They need positivity, they need to pick each other up, they need to get each others backs, they need to encourage each other to make plays and not be critical when someone screws up.
Reason is that playing under the pressure to win at all costs creates tension. It creates fear. It creates indecision and paralysis. Have you ever had to make a 5 foot putt for $1000. It's a lot longer than a 5 foot put when nobody's around. It take a very special athlete to not feel pressure when the lights are on. Most people feel tension and self-doubt under pressure situations. You have to find a way to remove that pressure. The way to do that is by allowing them to make mistakes expecting their teammates to make up for it.
Being a strong leader is a good thing, but knowing when to pick your team up and make them believe they are better than they are is key. These are not pros, who are self motivated. These are young people with insecurities, who might start believing they're second rate.
I'm not saying "just have fun". I'm saying play hard, but if your teammate fumbles, make it up for them. Get it back and show that teammate you have their back.
Reason is that playing under the pressure to win at all costs creates tension. It creates fear. It creates indecision and paralysis. Have you ever had to make a 5 foot putt for $1000. It's a lot longer than a 5 foot put when nobody's around. It take a very special athlete to not feel pressure when the lights are on. Most people feel tension and self-doubt under pressure situations. You have to find a way to remove that pressure. The way to do that is by allowing them to make mistakes expecting their teammates to make up for it.
Being a strong leader is a good thing, but knowing when to pick your team up and make them believe they are better than they are is key. These are not pros, who are self motivated. These are young people with insecurities, who might start believing they're second rate.
I'm not saying "just have fun". I'm saying play hard, but if your teammate fumbles, make it up for them. Get it back and show that teammate you have their back.