Some time ago I was asked by a parent to write five things to say to a junior player during a time out. That is hard to do but I will attempt it.
1. Calm him or her–winning or losing-calming remarks.
2. Calming remarks are different things to different people. What might be a joke to one player could be something to another. Know your athlete!
3. Do not be unreasonable. It is not your match, it is your child’s match. They might lose through no fault of their own other than size. They also might win through no fault of their own due to size. Be reasonable!
4. It is not life and death, it is racquetball! It is a sport! Remember this!
5. Well-meaning parents can really put pressure on their children with just their body language! Parents! Unfold the arms and relax! The tense parental posture puts more pressure on kids. Take the pressure off!
Go get’em Tigers and Kittens!!