Did you know? Research shows that athletes decide within the first two weeks whether they feel confident playing for a new coach. First impressions matter — and as coaches, we set the tone the moment players walk into the gym.

I’ve seen this occur with my daughters, who are 13 & 10. I’ve watched them play a sport for one coach and shine. They play with confidence, passion, & aggression.

I’ve watched them play the same sport for a different coach and look like a completely different player - hesitant & unsure of themselves.

Same kids, same ability, but two completely different outcomes & experiences.

Seeing that in them has made me reflect more on our role as coaches in building confident athletes.

Confidence doesn’t just “happen.” It’s built — intentionally — by what we do and say every single day.

This is especially true in young athletes. A coach who builds them up makes them more likely to want to keep playing. Unfortunately, a confidence-killing coach is just as likely to make them want to quit. 

Read on to find out how you can ensure you’re creating belief in your players.

3 Ways To Develop Confident Players From Day 1

Set Expectations Clearly

• Players gain confidence when they know what’s expected of them. “Clarity is the new confidence.”

• Be upfront about practice habits, effort, and team standards.

• Keep it simple: 3–5 core values they can remember (e.g., “Effort, Attitude, Teamwork”). This empowers players because those things are within their control.

• Post them in the gym and refer to them often.

Establish Trust Early

• Learn and use every player’s name immediately. Nothing builds connection faster. I used to write every player’s name on a notecard. I’d then cross them off after I had a personal interaction with them. That ensured every player got attention from me at every practice.

• Show players you care about them as people — not just athletes. Ask about things beyond hoops - their family, school, & other activities they are involved with.

• Be consistent: when you say something, follow through on it. Nothing destroys trust faster than saying one thing and doing another.

• Avoid sarcasm or “gotcha” coaching early on. Trust is fragile at the start.

Give Positive Reinforcement

• Players gain confidence when they hear what they’re doing right — not just what’s wrong.

• Catch players being great: hustle plays, communication, unselfish passes. Don’t only recognize the best players. Recognize every player who does the right things in practice.

• Use a 3-to-1 ratio (three positives for every correction).

• Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Confidence grows from controllable behaviors.

First Impressions Matter — Your Day 1 Checklist

It’s great to have a goal of building confidence. Here’s a first-day plan to help achieve it:

• Greet each player by name as they enter the gym.

  Shake their hand & look them in the eye. When working with very young players, get down to their eye level.

• Begin with a fun and competitive drill to break the ice.

  Players are likely nervous. Engaging in something enjoyable allows them to unwind.

• Give every player at least one piece of positive feedback before the end of practice.

  Being noticed for doing something good goes a long way. As Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy said, “How do you know if someone needs encouragement? If they’re breathing!”

• End practice with a quick huddle.

  Recap the positives and express your excitement for the season.

The Confidence Advantage: Coaching Players Beyond Skills

Confidence is the fuel that allows players to push through mistakes, play aggressively, and grow. As coaches, our words and actions shape that confidence from the very first whistle. Don’t leave it to chance. Set expectations, build trust, and reinforce the positives from day one — and watch your players flourish all season long.

To learn other ways to make sure your season is a great one for you and your players, check out The Youth Coaching System With Jim Huber.

Want to Make Youth Practices More
Fun and WIN MORE GAMES

Coach Huber's Youth Coaching System gives you all the tried and true practice plans, drills, skills and concepts you'll ever need. Inside you'll get:

• 64 Interactive Practice Plans for all levels of youth basketball

• Exactly What to Teach - Offense, Zone Offense, Defense, Press Breakers, Out of Bounds

• Age-Apropriate Skill Development - for ages 9-14

• Drill Progressions From Beginner to Advanced

• Step-By-Step Instructions

SEE THE YOUTH COACHING SYSTEM

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First

Leave a Comment Name : Email (not published) : Seven minus one is equal to?  (Prevents Spam) Answer :  Load New Question Comments : Leave this Blank :