Youth Coaches Mistakenly Motivating Anxious vs. Apathetic Wrestlers
Youth wrestling coaches knowing what to say to an anxious wrestler vs. an apathetic wrestler can help in one particular aspect of their job. It basically comes down to the most cliché moment in all of sports. Yes, it’s that moment when a coach attempts to give a motivational speech.
I say attempt because although all coaches have the best intentions, all coaches aren’t exactly cut out for the job of being a motivational speaker. Unfortunately, the vast majority of coaches miss the mark when trying to motivate. It’s usually not because they aren’t saying the right things either. Rather, it usually because they say the right things to the wrong people.
However, if coaches did a better job catering to their audience then they could at least be sure not to make things worse.
Anxious
Being anxious comes down to worrying about something that is going to happen in the future. If someone is anxious, they’re feeling the opposite of apathy. They care a great deal about the outcome of an upcoming event, possibly too much.
When a youth wrestler is anxious, it’s often a healthy emotion. This feeling can increase focus and motivate the wrestler to work harder. As a matter of fact, being a little anxious is a requirement for peak performance.
However, if a coach or parent says the wrong thing at the wrong time it can drive anxiety up to the point that damages performance. That is why typically when a youth wrestler is feeling anxious, they don’t need a motivational speech. Instead, they need someone to help keep them calm, relaxed, and composed.
Apathy
Apathy comes down to not caring. If a youth wrestler is apathetic, then something is causing a loss of interest in that moment.
It may not be that they don’t like wrestling. They just may not care temporarily because of some emotional factor. For example, when someone is not normally apathetic, the apathy is likely a temporary defensive mechanism for fear, rejection, or pessimism.
What’s more, motivational speeches are often a good cure for temporary emotions such as these.
When to Motivate and When to Reassure
Unless you’re a professional motivator, I think a good rule of thumb is to avoid attempts to motivate groups. Chances are in any group of young wrestlers there are going to be some who are apathetic and some who are anxious. There is nothing you can say to help both groups.
Instead, it’s best to reassure groups instead of attempting to motivate them. Discuss process vs. outcomes and reassure them that the process is working and outcomes are less important at this stage.
Speaking with individuals is the time to motivate, if necessary. Generally speaking, it’s only necessary if you sense apathy. Especially the type of apathy that is due to fear, rejection, or pessimism. Other than those specific cases of apathy, again it’s best to stick with speeches that reassure.