Perception can differ for each individual. Children perceive and take in Information in a variety of different ways. What you say and how you say it to a child can be read and ultimately can manipulate their mindset for good or for bad.

Praise Is very important in a child’s life and development, and praise can effect children in different ways. Over praise is something I have come across more and more as of late, were I’ve seen children thinking they are the best and they dont need to work hard to improve, as they can’t get better. Due to the overpraise of the parent, coach etc.

For example i heard a coach recently say:

coach says:

That move was perfect, keep up the good work

Child perceives:

I’ve become perfect at the move, my work is done

It’s your role as a coach, to understand and evaluate how a child perceives their ability and look at what external factors have led them to be like this. Are they having too much success/ or not enough? Are they being praise too much/not enough etc? This will help you understand what, when and where you should communicate to the player. Get the parents, teachers all on board as well – it will help contribute to a player with the correct mindset.

Watch this short video:

Things aren’t always they seem

See what I mean? We may think something about what we see or say, but another may see it completely different. Be the coach who gets the children to understand the messages you are trying to get out; be the coach who doesn’t lead players into false perception.

Please feel free to follow or contact me on ross.brooks@coerver.co.uk or on Twitter @CoerverRoss

Many thanks,
Ross Brooks.

See the link below for advise on your upcoming pre season…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6919549.stm

Please feel free to follow or contact me on ross.brooks@coerver.co.uk or on Twitter @CoerverRoss

Many thanks,
Ross Brooks.