How do you handle Criticism?

How do you handle constructive criticism? I’m not referring to the kind where your coach screams nasty comments at you. I’m talking about when he or she tells you something you have been doing incorrectly.

Do you go into sulk mode? Do you get angry? Or, are you the kind of person who takes what they say and works to change the behaviour that was causing the problem? Be honest with yourself.

Sometimes the way we see ourselves, in our minds, doesn’t quite match with reality. I have heard players say their coach just doesn’t like them, which is why they are giving them a hard time. Speaking from personal experience, I would advise it is probably just the opposite. I can tell you the players I like, and respect, are the ones I push the hardest. If you tend to put out no effort and make faces every time I point something out to you, there comes a point where I write you off. On any given team, I will have between 10-12 girls playing for me. If other coaches are like myself, they never have enough practice time. Why waste that precious time helping someone who doesn’t want to be helped? I prefer to focus on the people who want to improve their game.

So, next time your coach points out something you are
doing incorrectly, smile and resolve to change it. It will do wonders for your game!!