Giving feedback

Players want feedback. The worst thing you can do as a leader is give no feedback. Team morale deteriorates on teams that have coaches who give very little feedback until they’ve finally “had enough” and explode on their players. Players want to have their efforts recognized, and most want to become better players. Any advice that would help in that regard in a plus.

Athletes are people too. They want attention, but too many negative comments from a coach will usually wear on an athlete. Try to use the 80/20 rule. Eighty percent of what you say should positive. Recognize things that you like in their play and hope that those things become habits. When you do make a positive remark try to focus on encouraging a player rather than complimenting them. Encouraging players is more effective than complementing players because it will inspire them to continue working rather than think that they’ve “arrived”.

Remember too that mistakes are part of the game. Be careful not to punish players for making performance mistakes. This can lead to tentative play and the fear of failure.