Youth sports tips for lopsided wins and losses

We’ve all experienced them.

It doesn’t matter what side of the scoreboard you are on, blowout games can be challenging for players, parents and coaches.

If you are on the losing side, one-sided games can take the fun out of playing and make it difficult to maintain focus by the participants. For the winning coach, blowouts can eliminate teaching moments for the athletes.

Positive Coaching Alliance offers tips for coaches of both scenarios. If you are on the losing end, the resource says to accept reality, re-adjust goals, redefine what is a winner, focus on life skills, change-up player positions and conduct yourselves in positive ways post-game.

– Coaches must exhibit confidence and optimism that your players can copy. Always show that no matter how large the deficit, there’s always a chance for a comeback. However, there comes a time when it is obvious winning is an impossibility. At this point address the situation and take opportunities to close the gap in “creative ways.”

– Most often the reason for a blowout is your team can’t score. Set achievable goals that don’t involve scoring, such as getting the ball to a designated spot, completing a specific number of passes or making good contact with the ball.

– Players can be winners no matter the score. Set a standard for your players where they know they are being judged on effort, improvement and how they respond to mistakes. Cite examples of teammate effort, tangible measures of improvement and positive responses to mistakes.

– Verbalize to players that the game is an opportunity to show resilience and they should continue to try despite the score. Losing can be used as a learning opportunity.

– Just like there are times when starters take a seat allowing non-starters to get in the game, use the blowout game as a time to put players at positions they don’t normally play. This allows them to stay engaged and for you as their coach to learn more about their skills.

– Post-game handshakes after a big loss can be uncomfortable, but encourage your players to be proud of their effort, to feel good about themselves and to make eye contact when congratulating the other team.

If you are on the winning side, many of the above tips also can be in play.

– Coaches may fear the possibility of a miracle comeback by the opposing team and will maintain the pressure beyond the point that it is necessary. Be sensitive to the effect the large scoring gap has on your opponent, players and the quality of the game. Avoid humiliation.

– Make adjustments at defensive “attack points” so not to “pour it on.” Dominating this area defensively can slow the other team’s offensive capability. Placing less capable players in these positions can help to not “run up the score.”

– Placing players in unfamiliar positions presents challenges to athletes while they learn a new position and it also reduces your dominance over the opponent.

– Challenge players in ways not related to the score. Ask players to focus on improvement in individual weaknesses, i.e. where they are forced to perform with their weaker hands or legs.

– Behave respectively post-game. Treat the opponent with dignity by acknowledging their effort. At the same time, don’t ignore the efforts your own team showed. They should be complimented on their own accomplishments.

Losing or winning with respect is a learning experience.

Nancy Justis is a partner with Justis Creative Communications and the founder of Iowa Youth Sports Initiative. Contact her at najustis120150@gmail.com