Now that the season is over or almost over, you'll of course have your "normal" checklist of things to do, like collect uniforms, etc.

But one really important piece of wrapping up the season is Communication.

It's really a good reflection practice to meet with your individual players soon after the season ends. This helps everyone reflect, set goals, and improve.

And much of these meetings come down to letting players know you appreciate them no matter if you've had a winning season or a mediocre season.

Here are some tips for your post-season player meetings...

1) Help all players reflect on the season.

Ask players these questions and analyze the answers together:

• What was good about the season?
  
• What wasn't so good about the season?
  
• What are your strengths?
  
• What are your weaknesses?
  

You can take notes to help you with a goal-setting plan (explained later).

2) Express your appreciation!

Take this opportunity to let those players who didn't get much playing time know you appreciate them. It's not easy to be that 10th or 12th person on the bench.

These are the players behind the scenes, the ones who don't get the notoriety or the spotlight for scoring and record-setting. But these are the kids who need recognition, too.

Even though you know that you appreciate every single player on the team, young people sometimes interpret lack of playing time with not being "liked" by the coach.

By letting them know that you value them, you will make them feel better - increase their self-worth and thus self-esteem...and they'll know you "like" them.

Emphasize that everyone is equal on the team and just as important to the success of the team.

Connect with them by telling them specifically what you liked about them - their energy or whatever the case may be. You can say things like...

• I really appreciate how you kept a smile on your face even though you didn't get in the game. That had to have been hard, but you put the needs of the team first. That says you are not a selfish person.
  
• I value how hard you work during practice. If we didn't have players like you, the whole team would suffer because we'd never be able to prepare and learn properly. Thank you for always showing up and giving 100%.
  
• I appreciate the high fives and cheering you did from the bench. That's really important to our team spirit. I'm glad you were there to rally the positivity!
  
• I noticed during time outs and during practices that you always listened and made eye contact with me. I sure appreciate that. Then I know people are listening and you are being a great role model.
  

This in turn makes them want to come back and do it all over again...because you noticed their dedication to the team. And you need these role players, or you simply can't practice adequately.

This is a great time to make those kids feel good.

3) Help players develop goals and a plan.

The next piece is to create a plan. Based on their answers above, find out what their plan is.

• What do they want to get better at?
  
• How will they improve?
  

Then help them hash out a plan of how they can reach some of their goals, how they can build their strengths and improve their weaknesses.

It might be workouts that you already have or finding the workouts, or teams they want to play on, or it might be summer camps and leagues - whatever the case may be.

You want them to leave there with a plan, so they're not kind of up in the air and left thinking, "Well, I'll wait til October and see what happens...I'll just come to some of the open gyms."

When you're done, they should have a concrete plan with how they're going to improve. You could even make some sort of paper copy for them and continue to check in with them as the off-season progresses.

These post-season meetings will help bring the season to a close yet keep their sights on next season!

Do you have any questions or suggestions for this article? Let us know by leaving your comments...

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