Keeping Young Athletes Grounded

In youth sports, many athletes experience early success, which can be attributed to several factors. However, as a coach or mentor, you may find that these early achievements can pose challenges. Athletes might develop an attitude of entitlement or begin to feel more important than the team itself.

It is essential to keep these athletes grounded and humble, not only for their personal growth but also for the overall team dynamics and long-term motivation. By fostering humility, athletes can learn from their mistakes, support their teammates, and demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks.

Before we continue reading, it's essential to remember that being humble or teaching humility to young athletes isn't a way to downplay their sporting talent; it's about teaching them that success comes from hard work, team support, and sometimes a bit of luck. Aggrogant behaviour, such as blaming the ref or their team mates for losses or demanding special treatment, can lead teammates to alienate that player and hinder progress. Humble athletes focus on collective wins, personal improvement and respect for the game.

As a coach, mentor or parent, how can I teach humility to young athletes? Below are 6 strategies you can employ to help your athletes and teams:

Model Humility Yourself

It starts with you! It's essential that, as a coach, mentor, or parent, you display humble behaviour. Admit your mistake, celebrate others' achievements or successes and avoid boasting. Most of the time, young athletes learn from what they see. Please show respect to official, even when you may disagree with their calls. Teach accountability and responsibility and avoid the "Victim Mentality", where blame is shifted to others.

Emphasise Team Work or Individual Glory

Remind athletes that there is no 'I' in 'team.' Praise not just their efforts, but the efforts of the whole team. Avoid over-the-top celebrations and highlight the team's overall improvement that has led to their success. Encourage action, such as uplifting struggling players and playing the game with passion and integrity.

Praise Effort, Not Talent

Talent is a poor indicator of success. When you only praise talent, you breed an environment of arrogance and teach that winning or success is effortless. Instead, praise effort and hard work. This teacher's young, successful athletes' perseverance and resilience keep them motivated.

Hold Special Treatment

As coaches, mentors, and parents, it's easy to give young, successful athletes special treatment, which could lead to a sense of entitlement. It's essential to hold all athletes, especially your top players on the team, accountable. This will show the standard you have set for the team. This will enable all team members to work towards a common goal, demonstrating that no one is more important than the team.

Teach Responsibility as a Role Model.

Typically, the successful athletes are your leaders on the team, and many players look up to them. It is therefore essential to teach the responsibilities that come with being a role model and a leader. Encourage them to be respectful to coaches, officials and teammates, especially in challenging moments. Use losses as teaching moments to build resilience and character, viewing setbacks as growth rather than defeat.

Focus on Personal Growth, not Comparison

Help athletes track their own progress and avoid comparing themselves to others, as everyone develops at their own pace. Discourage blaming external factors, such as officials or poor outcomes, instead teach them the importance of reflection and learning from errors. This keeps them grounded and open to feedback.

Grounding athletes isn't about taking away the shine; it's about channelling their success into a positive. By teaching them humility, emphasising effort and hard work and creating a balanced environment, you help them not only become better players but better people. If you're a coach, mentor, or parent, reflect on your behaviour and actions, and be open with your athletes about the importance of the team.