Alright team, this is where the rubber meets the road, isn't it? Tryouts, whether for school or club, are a crucible for our young athletes, and how they—and their parents—respond to the outcomes, both success and failure, speaks volumes about their character and potential. Our Academy's philosophy, deeply rooted in holistic athlete development, emphasizes that tryouts are far more than just a skills assessment; they're an evaluation of the whole athlete.
We're looking for the complete package: not just raw talent, but also work ethic, coachability, attitude, sportsmanship, and how an athlete interacts with their potential teammates. It's about identifying growth potential—players who are willing to learn, work hard, and continuously improve.
Let's break down the optimal responses for both athletes and parents, whether the outcome is a triumphant selection or a disheartening cut.
Athlete Responses: Navigating the Outcome
For our young athletes, tryouts are a significant emotional event. We need to equip them with the mental fortitude to handle any result with grace and a focus on long-term development.
1. Response to Success (Making the Team): When an athlete earns a spot on the team, it's a moment to celebrate, but it's also a crucial opportunity to reinforce core values:
• Humility and Continued Commitment: While they should feel proud, athletes must understand that making the team is "just one step" in their volleyball journey. Success is earned through consistent practice, self-discipline, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. They should embrace their achievement humbly and commit to ongoing development as valuable team members.
• Focus on the "Why": Remind them that they were selected not just for their current skills, but for their potential, work ethic, and team-first attitude. This reinforces that their character, not just their athletic prowess, is highly valued.
• Embrace Responsibility: With a spot on the team comes responsibility. They are now accountable to their teammates and coaches, setting a positive example and contributing to the team's culture.
2. Response to Failure (Being Cut): Being cut from a team can be a challenging and emotional experience, but it's also a powerful learning opportunity.
• Coping with Disappointment and Building Resilience: Athletes need strategies to cope with disappointment and build resilience. It's "okay to error but it is not okay to stop playing; it is okay to lose but it is not okay to give up". Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenges, setbacks, and adversity. Encourage them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement, not as a reflection of their personal worth.
• Self-Reflection and Seeking Feedback: Instead of dwelling on disappointment, athletes should use it for growth and self-reflection. We encourage them to "seek feedback from coaches or teammates to identify areas for improvement". Personalized feedback helps athletes understand the rationale behind the decision and supports their growth.
• Goal-Setting and Alternative Avenues: Help them set new goals based on lessons learned and create action plans for future development. Encourage them to "seek alternative avenues for growth and development," such as community leagues or additional training sessions. Our Academy offers various tiers for this exact reason, ensuring every athlete can find an appropriate challenge.
• Maintaining a Positive Mindset and Perseverance: Emphasize the importance of perseverance and a resilient mindset. They should "stay committed to their passion for volleyball".
Parent Responses: The Unwavering Support System
Parents play a vital, yet distinct, role in their child's athletic journey. Their response to tryout outcomes can either empower or undermine their child's development and relationship with the sport.
1. Response to Success (Child Makes the Team): When a child makes the team, parents should be their biggest cheerleaders, but always with perspective and respect for boundaries.
• Unconditional Support, Not Over-Involvement: Parents are "supportive training partners," influencing lifestyle, diet, and fitness. They should provide "unconditional love and support", celebrating achievements without making the sport solely about "themselves" or focusing on "return" on financial investment.
• Respect the Coach's Role and Boundaries: It is paramount that "parents are Parents, Coaches are Coaches, do not confuse them". Parents should "not undermine the role of the appointed coach" and "trust in the coach's decisions, avoid interfering in coaching matters". Constant commentary or coaching from the sidelines is not supportive and teaches "selective respect".
• Reinforce Team Values: Encourage good sportsmanship, respect for opponents, officials, and teammates. This models the behavior we expect from our athletes and helps build a positive team culture.
2. Response to Failure (Child is Cut): This is perhaps the most critical moment for parental support, where the focus must shift entirely to the child's well-being and growth.
• Provide Unconditional Love and Emotional Support: The child needs unconditional love and support, especially after a setback. The outcome of tryouts "does not indicate what kind of parent you are".
• Avoid Criticism and Pressure: Parents should "not criticize your child’s gameplay or tell them what they have done wrong the moment after a game". Allow the child time to process feedback from coaches. The "two-minute rule" can be a helpful guide: limit your evaluation unless the child initiates a longer conversation. Avoid "excessive pressure or unrealistic expectations," which can lead to increased stress, diminished enjoyment, and burnout.
• Emphasize Learning and Growth: Reframe the experience as a learning opportunity. Remind them that "you learn a lot more from failure than from success". Discussing the developmental process in volleyball can help manage expectations, emphasizing that "athletes progress at different rates and that each player's development is unique".
• Collaborate and Plan Next Steps: Work with the child to explore options for continued play or skill development, potentially seeking feedback from the coach (privately and respectfully) to understand areas for improvement. Our Academy is always here to help find the right pathway for continued development.
Our Collective Role as Coaches
As coaches, we must foster an environment where trying out, whether successful or not, is seen as a valuable part of an athlete's development. This means:
• Clear and Transparent Communication: Communicate tryout criteria, the evaluation process, and timelines upfront to athletes and parents. Explain the rationale behind decisions related to athlete development and placement.
• Focus on the Process: Emphasize effort, progress, and personal growth over solely focusing on outcomes or wins. As Autumn Bailey reminded us, "practice is kind of where it's where you become the player that you want to be".
• Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a safe space where athletes feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. Encourage open communication and empathy among all stakeholders.
• Educate Parents: Proactively educate parents on the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework, the developmental process, and the importance of their supportive role without overstepping boundaries.
Coaches, these conversations are never easy, but they are essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals who will thrive in all aspects of life, not just on the court. What strategies have you found most effective in guiding athletes and parents through the emotional landscape of tryouts? Let's keep this discussion going and strengthen our collective approach!
No comments:
Post a Comment