1. Eliminate sarcasm out of your delivery style – don’t make fun of or embarrass your players. Sarcasm and public displays of criticism are negative. Negativity breeds anger, resentment, and frustration. These emotions and feelings create stress which might result in injury, illness, and defeat not to say players, particularly young athletes, never wanting to play sports again. Give your players positive feedback on what they’re doing well.
2. Concentrate on the method – take the main target off of winning or losing. Specializing in the final result creates a tense, uncomfortable, and ineffective environment. Concentrate on the moment. An important point, or shot, or play is the subsequent one.
3. Stop negative interactions – players that reply to negative coaching may not allow themselves to win. When players have been reinforced with negative feedback, they might lose just so that they can proceed to receive negative feedback from the coach. It’s a vicious cycle. Break the negative cycle. Get your players to answer positive feedback.
4. Search for players who can accept positive feedback and compliments. Individuals who accept positive feedback and are in a position to say “thanks” after receiving a compliment usually tend to perform when it counts. Teach your players to just accept accolades.
5. Act calm and assured. Have a relaxed tone of voice, speak softer and slower, and smile. What you say and the way you say it is going to either make your players stronger and self confident or weaker and fearful. Take a take a look at your coaching style. Commit to being a positive, calm, caring, and assured coach.
These five suggestions will enable you create teams which have more fun, learn more easily, and win more often.
Anne Smith, Ph.D. Copyright 2006 All Rights Reserved.