Coaches are tasked with creating a positive sport experience for all of their athletes. This can be made harder when coaching a team that includes athletes of mixed skill levels. Ultimately, it is the coach’s responsibility to ensure everyone, regardless of skill level, is engaged, supported, and having fun.

Coaches Can:

Help players learn a team concept – Create a supportive team environment where athletes connect with and encourage each other. Have athletes participate in acknowledging improvements they see teammates making through the course of the season.

Focus on individual progression – Assess all athletes for their strengths and areas for improvement. Develop a plan to help each one progress and celebrate successes.

Praise effort over results – Regardless of skill level, athletes have more control over the effort they give than the results they’ll get. Focus your praise on their efforts towards improvement and reframe mistakes as learning opportunities.