Correct things the right way
Praise is one of the biggest motivators for any athlete. The recognition of one’s effort is worth all the failures that lead up to it.
However, it’s very rare that your athlete has executed everything perfectly which prompts coaches to add some corrections into the praise. It’s not a problem in and of itself but the way you phrase it can have a huge impact on how it is received.
This was good but …
Consider this comment by a coach:
“Well done on the kick but let’s now also think about the stance.”
Let’s now compare it to a comment from another coach
“Well done on the kick, now let’s also think about the stance.”
The first coach made the effort and success meaningless because the second part (the stance) is emphasized and is still considered wrong. Your athlete did half of the routine correct and instead of acknowledging it, you immediately point out what was wrong. Your athlete will think: “Oh no! I messed up again. I will never learn it!”
The comment made by the second coach ticks of one part and focuses on the second part. It’s like adding little challenges to your routines. Your athlete will think: “Yes! I got this. Give me something harder!”. The routine is like a to-do list of things that need to be done for the whole to be considered done. If you can do the first part good, let’s practice it some more and add another challenge with part two.
That way you will keep your athletes motivated and eager to do better on the things they have already mastered as well as look forward to more challenging things that are about to come.
Until next time,
Be an inspiration for your athletes
