Getting better through criticism
Every footballer knows it: you come into the dressing room at half-time and the coach picks on you because you’re not having a good day or haven’t followed all the instructions correctly. Often you feel unfairly treated afterward and let yourself be dragged down, which makes you play even worse. Therefore, we have a few tips for you on why coaches still criticize and how you can use this to your advantage.
To learn from mistakes, feedback from outside is often necessary. That’s what your coach is there for. Either during training, in the game, or afterward, he or she will point out your mistakes and what you could have done differently or better instead. The coach is not trying to embarrass you or pick on you. No, he wants to help you become better.
But what is the right way to deal with criticism? Here are three tips:
1. Be open to feedback
Be open to criticism and allow it. Don’t react hastily – perhaps aggressively – and let your coach finish.