When an athlete faces failure, it can be tough for them to take, especially when they feel like they’ve given it their all. It’s hard to accept that doing your best doesn’t always lead to success. So, how do we help an athlete bounce back after a setback? One effective way is by using the power of ‘yet” in your coaching.

By adding “yet,” coaches can encourage athletes to focus on the importance of effort and growth. It reminds them that while they may not be successful now, they can improve with time and hard work.

For example, let’s say a tennis player is practicing their serve. They’ve been showing up consistently, putting in the effort, and focusing on improving. But when they keep hitting the ball into the net they may get frustrated and say “I will never get my serve over the net!”

As a coach, you might be tempted to offer encouragement like, “It’ll come, just keep working.” But simply praising effort won’t fix the problem. Effort alone doesn’t always lead to success. What matters more is how athletes learn and apply new skills.

So how can we help athletes learn and improve? In the above example you can say ‘You can’t get your serve over the net, yet’. 

By using the ‘Power of Yet’ along with the following tools, you can continue to support your athletes’ development in the face of challenges.

1. Encourage curiosity: Ask them, “What can you do to improve?”

2. Reflect: Help them think about what isn’t working.

3. Strategize: Guide them to figure out what they can try differently.

4. Praise the process: Acknowledge both their hard work and their willingness to try new methods.
Next time you’re coaching and see an athlete struggling, remember the ‘Power of Yet.’ It’s a mindset that encourages growth and resilience not only in sport, but in life.