My definition of confidence is….. a result of repetitively and optimally executing a task to the point where one has many accumulations of positive outcomes. Confidence has two parts: the tangible (practicing the task to gain confidence) and the intangible (acquiring a confident attitude).
From "The Art of Coaching" by Dr. Carolyn Savoy:
A relaxed and confident performer is also a superior performer (Orlick, 1986).
When a team is confident you will see that...
-they are prepared for games and fully understand what needs to be done.
-they carry themselves with a little "strut"
-they have a focused look in their eyes
-they are not afraid to ask questions in practice
-the players sound like extra coaches at practice, in the locker room and in games.
-the players encourage each other to do what they have to do to win games.
When a team lacks confidence you see...
-losing streaks....red flag if your team losses three games in a row
-slumps...dry spells where players don't perform to their abilities
-lethargic practices
-player's shoulders slump
-inability to make eye contact
-they are prepared for games and fully understand what needs to be done.
-they carry themselves with a little "strut"
-they have a focused look in their eyes
-they are not afraid to ask questions in practice
-the players sound like extra coaches at practice, in the locker room and in games.
-the players encourage each other to do what they have to do to win games.
When a team lacks confidence you see...
-losing streaks....red flag if your team losses three games in a row
-slumps...dry spells where players don't perform to their abilities
-lethargic practices
-player's shoulders slump
-inability to make eye contact
Three keys to exercise confidence:
1) Positive praise and recognition:
-Sincerity is key!
-Give recognition immediately after proper execution by a player or team; it's very powerful to praise someone in front of the team (single out players who do not play regularly...starters and high scorers get enough public recognition)
-Make a special attempt to recognize players that do the "little things" or "dirty work". If you praise and recognize great rebounding, a great assist or lockdown defense...the message will be sent to the team that these qualities are very important to you and do not go unnoticed.
2) Tangible means:
-Sincerity is key!
-Give recognition immediately after proper execution by a player or team; it's very powerful to praise someone in front of the team (single out players who do not play regularly...starters and high scorers get enough public recognition)
-Make a special attempt to recognize players that do the "little things" or "dirty work". If you praise and recognize great rebounding, a great assist or lockdown defense...the message will be sent to the team that these qualities are very important to you and do not go unnoticed.
2) Tangible means:
-If your team is having a problem scoring....use 7 offensive players against 5 defenders. This way players will achieve success and their confidence will improve. You can adapt drills to fit this concept.
-Create a highlight video of your teams success. You can also use tape from previous years to help players feel connected to something bigger than this years team.
-Have graduates come back and talk about their success and what the program did for them (especially their confidence).
-Create a highlight video of your teams success. You can also use tape from previous years to help players feel connected to something bigger than this years team.
-Have graduates come back and talk about their success and what the program did for them (especially their confidence).
3) Team bonding:
-Kyle Rechlicz used this at Dayton and I'm sure she will use this in her new job at Wisconsin: Confidence Cards for each player. A colored piece of construction paper is decorated by the team and highlights a particular team member’s strengths and positive qualities. This can be on-court and off-court analysis. Have each sheet laminated and have each player post in their locker; a great reminder of their team’s belief in them!
-At the end of practice, have the entire team stand in a circle and have one player turn to their left, make eye contact and say one thing that player did well today. The player receives the compliment, says "thank you" and compliments the next player. Your players will leave the gym feeling good about themselves.
-Have each player name one of the team’s strong points. The coach takes notes and then reinforces these same points during future practices and games. This is very powerful because the team members themselves identified these strengths.
-Have each player choose an inspirational reading to share with the team at the end of practice. Collect these so players can post in the locker room or their notebooks.
-Kyle Rechlicz used this at Dayton and I'm sure she will use this in her new job at Wisconsin: Confidence Cards for each player. A colored piece of construction paper is decorated by the team and highlights a particular team member’s strengths and positive qualities. This can be on-court and off-court analysis. Have each sheet laminated and have each player post in their locker; a great reminder of their team’s belief in them!
-At the end of practice, have the entire team stand in a circle and have one player turn to their left, make eye contact and say one thing that player did well today. The player receives the compliment, says "thank you" and compliments the next player. Your players will leave the gym feeling good about themselves.
-Have each player name one of the team’s strong points. The coach takes notes and then reinforces these same points during future practices and games. This is very powerful because the team members themselves identified these strengths.
-Have each player choose an inspirational reading to share with the team at the end of practice. Collect these so players can post in the locker room or their notebooks.
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