| When is the best time to give your | | | | them for their efforts in the game they |
| players feedback about the game, Coach? | | | | just played. Send them home feeling O. |
| That is right, right after the game. | | | | K. |
| Take them to a quiet place; out in left | | | | If they have played a terrible game, |
| field, and talk to them about what went | | | | this is your opportunity to show some |
| well and what needs improving. Those are | | | | real class. Thank them as you would if |
| the only two issues: | | | | they had played their best. Send them |
| 1. What went welland 2. What we will | | | | home feeling O.K. This is one of the |
| work on next practice and improve | | | | marks of the inspirational coach. |
| "I want you to think about the plays | | | | Remember one of the main processes in |
| that did not go well and to decide what | | | | learning theory is Primacy and Recency |
| you learned from making them and then I | | | | -- the first time and the latest time we |
| want you to let go of them and hang on | | | | learn about something are the most |
| to what you learned. Remember to work on | | | | important times. So the last thing they |
| what you learned next practice. | | | | here from you is a very positive |
| "Now, I want you to think about the good | | | | statement about who they are and what |
| plays you made. Close your eyes and | | | | they did. Also bringing in another |
| replay them in your head. Notice how | | | | process, you will have effected a go, |
| good they feel. Feel the bat hitting the | | | | solid Closure which will allow you to |
| ball or your follow through on that | | | | start the next game or practice with a |
| double play relay or your leaping up and | | | | good feeling among your kids. |
| feeling that line drive hitting the | | | | Oh, one more thing -- remember the |
| pocket of your glove." This kind of | | | | other part of your Team, the Parents of |
| positive imagery is a strong process | | | | your kids. Insist that they use the same |
| that is used by many top athletes. | | | | model with the kids in the car going |
| Then give your players a chance to talk | | | | home. Two issues and only two: |
| about the game; only in positive terms, | | | | 1. What did your child/player do welland |
| no complaining, no alibis, no blaming | | | | 2. What will he or she work on and |
| someone else. Any negative statements | | | | improve. |
| are followed immediately by "Erase, | | | | This is not easy for some parents -- I |
| Erase." The kids catch on this very | | | | hope you started right out at your first |
| quickly and jump right in. | | | | meeting with them emphasizing the need |
| If they played well and some goals have | | | | for positive attitudes about their Kids |
| been reached, comment on them. Thank | | | | and the Game. |