Teaching Youth Athletes to Play Assertively

In many youth sports, assertive play can be the difference between winning and losing, and, more importantly, it can build confidence, resilience, and focus. When volunteer coaches aim to develop assertiveness in young athletes, they’re not only helping their team succeed on the field or court but also empowering players to face challenges with determination and confidence. However, teaching assertiveness—often mistaken for aggression—requires a careful approach that emphasizes control, purpose, and respect for the game.

Why Assertiveness Matters in Youth Sports

Assertiveness in sports refers to the ability to take initiative, confidently pursue the ball or play, and demonstrate physical and mental strength without crossing into reckless or aggressive behavior. This balanced form of assertiveness is particularly valuable in competitive sports, where hesitation can often lead to missed opportunities.

Benefits of Assertiveness

1. Boosts Confidence: When players are assertive, they’re more likely to feel in control, which builds their self-confidence. A study from the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology shows that athletes who practice assertive play tend to report higher self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety.

2. Enhances Performance: Assertive players stay engaged and make proactive decisions. In fast-paced sports like soccer, basketball, or hockey, hesitation often means missed scoring or defensive opportunities. Assertive play encourages athletes to seize the moment and make confident choices.

3. Builds Resilience: Assertive players are more likely to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grow. A growth mindset, where players believe that improvement comes from effort, is linked to assertiveness. Assertive play teaches young athletes that setbacks are learning opportunities, not reasons to give up.

4. Improves Team Dynamics: Assertive players communicate more effectively and take ownership of their roles, helping create a cohesive, supportive team environment. This is particularly important in youth sports, where trust and teamwork are foundational to success.

Strategies for Teaching Assertive Play to Young Athletes

Volunteer coaches can use various strategies to develop assertiveness in youth athletes. It starts with building confidence, instilling a proactive mindset, and creating an environment that encourages controlled risk-taking. Here are some practical ways to teach assertive play.

1. Focus on Building Confidence

Confidence is the foundation of assertive play. When young athletes believe in their abilities, they’re more likely to make bold moves, whether it’s taking a shot, going for a tackle, or defending an opponent.

Tips:

• Praise Effort, Not Just Success: Celebrate attempts and risk-taking, even if they don’t result in immediate success. For example, if a player takes a shot and misses, acknowledge their courage to take the shot rather than focusing on the miss. This positive reinforcement helps reinforce that effort is just as important as outcome.

• Set Small, Achievable Goals: Establish small, attainable goals that build confidence over time. For instance, if an athlete is hesitant to go for the ball, start with a goal like “challenge for the ball at least three times in today’s game.” When they achieve this, celebrate it and set a slightly more challenging goal next time.

2. Create Drills That Encourage Assertiveness

The right drills can help players develop a sense of urgency, engagement, and confidence, which translate to assertive play in games.

Tips:

• 50/50 Drills: Set up drills where two players compete for a loose ball or puck. This helps players get used to battling for possession and teaches them to play physically without being aggressive. Make sure to reinforce sportsmanship and safe contact.

• 1-on-1 Challenges: Have players engage in 1-on-1 situations where they must either defend against or score on a single opponent. This puts them in situations where they need to make quick, assertive decisions and helps them learn how to manage pressure.

• Game-Like Scenarios: Simulate game scenarios with added pressure, such as running against the clock or adding defenders. For example, in a soccer practice, set up a drill where players must score within 10 seconds, encouraging them to make assertive, decisive moves.

3. Use Visualization and Mental Imagery

Visualization is a powerful tool for helping athletes feel comfortable with assertive play. By mentally rehearsing confident, assertive actions, players can reduce anxiety and prepare for game situations.

Tips:

• Guided Visualization Exercises: During practice, ask players to close their eyes and imagine themselves going for a loose ball, making a bold play, or staying calm under pressure. Encourage them to visualize a specific action in as much detail as possible.

• Positive Self-Talk: Teach players to use positive affirmations, such as “I am strong” or “I can make a difference.” Studies have shown that positive self-talk can improve performance and reduce fear of failure.

4. Encourage Communication on the Field

Assertive play is not just about physical presence; it’s also about vocal confidence. Teaching players to communicate effectively on the field can make them more comfortable taking control of situations and engaging proactively.

Tips:

• Practice Calling for the Ball: During passing drills, ask players to call out for the ball every time they want it. Make it a habit to use clear and loud communication so they get comfortable asserting themselves vocally.

• Teach Positive Commands: Encourage players to use supportive, assertive phrases like “I got this!” or “Watch my left side!” Communication like this fosters a sense of ownership and leadership on the field.

5. Create a Supportive, Mistake-Friendly Environment

Assertive play naturally involves risk-taking, which means players will sometimes make mistakes. It’s crucial to create an environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, not a reason for punishment or criticism.

Tips:

• Highlight Learning Opportunities: When a player makes an assertive move that doesn’t work out, take a moment to point out what they did well, and offer a constructive suggestion for improvement. For example, “I love that you went for that shot—next time, try to aim a bit lower.”

• Encourage Team Support: Teach players to support each other after mistakes. When players see that their teammates have their backs, they’re more willing to take risks and be assertive.

A study in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that young athletes who view mistakes as learning opportunities tend to take more initiative and perform better under pressure. As a coach, reinforce the idea that growth comes from trying, failing, and adjusting.

Overcoming Hesitation in Players

Hesitation is common in young athletes, especially those new to sports or lacking confidence. Here are some practical ways to help hesitant players become more assertive:

• Start Small: If a player is particularly hesitant, give them specific, manageable tasks to build assertiveness gradually. For example, encourage them to attempt one defensive play or challenge for a rebound once per game.

• Pair with Experienced Teammates: Partner shy players with more assertive teammates during drills. This allows them to observe assertive behavior firsthand and helps them feel supported.

• Discuss Assertiveness vs. Aggression: Some players may confuse assertiveness with aggression. Explain that assertiveness means being proactive and confident, not necessarily aggressive or overly physical. Reinforce that it’s about smart, controlled action rather than force.

Additional Insights and Research

Research consistently shows that assertiveness, confidence, and resilience can be developed in youth athletes through consistent practice, positive reinforcement, and skill-building. The American Psychological Association supports the idea that developing a growth mindset—viewing challenges and mistakes as opportunities for growth—encourages more assertive behavior in youth athletes. Additionally, the National Alliance for Youth Sports highlights that structured drills that promote competitiveness and risk-taking in a safe environment are essential for helping players embrace assertive play.

Conclusion

Teaching youth athletes to play assertively is an essential part of building confidence, developing resilience, and enhancing performance. While assertive play doesn’t come naturally to all children, volunteer coaches can help foster this trait through skill-building drills, positive reinforcement, and a supportive environment.

Remember, assertive play isn’t about aggression; it’s about empowering young athletes to make confident decisions and pursue challenges head-on. By helping your players build confidence, encouraging communication, and teaching the value of resilience, you’ll develop athletes who not only excel in sports but also carry these valuable life skills beyond the field or court. Embrace the opportunity to teach assertiveness—you’re giving young athletes the tools to succeed in sports and beyond.