| What kind of environment do you create? Are | | | | - players that respond to negative coaching |
| you uptight or intense during practices, | | | | may not allow themselves to win. When players |
| lessons, clinics? This type of energy rubs | | | | have been reinforced with negative feedback, |
| off on your players and can make them uptight | | | | they may lose just so they can continue to |
| and tense as well. Coaches are role models, | | | | receive negative feedback from the coach. It |
| and they should all strive to be good role | | | | is a vicious cycle. Break the negative cycle. |
| models. Your players take their cues from how | | | | Get your players to respond to positive |
| you conduct yourself. Follow these five tips | | | | feedback. 4. Look for players who can accept |
| for the best results. 1. Eliminate sarcasm | | | | positive feedback and compliments. |
| from your delivery style - do not make fun of | | | | Individuals who accept positive feedback and |
| or embarrass your players. Sarcasm and public | | | | are able to say "thank you" after receiving a |
| displays of criticism are negative. | | | | compliment are more likely to perform when it |
| Negativity breeds anger, resentment, and | | | | counts. Teach your players to accept |
| frustration. These emotions and feelings | | | | accolades. 5. Act calm and confident. Have a |
| create stress which can lead to injury, | | | | calm tone of voice, speak softer and slower, |
| illness, and defeat not to mention players, | | | | and smile. What you say and how you say it |
| particularly young athletes, never wanting to | | | | will either make your players stronger and |
| play sports again. Give your players positive | | | | self confident or weaker and fearful. Take a |
| feedback on what they are doing well. 2. | | | | look at your coaching style. Commit to being |
| Focus on the process - take the focus off of | | | | a positive, calm, caring, and confident |
| winning or losing. Focusing on the outcome | | | | coach. These five tips will help you create |
| creates a tense, uncomfortable, and | | | | teams that have more fun, learn more easily, |
| ineffective environment. Focus on the moment. | | | | and win more often. |
| The most important point, or shot, or play is | | | | |
| the next one. 3. Stop negative interactions | | | | More articles from this pro: Smith, Ph.D. |