It’s impossible to excel all the time, especially as an athlete, let alone a young one. As their coach, it can be tough to watch your athlete struggle during a competition. You may feel helpless or frustrated, but it’s important to remember that your role is to support your athlete through both their good and their not-so-good performances. Whether it’s in the pool, in the gym, or on the field, here are some things to keep in mind if your athlete is having a bad competition:
Keep criticism constructive while staying positive
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and become anxious or frustrated when your athlete is struggling. However, it’s crucial to stay calm and positive, as your athlete will be looking to you for guidance and support. Remember to stay encouraging in both your verbal and nonverbal language, avoiding placing blame or becoming negative.
But of course, it can’t be all pats on the back and reminders to keep their chin up. You’re their coach, which means their improvement is partially in your hands, and if they’re doing poorly, odds are that there’s something they could be doing better. When communicating your suggestion, it’s important to avoid outward negative criticism, as this can further demotivate them, even making them perform worse. Instead, focus on constructive feedback and positive reinforcement. Remind them of their past successes and why they were successful then, using language that meets the moment emotionally. Remind them (and yourself, if necessary) that setbacks are always a part of the learning process.
Listen to your athlete
If they’re not doing their best, your athlete may be feeling upset, disappointed, or frustrated with themselves. In this moment, give them space to express their emotions, and listen to what they have to say. Your questions are as important as your demands. Ask them how they are feeling and where they think went wrong. This will help you understand their perspective and therefore be able to provide better guidance.
Set realistic goals
Especially depending on how bad your athlete is struggling, you should take it upon yourself as their coach to set realistic goals for the competition at hand. Even if you know the competition is likely lost, work with them in the moment to set achievable goals that will help them build confidence and momentum. This productive attitude, if communicated in an accessible tone that doesn’t patronize, will leave them feeling more accomplished, despite not doing their best or even necessarily taking home the win. Celebrate the small victories and any evident progress!
Reflect and learn
After the competition, take some time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved upon. You’ll probably notice things that your athlete didn’t and in some instances even visa versa.
Within 24 hours if possible (while their performance is a recent memory), work with your athlete to identify areas for growth and create a plan for improvement. This will help them to learn from their experience and be better prepared for future competitions.
At the end of the day, when your athlete is having a bad competition, it’s important to remain positive, listen to their perspective, and focus on the positives. By doing so, you will ultimately help your athlete to grow and succeed in the long run.
And while you’re helping them, Captyn can help you! A coach is ultimately a manager, so naturally there are daily processes that need to be looked after. On this front, Captyn can be your assistant coach, simplifying your stresses by providing ease of use for both you and your students’ parents. Utilize our features for registration, payment management, branding, communication, and so much more. All critical information (from emergency contacts, to t-shirt sizes, to internal notes) can be consolidated.
With Captyn’s management platform, you can streamline your operations, save time, and further ensure that families trust you to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for their child. Let us help boost your managerial confidence, so you can focus on boosting your students. Reach out today to learn more!
