After a bad basketball game. What to say.
What to say after a rough game on the basketball court. The script for the quiet ride home.
What they're feeling
- · Like every miss is playing back on a loop.
- · Self-conscious about playing in front of people.
- · Worn down if it was a blowout.
- · Not interested in statistics right now.
What to say (pick one)
- "I watched you compete. That part was good."
- "Games like that happen."
- "Let's go."
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "You were forcing it all night."
- "You should have passed more."
- "Your shot looked off. Have you been practicing?"
The rule
Stats are for film. The car ride is for being a parent.
If they bring it up
- · Let them go first. Don't prepare a list.
- · If they're being hard on themselves, say once that one game isn't the whole story.
- · Leave the shot mechanics for the next practice.
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After a bad basketball game
- · No shot-by-shot replay in the car.
- · One affirming thing about their effort.
- · Coaches watch every missed shot too. You don't have to add it up out loud.
parentcoachdesk.com/scripts
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