Effective coaches teach a myriad of skills - vision, decisions, techniques, tactics, and resilience. The science of resilience examines how our brain’s survival center, the amygdala, processes and responds to adversity. Inaction (what lion?) or excess (avoid all risk) produce inferior results.
Teach specifics to find balance with your own algorithm. I like COPES.
Confidence balances doubt and arrogance. “Confidence comes from proven success.” More skill adds confidence. Practicing with advantage-disadvantage and constraints (e.g. 5 v 7 no dribble) adds pressure beating experience. Boost confidence by improving results and sharing, “ I believe in you.”
Optimism tells us that we control a positive future. Use biology. George Everly, Jr. writes in “Stronger: Develop the Resilience You Need to Succeed”, Consequently, the bodies of resilient people are supercharged with moderate increases in hormones such as adrenalin, noradrenalin, gamma-Aminobutyric acid, neuropeptide Y and cortisol, which allow you to do “superhuman” things for short periods of time. When these hormones surge, your strength and perception increase, your memory improves, your eyesight may get better, your tolerance for pain increases, and you react to stimuli faster. In other words, you’re better prepared to meet any challenge successfully."
In 1908, Elie Mechnikov won a Nobel Prize for his studies and book, “Prolongation of Life: Optimistic Studies.”
We know that optimists have better physical and mental health, better marriages, and better grades. Positivity pays.
Optimism also fuels persistence.
Persistence dictates a choice between “give up and give in” and “get up and get in.” Listen to Churchill’s famous “Never give in” speech. Or maybe Sia reaches young minds better.
Ethical behavior defines others’ willingness to trust us based on mutual experiences. Teach sportsmanship as a core value. “When you lose say nothing; when you win say less.”
Support realizes that “can go faster alone but farther together.” Offer support freely and willingly. Ask for help. Find mentors and be a mentor. Ally with families by teaching family and the number one team. Your academics and chores are dues to your primary team.
