How to Move through Difficult Emotions During Training

As an athlete and coach, I know how hard it can be to experience failure, make mistakes, and lose focus. It can take time to learn how to work through the difficult emotions that can come up while trying to become a better athlete. (This skill is also helpful in every area of life!)

But this is one reason we practice. This is one reason we train and do drills that require teamwork and a focused mind. If we face hard things and work through them, we get better at facing hard things and working through them.

When it seems like an athlete is spiraling down emotionally because of mistakes and/or poor performance, it can help to ask questions and become curious about the situation. This takes us out of our emotions a bit so we can look objectively at the situation. Then we have a better chance at moving through the difficult emotions and turning more of our attention to what we need to do to excel in our sport.

When the girls are experiencing setbacks during our drills and other training activities, these are some of the questions they need to think about:

Who is leading?

How can I lead?

How is our energy?

What is my body language?

Am I 100% committed?

Am I focused on myself or am I blaming others?

Am I handling my emotions well?

Am I physically prepared? Did I nourish and hydrate myself?

Am I afraid to succeed?

Am I trusting myself to complete this drill? Am I working well with the others? Or am I hoping everyone else will pick up the slack and make it happen without me having to give 100%?

Paying attention to these questions and the answers to these questions will help them make adjustments that will lead them to success on the court and off. I have seen many girls work through and the problems they face during training and during matches. It’s always encouraging to see the girls grow in their ability to be curious, redirect their attention, and move through their emotions.

According to studies recognized by the National Athletic Trainers Association, people who played competitive sports in high school demonstrate more confidence, leadership, and self-respect. They are better at setting goals and managing their time. They have a better appreciation for diversity and a more developed sense of morality because they’ve had to learn to work with others on a team.

I believe one reason this study is true is that athletes have more opportunities to gain more mental maturity. They have to learn how to work with others to solve problems. Sometimes they have conflicts and have to figure out how to resolve those conflicts in healthy ways. Being an athlete also grows awareness of personal responsibility so they are able to pay more attention to what they need to be doing physically, mentally, and emotionally. They also discover the importance of being excellent in their work on the court, in the classroom, and beyond. Being an athlete also provides opportunities to work through their own discouragement and inspires them to encourage others who are also discouraged. They learn how to keep going and keep trying when they’d rather quit. And they see first-hand how reaching a goal now leads to reaching new goals in the future.

It’s always wonderful to watch the girls grow emotionally. Even when training is hard and they want to give up, I know what’s waiting on the other side. I know they will accomplish their goals and I learn many lessons that will help them flourish for the rest of their lives.