Mistakes are inevitable. Whether it’s a missed lift, an incorrect form, or miscalculated programming, errors are part and parcel of the journey. However, the way we handle these mistakes makes all the difference, not just in our personal growth but also in the development of athletes.
Pat Ivey is Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health & Performance at the University of Louisville. His insights on making mistakes shed light on the importance of owning up to them and the role of accountability in sports.
Teachable Moments
Mistakes, as Ivey points out, are some of the best teachable moments. When a coach admits to an error, it becomes a powerful lesson for athletes. It shows them that even the most experienced individuals can falter, but what matters is the ability to recognize the mistake, learn from it, and move forward. This level of transparency fosters trust and respect between the coach and the athletes.
For high school strength coaches, this is particularly crucial. At this stage, young athletes are still molding their perspectives on failure and success, and the role of the adults in their lives. By demonstrating that mistakes are a natural part of growth, coaches can instill resilience and a growth mindset in their trainees.
When a coach communicates his or her thought process behind a decision, even if it turned out to be the wrong one, it provides athletes with a window into critical thinking and problem-solving. It’s not just about admitting the mistake but also about sharing the reasoning behind it and the alternative approaches that could have been taken.
For strength coaches, this kind of open dialogue can be invaluable. It not only helps athletes understand the rationale behind specific training methods but also encourages them to think critically about their own choices.
Leading By Example
Coaches often expect athletes to try, fail, learn and try again, wanting them to be persistent, to adapt, and to find new ways to overcome challenges. But how often do coaches, model this behavior?
Ivey’s message is clear: Coaches need to live the example. If coaches expect athletes to persevere through failure, they must be willing to do the same. This means being authentic, putting oneself out there, and showing that coaches too are on a continuous learning journey. When coaches embody the principles they preach, it reinforces those values in their athletes.
The Ripple Effect Of Accountability
Accountability in sports goes beyond just admitting mistakes. It’s about creating an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. When a coach owns up to his errors and actively works toward rectifying them, it sets a precedent for the entire team. Athletes are more likely to take responsibility for their actions, leading to a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
For high school strength coaches, this ripple effect can be transformative. At a time when young athletes are developing their identities and values, fostering a culture of accountability can shape their approach to challenges, not just in sports but in all areas of life.
At Concordia University, St. Paul, we offer both an online PhD and EdD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Strength & Conditioning.
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Paul has been covering athletic performance coaching and sport coaching for the last 12 years. He is well versed in strength and conditioning issues at the high school and college level, and is an experienced media professional working with not only PrepStrengthCoach.com, but also career coaches, professional industry associations and industry suppliers in the athletic performance space. He is managing editor of Prep Strength Coach and Vice President of Media for Three Cycle Media. He can be reached at pmarkgraff@threecyclemedia.com or +1 (608) 423-2703.
