How to Handle Tough Criticism From a Coach or Club Director

Whenever we receive criticism, it hurts. Very few people in this world enjoy being told they’re doing something wrong. And very few people are good at giving constructive criticism – because we don’t like being told we’re doing something wrong, it’s an art form to deliver feedback in a constructive way. It’s even harder for coaches or club directors who are dealing with hundreds of players (and their parents) on a weekly basis to take the time necessary to deliver criticism in a constructive way.

As players that have gotten tough criticism from coaches and club directors countless times, we can tell you that it does hurt. But it can be really helpful and there are many benefits of tough criticism from your coach or club director. Here’s how to handle that tough criticism:

Realize Criticism is to Help You Develop and Improve

Soccer Coaches these days commonly have 4+ teams at any given time. That’s 45-80 players they are educating on the game and trying to help develop. Club Directors commonly have 4 age groups which have 2-4 teams per age group – 90-300 players plus 4+ coaches that they are in charge of. They’re overworked, underpaid, and don’t have enough time to do it all.

The reality is they do not give feedback at all to many players. The fact that they are giving you feedback at all is a sign that they believe in you and can see how you can improve.

Think About What They Said Honestly and Objectively 

It’s ok to be hurt by what they said. Don’t deny that emotion. Then – once you’re feeling better or at least back to neutral – take a moment to think about what they said. Was it something you know is true – you don’t drop back deep enough, you don’t make the easy pass – that you could apply to your game?

Or are they wrong – did they tell you that you won’t make it to the next level?

Either they gave you a tip to get better or fuel to prove them wrong – and either way, that’s a win-win.

Use It – Take the Criticism and Apply It

You have a choice – you can take their criticism and apply it or you can ignore it and keep going forward. The best option is really a case-by-case scenario and depends on you more than anything else. You are the one that’s working hard each and every day and their opinion could be wrong…but if they are in charge of how many minutes you get in the next game, odds are you should at least pay attention to what they’re saying.

Talk to Your Mentor

Sometimes it’s just a good idea to talk to someone that’s been there before. You should speak with a mentor who will  listen and be able to provide valuable insight based on their experience. If you don’t have a mentor already, we are here for you. We’ve been through it all – getting benched, getting hurt, handling a tough coach, teammates that don’t want to pass to you – and can work with you to learn how you can use it to build resiliency and unlock the elite player that you are. Click here to get started today or contact us if you have a question.