How Many Coaches Teach Their Players Positive Self Talk?

by Jeff Zimmerman
(St.Joseph, Michigan)

How many coaches teach their players to change their self-talk?

I am a middle school guidance counselor in southwestern Michigan. One part of my job is to teach a class to 6th graders on understanding emotions and making good decisions. We spend a great deal of time dealing with understanding self-talk.

I have recently begun thinking on how I can systematically teach these concepts to my volleyball players. I use a form of cognitive behavior therapy; both in class and on the volleyball court.

I would be interested hearing from other coaches who are interested in this area. I would like to hear how other coaches teach self-talk to their players and change their self-talk from negative to positive.