Please Don’t EVAH!: Requests From A Coach To Their Athletes
Dear Durable Minds,
It's easy to get athletes aligned to the end result of winning, but it seems like it may be harder aligning to my pre-season list of "Don't Evah's" What are your thoughts? -Insistent Coach
“Don’t lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality.” – Ralph Marston Jr.
Dear Insistent Coach,
Every coach needs to establish clear expectations before the season begins. These expectations should ideally result in a win-win-win situation for the athlete, parents, and coaching staff. While you may encounter differing opinions, effective communication of the reasons behind these expectations can help bridge any gaps.
I've compiled a list of expectations from other coaches that are well-defined and grounded in core values. Here is the list in no particular order:
DON'T EVAH:
Compromise your work ethic: A strong work ethic is the foundation of success in sports. Athletes who consistently put in extra effort during practice and training sessions tend to perform better in competitions. This dedication not only improves their skills but also contributes to team success. Coaches often emphasize the importance of hard work, as it directly correlates with improved performance on the field.
Ridicule team members: Ridiculing a teammate can have detrimental effects on team dynamics. It erodes trust and creates a negative atmosphere. A survey conducted by the Positive Coaching Alliance found that 80% of athletes believed that positive reinforcement from teammates and coaches was crucial for team success. Creating a supportive and encouraging environment is essential for team cohesion and better performance.
Lose your positivity: Encouraging positivity among teammates can significantly impact performance. Teams that foster a positive communication style tend to have higher performance levels and lower stress levels. Positive feedback and encouragement from coaches and teammates boost an athlete's confidence and motivation, ultimately contributing to their success on the field.
Compare: Constantly comparing oneself to others can have negative psychological effects. According to a study published in Psychology Today, individuals who engage in frequent social comparisons often experience decreased self-esteem and increased stress. Encouraging athletes to focus on their individual progress and development helps maintain their mental well-being and overall performance.
Retaliate: Retaliation in sports rarely leads to positive outcomes. It not only hurts the team's chances of winning but also results in penalties. In professional sports leagues, such as the NFL and NBA, retaliatory actions often lead to fines, suspensions, and disciplinary actions. Coaches and athletes should prioritize sportsmanship and fair play to maintain a competitive advantage.
Stop your learning and developing: Continuous learning and skill improvement are critical in sports. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, athletes who actively seek feedback and engage in deliberate practice tend to outperform their peers. Regular skill development and training are associated with higher levels of performance and success in competitive sports.
Fear failure: Fear of failure can be a significant barrier to success in sports. A survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that fear of failure is a common issue among athletes, leading to anxiety and decreased performance. Athletes who receive mental skills training to manage their fear of failure often see improvements in their confidence and resilience, contributing to better overall performance.
Lose passion: Maintaining the joy and passion for the game is crucial for long-term success in sports. While there may not be specific statistics related to this point, various studies suggest that athletes who genuinely enjoy their sport are more likely to continue participating and excel. The joy of playing sports can lead to a lifelong commitment to physical activity and a healthier lifestyle.
Incorporating these "DON'T EVAH" principles into the world of sports can help create a more positive and nurturing environment for athletes, parents, and coaches alike. It's not just about winning; it's about developing character, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game.
To ensure better buy-in from your athletes, follow these steps:
Have you and your team members write your non-negotiable expectations on 8x6 adhesive post-it notes, with one rule per note.
Collect all the notes and affix them to the wall.
Provide each team member with three to five colored sticky dots that they can use to vote for the most important expectations.
After everyone has cast their votes, you will be able to identify which expectations are most significant to the team.
Finalize a Top 10 list that can be printed in a handbook or infographic for the parents and athletes before the season begins.