When it comes to losing in sports, finding a silver lining isn’t always easy … no matter your age! Part of coaching youth sports is helping your players see beyond the curve balls — both on the field and off. From learning self-discipline and steadfast practice techniques to overcoming adversity, the youth sports journey offers its share of challenges. But those challenges are also an opportunity for growth. Here are eight character-building life lessons that can be instilled through youth sports.
8 Life Lessons That Only Losing in Sports Can Teach You
- Camaraderie
“The best teams have chemistry. They communicate with each other, and they sacrifice personal glory for a common goal. — Dave DeBusschere, Professional Basketball Player
Cliché though it may be, teamwork truly does make the dream work. Friendship, respect, and trust are a solid foundation for team unity, which pays dividends — particularly during a losing streak when players need extra support and encouragement. But youth sports isn’t the only platform where teamwork offers benefits. Nurturing collaboration and cultivating empathy has a place in life’s bigger picture, too. It fosters clear communication, constructive criticism, and a consideration of others that will continue into adulthood, on both personal and professional levels.
- Coping skills
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.
— Michael Jordan
To fail bravely and lose gracefully are unparalleled life lessons. They can also be learned behaviors that require some practice. While there’s no “one size fits all” approach to processing a loss, coaches have a unique opportunity to continually teach and reinforce practical coping skills. Lessons such as helping to manage anger, positively redirecting negative energy, and modeling appropriate behavior are huge influences in life’s bigger picture.
- Mental toughness
“Difficulties in life are intended to make us better, not bitter.”
— Dan Reeves, Former NFL Athlete and Head Coach
Adversity promotes resilience. Navigating the range of emotions following a loss can be tricky, but strong mental toughness for young athletes equals a more well-rounded player who rises above hardship and pressure. A winning mindset revolves around the 4 Cs of mental toughness: control, commitment, challenge, and confidence. Developing and implementing healthy habits to support these behaviors early on means they will be second nature by the time adulthood is on the horizon!
- Winning isn’t Everything
“Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.” –Mike Singletary, American Football Coach
It’s often said that winning isn’t everything; it’s how you play the game. Truer words were never spoken. Being competitive certainly has its merits, so long as there’s more to it than the act of winning. Because, as we all know, no amount of preparation or effort leads to winning every single game or contest. Reframing a loss to be seen as a stepping stone on the path to success means children learn to appreciate the journey — the backbone of leading a more fulfilled life.
- Discipline
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vince Lombardi, American Football Coach
Discipline is the highest form of self-love. Devoting ample time to practice, eating healthy and consistent meals, maintaining a fitness routine, and getting proper sleep, are only a few of the critical elements in youth sports training. Case in point, the “Tom Brady Self-Discipline method” (he is notoriously regimented with his time-management) makes it clear that the process of self-motivating and developing a strong work ethic makes for a far more successful career that maintains momentum … no matter what that career might be.
- Confidence
“I am the greatest. I said that before I knew I was.” — Muhammad Ali, American Professional Boxer
Reaching one’s potential requires commitment, grit, and a rather large dose of conviction. But confidence based solely on success makes a loss all the more devastating. When children develop healthy self-esteem at a young age, they take it with them into adulthood, seeing themselves as capable and a valuable asset.
- Playing fair
“Win or lose, do it fairly.” — Knute Rockne, American Football Coach
Being invested in fair play is a vital building block of team spirit. Respect for rules, as well as placing an importance on integrity and solidarity, are essential in competition. Explaining rules and expectations, and praising your team for following them, emphasizes the importance of setting and adhering to appropriate boundaries.
- Good sportsmanship
“If you win through bad sportsmanship, that’s no real victory.” — Babe Didrikson Zaharia, Olympic Gold Medalist in Track & Field, best known for winning 82 golf tournaments and founding the Ladies Pro Golf Association.
Good sportsmanship isn’t necessarily the easiest concept to explain, but it’s not hard to recognize someone who doesn’t abide by it. It’s all a matter of principles. Respecting opponents and fellow teammates, remaining humble after a win, taking ownership of mistakes and losses, and staying committed to the game and team are crucial in youth sports and beyond.
