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.

2. Be grateful for criticism

This may sound strange at first, but the person who criticizes you wants to do something good for you first and foremost. To improve you. This shows: Your trainer cares about you.

3. Do not regard feedback as an attack

Criticism is not directed against you as a person. It is only about something you should improve. Therefore, do not feel attacked, but supported. So listen carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand the criticism. In the hectic pace of the game, the instructions or critical words sometimes come across as a bit harsh, but your coach wants to improve you at that moment – you should not forget that.

Often it is the little things that can help you. Accepting criticism is one of them. And the ability to accept criticism is not only important during a game, but also off the pitch!