Real Coaching Means Real Conversations

I’m a firm believer in being straight up with kids. Honest feedback—whether it’s good or bad—is how they grow. Doesn’t matter if you’re a five-star or a role player, if you’re messing up, someone needs to tell you.

Too many coaches and adults are scared to be real with these athletes. They tiptoe around the truth because they don’t want a kid to transfer or catch an attitude. But that’s not helping them. If all they ever hear is praise, how are they supposed to know what needs fixing?

The best players I’ve ever been around actually want that constructive criticism. They don’t take it personal—they take it as a challenge. They understand that being held accountable is part of the process if you really want to be great.

So if you care about your athletes, stop babying them. Tell them the truth, coach them hard, and show them what it really takes to level up.