Leadership and Coaching

"Perfectionistic climates" are harmful to the development and resilience of youth athletes. They can also increase fear of failure. Leadership should instead encourage autonomy-supportive development.

Teach your athletes the difference between outcome, performance, and process goals. A meta-analysis and systematic review shows that process goals are the most effective at improving performance.

Coaches should emphasize mastery and improvement over purely results. They should also be careful with how they interact with their athletes making mistakes. These changes can reduce performance anxiety as the season progresses.

When authority figures use 4 specific types of controlling behaviors, these can thwart the psychological needs of athletes. These behaviors can lead to fear, frustration, and burnout. Learn what to avoid as program directors and coaches and what to emphasize instead with your performers.