Post Game Talk

Do you have an athlete that just beats herself up after a game? Super hard on herself? Always negative and points out the bad things that she did?

That post game talk in the car ride home is a critical piece to her confidence. It can go way south and tank her confidence for the next tournament. Or it can be a learning experience and build her confidence for the next tournament.

I’m thinking you are more into the learning and growth in confidence option.

So, let’s talk post game talk.

First, decide with your daughter if the car ride home is a good time to reflect on the game or if she wants to wait till she’s decompressed some more. If you think about your own experiences with long, hard, busy, challenging days, you’d probably agree that having some time to decompress before sorting through it is what you’d choose too. Time and place to have these conversations and sort through her thoughts is crucial.

Second, ask her for permission. I know. Weird… you have to ask your own daughter for permission to talk. But, I swear it’s some Jedi-mind stuff. Ask her, “Do you want to talk about the game?” It’s going to make her feel like she’s in control and you’re not forcing her to do anything. She will most likely be more open to sharing and working through the game.

Third, let her lead the talk by asking her intentional questions. Here are some questions you can use that are really helpful to have a positive conversation:
👉What went well today? Or What are you proud of today? Even if it’s little things.
👉What didn’t go well today? Let her vent.
👉What were you able to learn from that game? MOST IMPORTANT.
👉What do you want to work on and improve from what you’ve learned? Moving forward.
👉How can I support you with that this week? Let her come up with the plan for help.

Playing sports and being an athlete is meant to be fun and competitive. It can 100% be both. Don’t let these post game talks be the reason she isn’t learning, growing, having fun, improving, and moving forward. I truly hope every athlete can have better conversations after their games and learn to quiet that inner judge they are battling.

💕 Paige

P.S. Looking for more resources to help with your daughter’s confidence? Go check out my products and resources at www.paigetonz.com 👍