What to say after a game at 8–10
The 90-second rule applied. The post-game window here decides what the rest of the week feels like.
What they're feeling
- · Aware of the score.
- · Replaying their best play and their worst play.
- · Watching to see how you're going to react.
- · Hungry. Tired. Maybe holding tears.
- · Wondering whether their effort showed.
What to say (pick one)
- "I'm glad I got to watch you play."
- "What did you like about it?"
- "Want to grab something to eat?"
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "Why didn't you..."
- "You should have..."
- "Coach should have..."
- "If you'd just listened in practice last week..."
The rule
The first 90 seconds are not for review. They are for rejoining. Lead with warmth. Save the tape for later. Mostly, never.
If they bring it up
- · If they bring up a mistake, listen first. Reflect what they said before adding anything.
- · If they bring up a teammate's mistake, the answer is 'that's tough.' Don't pile on. Don't defend.
- · If they bring up the coach, listen. Don't co-sign and don't dismiss. 'What did he say to you about it?' is enough.
Pin this
After a game at 8–10
- · First sentence is not about the game. 'I'm glad I got to watch you' beats 'good game.'
- · One question, max. 'What did you like about it?' opens the door without forcing it.
- · Skip the score. Skip the breakdown.
parentcoachdesk.com/scripts
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