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The After Game Meeting

When is the best time to give your playerstheir efforts in the game they just played.
feedback about the game, Coach? That isSend  them  home  feeling  O.  K.
right, right after the game. Take them to a
quiet place; out in left field, and talk toIf they have played a terrible game, this is
them about what went well and what needsyour opportunity to show some real class.
improving.  Those  are  the  only two issues:Thank them as you would if they had played
their best. Send them home feeling O.K. This
1. What went welland 2. What we will work onis one of the marks of the inspirational
next  practice  and  improvecoach.
"I want you to think about the plays that didRemember one of the main processes in
not go well and to decide what you learnedlearning theory is Primacy and Recency -- the
from making them and then I want you to letfirst time and the latest time we learn about
go of them and hang on to what you learned.something are the most important times. So
Remember to work on what you learned nextthe last thing they here from you is a very
practice.positive statement about who they are and
what they did. Also bringing in another
"Now, I want you to think about the goodprocess, you will have effected a go, solid
plays you made. Close your eyes and replayClosure which will allow you to start the
them in your head. Notice how good they feel.next game or practice with a good feeling
Feel the bat hitting the ball or your followamong  your  kids.
through on that double play relay or your
leaping up and feeling that line driveOh, one more thing -- remember the other
hitting the pocket of your glove." This kindpart of your Team, the Parents of your kids.
of positive imagery is a strong process thatInsist that they use the same model with the
is  used  by  many  top  athletes.kids in the car going home. Two issues and
only  two:
Then give your players a chance to talk about
the game; only in positive terms, no1. What did your child/player do welland 2.
complaining, no alibis, no blaming someoneWhat  will  he  or  she  work on and improve.
else. Any negative statements are followed
immediately by "Erase, Erase." The kids catchThis is not easy for some parents -- I hope
on  this  very  quickly  and  jump  right in.you started right out at your first meeting
with them emphasizing the need for positive
If they played well and some goals have beenattitudes about their Kids and the Game.
reached, comment on them. Thank them for



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