Positive Reinforcement in Coaching
In creating an environment for success, it is understood this setting must be a positive one. Our coaches have to be a living example of Christ’s presence in sports through their actions and words. By leading teams in this way, we not only establish expectations of conduct for our student-athletes, but also for our parents, spectators, opponents, and others. In accomplishing this, we are always representing MPCS in the most positive light. References to our players should always be in terms of we and us, not you or them. This is especially important when speaking to the team as their coach or to the media. Vulgar or otherwise inappropriate language by a coach during practice or a game in unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Mount Paran Christian School.
Four Concepts in Coaching Positively and Effectively
1. Each player is an individual – Have a plan for the success of every student-athlete; team unity will be stronger when every player feels that their coach is personally interested in helping to reach their goals.
2. Positive Reinforcement – Communicate on the positive; remove negativity by using praise and encouragement whenever possible. student-athletes need to focus on what they have to do for success instead of what they shouldn’t do, which will almost certainly bring failure. Phrases such as the following are inappropriate:
- “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?”
- “HOW COULD YOU LET THAT HAPPEN?!?”
- “DON’T WALK HIM/HER!”
- “DON’T MISS ANOTHER FREE THROW!”
None of these responses will help a student-athlete overcome the adversity they are currently facing and if said publicly or in earshot of spectators can have even more detrimental results. Implementation of positive reinforcement and communicating with key phrases that players can rely on will enable them to perform more consistently at a higher level. The phrases above could be replaced with
- “Tell me what you were trying to do.”
- “What could we have done differently? Was there another option that could have worked better for us?”
- “Finish the hitter!” or with a pitcher facing a 3-0 count, “All the way back.”
- “Knock this one down; you’re a good shooter!”
Eliminate the negative tense and replace it with a positive one, shifting the focus onto what we want to do versus what we are trying not to do.
3. Make a difference – Be the role model and authority figure that our players need; being a role model and mentoring young people isn’t easy. Accept the challenge.
4. Build respect – Develop within your players the ability to congratulate teammates and opponents alike on great effort and play. Being an intense competitor doesn’t require hating our opponents, as we should compete to strive toward excellence, set the standard for sportsmanship, and lead our players to it.