A Coach's Diary

Have you ever noticed that some athletes excel under some coaches but struggle and melt while playing for other coaches? Kelsi was a player who had a lot of talent but struggled with her confidence. She could do complicated moves and mazes in training, but she struggled to replicate them in games. She always told her parents that she didn't feel confident enough to try what she was working on in private training sessions in practice and games because she had a fear and anxiety of messing up. Going into Kelsi's senior year, her high school hired a new coach, and almost immediately, her parents saw a change in her confidence, energy, and performance. Kelsi had a great senior year, and when her parents asked her what changed, she said that it was that she felt more comfortable and confident playing for her new coach. Kelsi said that her new coach made her feel confident because he believed in her, and she felt safe because when she made a mistake, he helped her through them and th...

COACHES AND PARENTS Tell your players/athletes: “I believe in you. I believe in your ability. I believe in your potential.” Believing in our kids is one of the most important gifts that we can give them. Shower them with this gift.  Tell them why you believe in them and their potential. Tell them how they can live up to their potential. Help them create a plan. Teach them how to work diligently and consistently to complete the plan. Teach them that obstacles and adversity are inevitable parts of the journey. Teach them how to gracefully get past obstacles and how to handle adversity. Teach them how to win with honor. Teach them how to learn from and bounce back from losses. Teach them how to love, serve, and support their teammates. Teach them how to believe in themselves, and teach them how to share the gift of belief in others. This just might help change a life. One life at a time can change sports.