Coaches Guide

· Begin by having your athletes define what self-confidence means to

them. Encourage them to give examples of when they feel high and

low self confidence.

· Explain the difference between too much, too little and just right selfconfidence.

· Tell your athletes about the benefits of increasing their self-confidence.

· Use one of the exercises of your choice to help your athletes become aware of

their self-confidence.

· Instruct your athletes on ways to improve their self-confidence.

Sandwich Feedback (adapted from the Team Building and Team Cohesion Chapter)

Coaches, whether you know it or not, you can influence your swimmers’ selfconfidence.

Swimmers look to their coaches for feedback and approval. Do not

take your job lightly, what you say to your swimmers and the tone of voice and

words you use will greatly influence their perceptions of themselves.

When correcting mistakes and giving feedback, use the “sandwich technique” –

meaning try to sandwich the critique between two positive comments. Start by

relaying a positive comment, follow that by a correction (what they should do) and

end with encouragement and hope. For example, Bob, you really had a fast start

you were the first one in the water, remember to hold your streamline off of your

start, with a little extra work in practice on streamlines off your walls you should get

it.