Elements of team and individual play can always be better. Field goal kicking is more than the kicker. It's the operation, the synchrony among the snapper, holder, and kicker...and blocking.
Plus when examining high school athletes or younger, remember, they're children not professionals.
Every free throw doesn't go in, players miss blocks and tackles, serves go into the net. And when coaches believe a better combination, player, or strategy exists, they often change.
Your coach doesn't hate you, she has no hidden agenda, and every substitution doesn't 'send a message' about your skill, toughness, or engagement.
That doesn't mean that coaching decisions never send messages or that coaches are oblivious to feelings, egos, or situations.
Lagniappe. We "remember" situations more intensely related to "peak experience" and "end experience." Coach Hack points out how this impacts his coaching. I worked to end practice by thanking players for coming and giving high effort.
A veteran coach told me early in my coaching career, and it has always stuck with me:
— Matt Hackenberg (@CoachHackGO) November 25, 2023
Try to end practice on a positive note no matter how you’re feeling
It goes a long way to a positive program environment
