Bad pass, and immediately someone from behind yells: "Man, what was that?!" You know it – as the one complaining, or as the one being complained about. Both make the game worse.
Why complaining doesn't help
If someone gets yelled at after a mistake, they think about it for longer. That's exactly what we want to avoid. Communication on the court should help make the next action better.
Simple rules
- After mistakes: a quick high-five or "Next!" – don't analyse.
- Instructions instead of accusations: "Left is open!" instead of "Why aren't you passing?"
- Loud in defence: names, positions, "Switch!" – that helps everyone.
- Criticism privately and after the game.
Anger in Motion
When: When you're fuming – after a whistle against you, a hard foul, or criticism from outside.
- 1Consciously relax jaw and fists.
- 2A hard exhale.
- 3Tell yourself inwardly: "The energy is okay – I'll channel it into defence."
- 4First action: a quick run, not a harder foul.
Out of the game
A B-youth team agrees: after every mistake, the next teammate high-fives and says "Next one". After a few weeks, the players notice they're back in the game faster after mistakes.
Remember this
Good communication makes the next action better. High-five, give instructions, save criticism for later.