Teach Attitude First

Positive attitudes come from positive experiences. Having a good athletic attitude means having positive belief and action about the game, the team and themselves. Attitude is a choice, but often one that has to be taught and molded. Once taught, players at any age can be held accountable for the attitudes they choose to display. Most young players will enter your team without a clear understanding of what a “good athletic attitude” is. An athletic attitude must be clearly defined, taught, expected, and assessed. As a rule, attitudes are much more within the coach’s control than the talent level of his athletes and therefore should be an area of focus throughout the year. Sports are voluntary (both to play and to coach) and no one should be forced into playing. Effort and attitude are also voluntary. They are choices that only the individual can commit to on their own. At the conclusion of the athletic experience, a good attitude will be more helpful than any physical skill.