06/24/2015
The words "BUT" , "NOW", "YOU" & Taking Pressure Off The Player.
"I love the effort kid, BUT YOU have to get that glove turned around so that YOU can make that catch next time."
"I love the effort kid, NOW LET'S get that glove turned around so that WE can make that catch next time."
As coaches, we are always looking into ways to improve how we teach kids. We have learned that the 3 words above can actually effect the way a player responds the next time they have to face adversity. From my personal observation, I have noticed that when the word "BUT" is used, from a child's perspective, almost immediately follows something negative (to a point). This also opens the door for coaches to add pressure to a player by singling them out with the word "YOU". Most players know when they've made a mistake or error, so there is no need to add to it. We want to encourage them, build them back up and teach them so that they can learn from it.
In the first example you can see how the word "BUT" is used, has opened that "YOU" door and has added pressure to the situation. Not to mention that the coach has probably lost the full attention of the player just after the word "BUT". In the worse case, that simple word can invite "excuses" from both the coach and player.
In team sports it is just that, a TEAM. So, in the second example the word "NOW" is used. This word is a "building" word. It allows and makes it easier for the coach to build from it (ex; encouragement), end on a positive note and the player is more responsive to the word "NOW" because they feel like they are going to learn something and get better. Using words like "WE" or "LET'S", in place of "YOU", removes pressure from the player and makes the player feel more part of a team rather than being singled out.
We can still be demanding, have expectations and be tough. As coaches, we have to be, but we also have to find that medium. Simply changing a few words will surprise you by how much more attentive the players become to you and how much more you will get out of your players because of that attentiveness. They will be and stay engaged. It may even change your tone of voice to a more positive tone.
- Coach Bryan Martinez
Thank you to Bruce Brown from Proactive Coaching for all of his advice, guidence and phone conversations over the past few years.
