What Does Your Body Language Say To College Coaches?
For most high school athletes, your play on the field or on the floor speaks for itself. But just remember that, if a coach is watching you play, he or she is also keeping an eye on your attitude on the sidelines and on the bench. And with many coaches, your sideline attitude can carry as much weight as your athletic ability and academic aptitude.
Beyond athletic ability, coaches look for players who will fit in with the team. Your body language can tell a coach a lot about how you handle pressure and the highs and lows of competition. Athletes with a positive attitude, a confident approach to the game, and the ability to deal with wins and losses are the type of players coaches want. So, if you want your off-field attitude to stand out as much as your on-field ability, pay attention to your body language in these situations:
The Coach’s Huddle
What do you do when a coach has the team huddle around on the sidelines or bench? Do you listen to the coach or look for friends in the bleachers? Do you hustle to join in or do you hover on the outside so you can hurry out? Remember that your actions in and around the coach’s huddle before, during, and after games can show a coach that you’re either a leader or a loner. Which one do you think makes a better teammate?
Sideline Situations
Think about how you act on the sideline when you’re on the bench or are being taken out of the game. Do you bark at your coach? Do you separate yourself from the team and pout? Or do you cheer on your teammates in a positive manner, listen to your coaches, and set an example for the other players? While you may see plenty of playing time while in high school, it’s likely your playing time will decrease as a college freshman. Make sure you show college coaches you can make a positive contribution to the team, whether you’re in the game or on the bench.
Adversity On The Field or On The Court
How do you respond in competition when mistakes happen, when you or a teammate don’t come through in a clutch situation, or plays simply don’t go as planned? Do you show your anger and let it affect the rest of your game or do you move on quickly and get back to playing and supporting your team? Athletes who can deal with adversity while having the mental strength to leave failure or mistakes behind is what coaches look for, as those are the athletes that will fare better in college sports where the stakes are higher.
Without saying a word, your body language can speak volumes to a coach. How you act in the huddle, on the sideline, and in the game can tell coaches plenty about your character and mental makeup. Finally, while many coaches will caution you to let your game do your talking, your body language during the game says a lot about who you are as a player, too. What does your body language say to coaches?
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