HOW TO GET RECRUITED

After 20 years in sports psychology, I’ve lost count of how many clients have come to me with the skills and talents to go the distance, only to be turned down by coaches and recruiters because of their attitude— not their abilities.

I cannot stress enough that how you show up at the start of a new season is what will make you stand out. Your desire to get better and your willingness to change often carry a lot more weight than how fast you can run, how high you can jump, or how far you can throw.

Luckily, if you’re ready to work as hard on your mental game as you do on your physical game, you already have everything you need to get noticed, both on and off the field.

The difference between being coachable vs. teachable and the value of both. Being coachable and teachable may seem interchangeable, but there is a subtle yet significant difference.

When you’re coachable, you’re receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and can adapt accordingly. This opens you up for continuous improvement, better performance, and stronger relationships with mentors and colleagues. You show you are coachable by actively seeking feedback, implementing suggestions, and showing a desire to grow.

When you’re teachable, you can absorb new information, skills, and perspectives. This includes increasing your knowledge, enhancing your skill sets, and seeking out greater opportunities for advancement. You show you are teachable by asking questions, attending training sessions, and applying new knowledge in practice. The best part? It’s reciprocal. When you show up with a positive attitude, your teammates and coaches are more likely to go the extra mile for you.

Whether you’re looking to make the team, move up from JV to varsity, or land a coveted spot to play in college, being coachable and teachable can help you stand out among your peers by demonstrating the following:

• Growth Potential and desire to become better with a goal of long-term success
• Adaptability when split-second decisions are made in the middle of a game
• Leadership Skills and understanding that winning is a group effort, not an individual achievement

Strategies to become more coachable and teachable

Make these three statements your new mantras during the school day, at practice, or on game day:

1. Feedback is not failure. Practice active listening. Understand and apply what your coaches are telling you. Seek out feedback and show your appreciation for constructive criticism.
2. Choose commitment over comfort. Acknowledge your responsibilities to your team. Show up consistently and be humble.
3. Your beliefs are often stronger than the truth. It’s good to be self-aware, to know your limits, and to push yourself as hard as you can, as long as you don’t let your fear of failure hold you back. Your mindset is your most vital asset—put it to work for you. What your mind can conceive, your body can ultimately achieve.

A special note to parents:

Invite your student-athlete to reflect on their current approach to learning and growth and encourage them to take proactive steps towards improvement. Discuss how attitude often means more than performance on the field and what that looks like for their sport.

Specializing in peak performance and sports psychology, EleVive helps student-athletes master their mental game. Learn more at EleVive.com.