Coaches should help their athletes’ understand what confidence is and is not, as well as identify sources of confidence. Confidence is your players’ belief in their ability to perform well in any situation, practice, or game. It is derived from a baseline assessment of past performances, training, and preparation. As competency or skill mastery grows, your players’ confidence becomes stronger.
It is important for you to help your players identify what enhances and undermines their confidence. Do doing so your athletes will be able to maintain confidence during competition. Sources that may undermine your athletes’ confidence include: past failures, negative comments, poor practice, doubt, and high expectations.
Check out the Mental Game Coaching Professional course for more information on coaching the mental game.