to behavioral problems

approaches

Coaches want their players to have a positive sports experience, and there are

a number of factors that must be addressed to make su e that happenso

• Has little confidence
• Makes negative self--statements
• Displays personality changes before competition
• Consistently performs better under non-evaluative (practice) than under evaluative (game) conditions
• Reports trouble sleeping the night before the event
• Feels ill befCft competing (e.g. upset stomach)
• Constantly needs to use the bathroom

7

Youth Spor" Journal I falll000

by Andrea Corn, Psy.D.

Despite the fact that teams are comprised of players with

similar chronological ages, the level of athletic capabilities

rl,

and personality traits will varY greatly. Coaches will have

~

athletes who are outgoing, dynamic, and who are strongly

motivated to win. Other children are more timid and less

.I

assertive and passionate about the game. Whether a child is extroverted or introverted, each child has learned various ways to express his or her unpleasant feelings. _

In the course of a season, a coach will learn which players are most anxious, and those who fear failure or worry their athletic performance may not live up to their parents' or coach's expectations. A coach should look for athletes who fear success.They will be the ones who talk about what they cannot do when they're asked to perform. When a child's mind is filled with anxiety or insecurity, negative self­ perceptions can take over and impede their athletic performance, as well as hurt relationships with fellow players and coaches.

listed below are some emotional or behavioral symptoms 0 young boys and girls will exhibit in the course of competition. Coaches need to be alert and pay careful attention to these verbal statements, as well as nonverbal communication. At the youth level, it will be up to the coach

to identify and actively intervene upon seeing these warning

signs. Otherwise, a potentially wonderful sporting experience can swiftly unravel. By that point in time the child

will be unable to effectively cope with the stress of sports competition, thereby resulting in a negative event for the

coach and player alike.

Symptoms of young athletes experiencing excessive stress:

• Projects an ov~onfident, almost an-ogant bravado, as if this reftects their identity.
• Butlies others in order to have his or her way
• Imagines or expects a negative evaluation,

regardless of the actual interaction

• Is very critical of other teammates
• Unable to focus or concentrate while playing
• Becomes ~ and tJuvws equipment in fnlstration

What is the best way for a coach to handle emotional difficulties, such as when confronted by an athlete's inappropriate, excessive, or out-of-control emotions? What should a coach do if a player suddenly becomes verbally or physically aggressive, defiant, cries excessively, or refuses to play and complains of physical discomfort? At that moment, the coach is witnessing how the young athlete copes with uncomfortably

anxious, upsetting or angry feelings. Whether verbally or

nonverbally, this is the child's defensive reaction, the way

Preventative approaches to emotional and behavioral outbursts:

• Think about your nonverbal communication. This includes your body language, voice tone, and facial expressions. Try to visualize yourself appearing professional and appropriate. Try not to ever yell or scream to make your point or belittle a player.
• Don't make winning the only criteria for success. Focus on the child's effort, not outcome .

•. Make sure your players are having fun.

• Try to treat all players as equal, even though there are varying ability levels.
• Listen to what your young athlete is saying, especially when hurt, angry, or withdrawn.
• Watch the player's body language as cues for what might not be expressed verbally.
• Try to find a quiet time when you can speak privately to the player.

they have learned to protect themselves when confronted by hostility, rejection, feelings of inadequacy, or perceived negative evaluations.

Overall, a coach needs to be empathic and encouraging to their players. As long as a coach provides positive verbal feedback and nonverbal communication to their players, the young athlete will sense their coach's concern and feel reassured.1bis will go a long way toward minimizing any painful effects the young athlete might otherwise feel that could dampen their enthusiasm for playing sports.

Andrea Corn, Psy.D., is in private practice at Child and Family Psychologists in Plantation, Florida. She is a nember ojtheAmerican PsychologicalAssociation, Florida Psychological Association, and the National Association of Sports Psychologists.

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