Sport, particularly contact sports are often poorly misconstrued as aggressive when in reality the actions of the athletes are in line with what is required of the performance.
Where aggression turns “hostile” and shifts from being “instrumental” is when the performance bleeds outside the boundaries of what is permitted.
This is where injury can occur.
This can also been seen psychologically as a form of frustration by the athlete who may be outmatched by their opponent and is resorting to “cheap” tactics .
A smart highly alert athlete who can avoid an overly aggressive move should recognize this cue as an opportunity to take advantage of their opponents moment of weakness.
Capitalize on frustration!
For the frustrated athlete making the move, the aggression shift occurs when the intent of the action moves from the objective to win to inflicting harm. Calm down, reset!
You don’t need a foul, penalty or injury!
This has occurred because the action now has the emotion anger associated with it.
𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆:
Being mindful of the state of your athletes and knowing when to break or take time outs.
Call out cues, self talk and use strategies to pace and control directed focus.
Keep athletes task focused.
Reinforce rules of the game.
Emphasize the objective of the performance.
Remove emotion from the associated action. Stay neutral.
Assertiveness may appear aggressive but it does not result in harming the opponent.
Being passionate is not the same as being emotional- know the difference. Passion for the sport means respecting it too.
If you have an overly hostile aggressive athlete the risk of injury to them and to others is increased.
Take the time you investigate the source of the aggression and help give the athlete ways to channel their performance.
Harnessing aggression for the purpose of creating powerful assertive athletes creates improved performances and safer environments.
Coach B
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