Coaching in Blowout Games

 

Blowout games are a big frustration for players, coaches, and parents/caregivers. For the losing team, they can take the joy out of playing the game. For the winning team, they deny players the mental and physical challenges that closely contested games present. We need to be prepared for coaching in blowout games from both the losing and the winning ends. Here are some tools:
 

On the Losing End:

1. Accept reality: As coach, you must be the embodiment of confidence and optimism for your players to emulate. When your team gets behind, no matter how big the deficit, you must exude a belief that there is always a chance of a comeback. However, at a certain point, it helps to acknowledge to yourself that you’re team is not going to win the game. Accepting this allows you to seize creative opportunities to address the situation at hand, some of which, ironically, could lead to your team getting back in the game.

2. Re-adjust goals: Most often, the problem when losing in a blowout is that your team can’t score. Find ways to set achievable goals for your team that don’t involve scoring. Examples of this include getting the ball to a designated point on the field, completing a specified number of passes, or making good contact with the ball.

3. Redefine winner: Tell your players that, no matter what the scoreboard says, they can be winners. Establish a standard for your players where they know they’re being judged on their effort, improvement, and on how they respond to mistakes they make. They can be successful in these areas regardless of the score. Throughout the game, communicate specific examples of player effort, cite tangible measures of improvement, and point to positive responses to mistakes.

4. Focus on life skills: Frame this game as an opportunity for players to be resilient and continue to try regardless of the circumstances. Reinforce that the game can be used as a learning opportunity.

5. Scramble player positions: Blowouts present a great opportunity for experimentation and creativity. Try putting players at positions they don’t regularly play. This can help keep them interested and enthused about the game, and also gives you a chance to learn more about your players’ skills.

6. Post-game conduct: After a blowout, the post-game handshakes can be awkward for both teams. Encourage your players to be proud of their effort. They should feel good about themselves and should stand tall and make eye contact when congratulating their opponents. Prepare your players for post-game conduct by having them rehearse this process at practice.
 

On the Winning End:

1. Accept reality: We’ve all seen amazing comebacks in every sport at every level. The fear that a team will miraculously close the gap drives many coaches to keep the pressure on beyond the point that’s necessary to ensure victory. Be sensitive to the effect the score is having on your opponents, your players, and on the quality of the game. Avoid humiliating your opponents either by “pouring it on” or by mocking them through overdone restraint.

2. Make adjustments at defensive "attack points": In every sport, there is an “attack point” where the opponents offensive effort is initiated. Dominating this area defensively can stifle your opponents’ offensive capability. Examples of defensive “attack points” include the pitcher in baseball and softball, guards in basketball, and forwards in soccer. Placing less capable players in these positions can help enable an opponent’s offensive attack.

3. Scramble player positions: Putting players at positions they don’t normally play accomplishes two things. First, it presents challenges to your players while they learn an unfamiliar position, and secondly, it can serve to reduce the dominance over your opponent. 
-Focus on Player Weakness

4. Focus on player weaknesses: Challenge your team in ways that aren’t related to the scoreboard. Ask your players to spend the remainder of the game focusing on improving their individual weaknesses. For instance, put them in positions where they’re forced to perform with their weaker hands/legs. This way, they can strive for skill improvement where they’re less likely to dominate the opponent.

5. Post-game conduct: Stress to your players the importance of behaving respectfully towards the opponent. They should treat the opponent with dignity by acknowledging their effort. Model this for your players as you greet the opposing coach and players. Once again, they’ll handle this situation more comfortably if they’ve prepared for it during practice. Also, remember not to ignore the efforts that your team displayed. They should be complimented on their accomplishments, as well.