By striking the right balance between specific, truthful praise
and specific, constructive criticism. Educational research indicates a
"Magic Ratio" of 5:1, five praises to one criticism, which fosters the
ideal learning environment.
Many coaches find this hard to believe, because most of our own
experience as youth athletes, sons, daughters and pupils has taught us
that "coaching" equals "correcting," and therefore, praise is not
coaching. But a Responsible Coach who fills Emotional Tanks corrects
players correctly!
The key is avoiding empty, unearned praise. Remember, the praise
must be truthful and specific (i.e., not "Way to go," but, "I'm glad to
see you aimed at the far post on your shot." or "I'm glad to see you
getting that glove all the way down on ground balls.")
Be sure your non-verbal communication also maintains the "Magic
Ratio." You fill Emotional Tanks when you listen, nod, clap, or smile.
Tank drainers include ignoring players, frowning, head-shaking,
eye-rolling and yelling.
Videotape yourself coaching. We spend a lot of time videotaping our
players and breaking down their performance. Try turning the camera on
yourself for a few minutes during a game or practice. How is your
non-verbal communication? What is your approximate ratio of tank
filling to draining?
Beyond making sure that you and your assistant coaches are striving
for the 5:1 Magic Ratio, teach your players to be consistent tank
fillers, rather than drainers. This is not always easy, especially when
you're coaching an extremely competitive team, where playing time is
limited.
Keeping all your players' emotional tanks full can
be tough, especially those who see little or no playing time. Remember
that you can praise players for ways they support the team from the
bench (constant positive chatter, pointing out something your opponent
is doing to help a teammate on the field, etc.). You may even find
creative ways to utilize your bench, such as having them analyze your
opponent's game strategy and offer suggestions for how to beat it.
We recognize that filling players' emotional tanks is not easy, and
yet it can be one of the most important elements of your job as a
coach.
Together with our partners from Positive Coaching Alliance, USA
Football, US Youth Soccer and ASA Softball, we've complied some
sport-specific Tank Fillers to help you with your team.
Filling Emotional Tanks: Football Suggestions
Filling Emotional Tanks: Soccer Suggestions
Filling Emotional Tanks: Softball Suggestions
Filling Emotional Tanks: Baseball Suggestions
Next » Introducing "Filling the Emotional Tank" to Your Team
