The teenage brain is a highly powerful instrument that can be trained to help athletes in virtually all aspects of sports and life. However, because it’s not fully developed, the brains of teenagers can often be difficult to reach using tactics proven successful for reaching adult brains.
Many factors contribute to the challenge of reaching kids and instilling great habits.
Current Developmental Stage
Teenagers are going through a complex period of development, both physically and emotionally. Their brains are still growing and changing, which can lead to unpredictable mood swings, a strong desire for independence, and resistance to authority. But make no mistake, most of them still want to be noticed.
Identity Formation
Adolescents are in the process of forming their identities and discovering their place in the world. They are trying to figure out who they are and what they value, which can make it difficult for them to be receptive to guidance from adults. This is especially true when adults are introducing new or complicated concepts.
Peer Pressure
Teenagers are heavily influenced by their peers and may prioritize fitting in with their social group over developing healthy habits. They may be more likely to listen to their friends’ opinions than the advice of a coach or other authority figure.
Communication Style
The way coaches communicate with teenagers can have a significant impact on their ability to connect with teenagers. It’s important to be relatable and approachable, as well as to adapt your communication style to resonate with their preferences. For example, using humor and providing practical examples can help make your messages more engaging. But steer clear of falling into the “Hello, Fellow Students” trap.
Resistance To Change
Instilling good habits and making a lasting impact can be difficult because teenagers may not immediately see the value in adopting a new behavior. They may resist change due to a lack of motivation or the belief that they already know what’s best for them.
Overcoming Resistance To Change
To overcome these challenges and improve communication with your student athletes, the following strategies can help.
Develop trust: Build rapport and trust with the teenagers you work with by being genuine, empathetic, and non-judgmental. Show interest in their lives and actively listen to their concerns.
Be Patient
Remember that development and change take time. Be patient and persistent, providing consistent guidance and support.
Use Relatable Language
When explaining concepts or discussing habits, use language and examples that are relevant and relatable to teenagers.
Encourage Self-Reflection
Help teenagers develop self-awareness by encouraging them to reflect on their actions, thoughts, and feelings.
Provide Choice And Autonomy
Give teenagers the opportunity to make choices and take ownership of their actions, as this can help them feel more invested in the process.
Collaborate On Goal-Setting
Work together with the teenagers to set realistic, achievable goals that they feel motivated to pursue.
Celebrate Success
Acknowledge and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, to boost their motivation and self-esteem.
Connecting with teenagers and instilling good habits can be a challenging task due to factors like their current developmental stage, identity formation, peer pressure, communication style, and resistance to change. However, by employing effective strategies such as developing trust, being patient, using relatable language, encouraging self-reflection, providing choice and autonomy, collaborating on goal-setting, and celebrating successes, coaches and mentors can overcome these obstacles and foster meaningful relationships with young athletes, ultimately helping them reach their full potential in sports and life.
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE SUPPLIERS WHO CAN HELP
