07/10/2023
Does your team create an environment where it is safe to fail? By Sean Hall
I think one of the biggest mistakes that a coach can make is yelling or demeaning a player that makes a physical mistake. Coaches that do this are often trying to make sure everyone knows that it wasn’t them that screwed up. This in my opinion is a very negative trait. To be clear, I have no issues with a coach getting on a player the doesn’t hustle, doesn’t back up a base, forgets an assignment like covering a base. Those are all examples of a “controllable” that wasn’t “controlled” by the player.
But when a player drops a ball, swings and misses at a good pitch, or misplays a ground ball, none of these things are “controllable” and these are things that happen to professional athletes. In 30 plus years of coaching, I don’t think I have ever seen a player intentionally fail at one of the above things.
This is a game that is loaded with successes and failures. The game is hard enough without coaches yelling and demeaning players for physical mistakes. Creating a positive atmosphere isn’t just on the coaches. Players need to support each other and need to pick each other up when someone makes a mistake. Tell them, “we got your back!” The parent that whines to other parents about players on the team is creating an environment where failing is much worse. Also, most parents know that if a parent is whining about one player that same parent is probably complaining about your kid when they make a mistake.
Coaches if you have a hitter that is striking out or seems scared in the batters box, you need to focus on the quality of the swing regardless of whether they miss the ball by a foot or drive it over the fence. Don’t sugarcoat a weak swing that she makes contact with. If it’s a weak swing, let her know - get her into “ATTACK MODE!” The player needs to assume that she is swinging hard EVERY PITCH until she knows it’s out of the zone. YES, YES, NO. Hitters that are hot are assuming they are swinging. Hitters in a slump often think “I am not swinging unless it’s a strike.” Most of the time that is too late.
When you can create an environment where failure isn’t the end of the world, you will see fewer mistakes. Parents can help by saying something positive after the game to someone that may have struggled and try to “build-up” that player. This is WAY more important than congratulating the player that just hit a home-run. You should still do that, but really that player doesn’t need it as much as the player that struggled. The players that know the right thing to say to their teammates after an error or mistake are also creating a positive environment where it’s safe to fail.
The biggest mistake coaches make is yelling at players after an error. This creates a fear based environment where players are even more scared to make a mistake. If you encourage aggressive base running don’t yell at the player that is too aggressive and makes a mistake. You can explain what they did wrong but if you yell at them then they will start running scared like a “Flat Squirrel.” That is the worst thing you can do. Explain mistakes but try to be positive.
If you can help a player that has been struggling and show them you believe in them this is one of the most rewarding experiences that a coach can have when they succeed. Every player on your team will struggle at some point! The best coaches thrive on helping through the difficult situations. The pretender coaches write them off and “QUIT” on them.
I am by no means a perfect coach and it has taken me many years to come up with some of my perspectives. These come with many years of trial and error. Keep in mind we are teaching more that sports. We are teaching about life. If you can help a player through a difficult situation in sports they will be more prepared to handle those real life situations that could be life changing. Try to get all of your players to believe in themselves! After all that is way more important than winning any game or championship!
