What to say after the game.
What to Say After the Game.
Make room for your athlete’s experience before offering advice.
After a game, an athlete may want to talk, sit quietly or focus on something else. Start by finding out what they need from you.
Ask Before Analysing
Try: “Do you want to talk about the game now, or later?” If they want to talk, ask what stood out to them. Their answer may be different from the moment you noticed.
Notice Something Specific
Rather than a broad judgement about whether the game was good or bad, describe an action you saw: they encouraged a teammate, kept working on defence, or tried a skill they had practiced.
Keep your observation honest. You do not have to pretend a disappointing result feels good.
Separate Listening from Coaching
Ask whether they want help thinking through a challenge. If they say yes, explore one thing they would like to practice next time. If they say no, leave room to revisit it later.
Keep Perspective
A game is one experience. Make space for their interests and relationships outside sport too. The ride home can be a chance to reconnect without reviewing every play.
Explore a program or ask our team where to start.