Constructive Criticism is Okay

In a world where we are expected to be ultra-nice, it's hard to tell somebody your honest opinion or give them your advice. And, perhaps, to those peoples credit, if they never asked for your advice, then maybe you don't have the right to assert your opinion. But, what about coaches? Coaches are meant to help their players, offer them advice, and be upfront & honest with them. The trouble that we encounter is that not all players (or people) handle constructive criticism well. Here is how we can minimize the negative backlash of constructive criticism and avoid bitterness right from the get-go.

At the beginning of your sports season, it's important that the coaching staff has a full-on year at a glance meeting with the players (details of what that meeting will look like to come in a future article). In that meeting, one of your talking points, as a coach will be that the coaching staff wants to help the players in order to make the team successful. With that said, it comes with the territory that sometimes, you as a coach are going to have to assert some strong opinions. This, not in a pessimistic way, but in a way that is going to help the players.

Constructive criticism, at its core, is meant to motivate and assist players in their learning of the sport - it's not meant to deter them from wanting to play. It's important that the players understand, right off the bat, that the coaches will sometimes offer constructive criticism in order to improve the team's quality of play and individual player success as well. Constructive criticism is not a personal attack by any means. Players should not find themselves pilloried by their coaches because they didn't play well, or because they made a mistake, or because they did something wrong. Constructive criticism is honest, helpful, thoughtful, intelligent, nice, kind, and thought-provoking advice that the player can use in their playing endeavors.

Let your players know that everyone needs to be open to constructive criticism in order to better themselves. THIS ALSO INCLUDES COACHES!!! - Do not exempt yourself from being receptive to constructive criticism. You, as a coach, need to be just as open to constructive criticism from your coaching staff, your peers, and people in your sports realm (directors, board members, etc).

When players are open to constructive criticism, they automatically open a door of opportunity - This allows players to become better, more intelligent, and more profound athletes. The players who are not open to constructive criticism are not necessarily willing to advance their level of play - And if a conversation doesn't happen early on in the sports year about players needing to accept and celebrate the idea of constructive criticism, it will be hard to reach a player with your advice.

We have to tell our players what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear. Don't hide behind a curtain and pretend that everything is perfect when we know that it's not. Conversely, don't be so cynical that your players turn away from you. Have the conversation of constructive criticism early on in the sports year, set the tone for what lies ahead, make helpful points when necessary, and start getting after your sport dreams, as a team, TODAY!