentoring can solidify your own skills and help the trading community grow.
Encourage Reflection and Growth
Knowing your stage isn’t about saying you’re “good” or “bad” at trading. It’s about understanding where you are so you can focus on what matters most. Each stage has its own challenges and rewards, and every step forward is progress. Think of it as climbing a mountain—every step gets you closer to the top.
Set Small Goals:
- If you’re just starting, try to learn one new thing each week. Small wins add up over time.
- If you’re refining strategies, set goals for consistency and profit. Aim for steady improvement.
- If you’re aiming for mastery, focus on improving your edge and helping others. Sharing knowledge benefits everyone.
Practical Tips for Identifying Your Stage
Understanding where you stand in your trading journey requires honest reflection. Here’s how to assess your current stage:
- Know the Basics: Can you confidently explain odds, staking methods, and how trading platforms function? If not, focus on foundational learning. Mastering these essentials is your first step forward.
- Experiment with Strategies: Are you testing methods and documenting results? If yes, you’re likely progressing into the second stage. If not, start by selecting a simple strategy and sticking to it for consistent evaluation.
- Handle Losses Rationally: How do you react to setbacks? If losses make you emotional, work on managing your mindset and focusing on long-term growth instead of immediate wins.
- Have a Plan: Are your trades guided by a clear strategy or impulsive decisions? A solid plan is crucial as you refine your approach.
- Evaluate Progress: Do you regularly review past trades to identify patterns and areas for improvement? Self-assessment is key to learning and evolving.
Advancing to the Next Stage:
- From Learning to Trade to Becoming a Trader: Stick with a couple of straightforward strategies, building confidence through consistent practice. Start small and gradually scale up as your understanding deepens.
- From Becoming a Trader to Mastering Trading: Focus on refining mental resilience and strategy adaptability. Recognize that consistency is the hallmark of mastery.
The Power of Community:
There are some fantastic resources available, you can become a member here for FREE and get access to hours of teaching and host of proven trading strategies to learn. We have our own premium trading community for just £40 a month (+VAT) for you to join if you wish to get the support and help.
I also mentor two new traders each month through my 12 month mentorship program where you get direct access to me for 12 months.
Conclusion
Figuring out your stage as a sports trader is key to long-term success. If you’re just starting, focus on mastering the basics and getting comfortable with the tools.
At the next stage, work on refining strategies, managing emotions, and learning from your mistakes. For those aiming for mastery, consistency and adaptability are your main goals.
Each stage builds on the last, preparing you for the challenges and rewards of the next step. In the Learning to Trade stage, you build your foundation by mastering the basics. During the Becoming a Trader stage, you refine your strategies and strengthen your emotional discipline.
Finally, in the Mastering Trading stage, you achieve consistency and adaptability, using experience to guide your decisions.
Together, these steps form a progression that equips you for long-term success. When you know where you are, you can work on the right things, avoid common mistakes, and keep improving. The journey is just as important as the destination.
Whether you’re just starting out, building your skills, or working toward mastery, remember that trading is a journey. Growth comes from steady effort, learning from mistakes, and staying open to change. Celebrate your progress and look forward to what’s next.
