If you’re looking for how coaches encourage players, you’ve come to the right spot. Young athletes, really all people, perform their best when they’re confident. The right words chosen by coaches and parents can go a long way in instilling confidence.
Before, during, and after practice, coaches should look for ways to build players’ confidence. Here are some examples.
Coach’s Words of Encouragement
- Well done!
- Just like Jeter (or Jordan for basketball)
- Yes! Yes! Super effort!
- That’s the way – uh-huh, uh-huh – I like it!
- 5 Stars!
- That’s exactly right.
- Someone’s been practicing.
- Nicely done!
- I’m proud of you.
- You have improved a lot.
- Way better than before.
- Super work!
- Keep it up!
- You’ve got the hang of it.
- You’re right on track.
- Great job!
- Wonderful!
- Your effort is paying off.
- You’re almost there!
- I think you have figured it out.
- Congratulations!
- Not bad.
- You’re looking great.
- Wow, you’re a fast learner.
- That is correct.
- Good for you!
- You’re making the coaches look good.
- You should feel good about your progress.
- Much better!
- Fantastic!
Check out this list of words of encouragement and support.
Encouraging Words for Players
- Excellent!
- You must have been practicing.
- You should feel good about yourself
- I couldn’t have done any better myself.
- If you do it again, you’ll have it down pat.
- Terrific job!
- Great effort.
- I enjoy coaching players like you.
- That’s the right way to do it.
- Pat yourself on the back – well done!
- Good work!
- Flawless.
- Beautiful!
- Sensational work!
- Now, the wheels are turning.
7 Ways to Build Confidence in Young Athletes
Confidence is King
- Excellent work!
- I’m impressed with your hustle.
- Now, that’s the kind of effort that makes me happy.
- It is a pleasure to work with a player like you.
- Marvelous!
- This is your best work yet.
- Splendid!
- You got it!
- Wow, what an improvement!
- I knew you could do it.
- Team, watch how (fill in player’s name) does it.
- It’s fun watching you play
- Just like the pros do it
- Two thumbs up!
- If I looked up “star” in the dictionary, your photo would be by it.
- Ginormous effort – keep it up!
- Fabulous.
- Superstar is what you are!
By Mike O’Halloran
Founder and Editor, Sports Feel Good Stories
Mike O’Halloran founded Sports Feel Good Stories in 2009. He co-authored four trivia books for kids under the Smart Attack line. Mike coached basketball for 15 seasons, taught tennis, and has written four books on basketball coaching. He has been a contributing writer for USA Football, the youth arm of the NFL. Mike is the founder of the Fantasy Football Team Names Hall of Fame.
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