Preparing for competition is filled with many, many emotions. The team will be nervous, excited, scared, and at times anxious. The first competition of the season is when coaches and athletes really start to understand where they stand amongst the other competition, they learn how their athletes will perform under pressure, and they can see where they are and where they want to be.

When the competition is over, coaches and athletes are either on a huge high from the euphoria of everything turning out the way they wanted or they are left feeling numb after an undesired outcome. No matter what the outcome, the next day at practice means getting back to the grind and going back to work.

Competitions aren’t the destination, they are little tests along the sporting journey. Each competition is an opportunity for the athlete and the coach to see if their training is on the right path. It is an opportunity to see what is working, what isn’t working, and what can they need to adjust.

After every competition, review what went well and what can be adjusted for the next time. Then create a plan on how to adjust training. Use the Post-Competition Review Worksheet after every comp.

Download the worksheet. Click the button.

worksheet-button

Remember these tips:

  1. What was the purpose of the competition? Did you have Physical and Mental Goals?
  2. What did you learn from the competition? Not every lesson will be easy to learn, but every lesson will be important for future success.
  3. Successes and failures do not represent who you are. You are not a better person when you win, and you are not a worse person when you lose.
  4. Keep Competition and Practice focused on Process and learning.
  5. Performances should NEVER be punished!!!!
  6. Keep sports in perspective.
  7. If you want your athlete to feel comfortable and aggressive, create an environment where they free to try, without judgment.