In youth sports, success isn’t just about scoring goals, making tackles, or sinking three-pointers. It’s about something MUCH BIGGER, learning the TEAM PLAYER MENTALITY, that’s a skill that will serve your child well in their future lives – whether it’s in their workplace, relationships or their own family! If you want your child to excel on and off the field, they need to adopt a TEAM PLAYER MENTALITY. And the best way to do that? Help them become a TRIPLE IMPACT PLAYER.
A TRIPLE IMPACT PLAYER is an athlete who improves themselves, their teammates, and the game itself. This concept, popularized by Positive Coaching Alliance, is the GOLD STANDARD for young athletes who want to make a lasting impact in sports and life.
So, how can YOU, as a parent, help your child embrace this team player mentality? Let’s break it down.
1. IMPROVE THEMSELVES: THE GROWTH MINDSET
A team player athlete starts by working on THEMSELVES. They understand that their personal development isn’t just about individual success but about how they can contribute to the TEAM.
HOW TO ENCOURAGE THIS:
✅ Teach them that FAILURE is just FEEDBACK. Every mistake is a chance to improve.
✅ Praise EFFORT over talent. When they work hard, they grow.
✅ Encourage a love for LEARNING, great athletes never stop improving.
✅ Set PERSONAL GOALS that align with team success.
2. IMPROVE THEIR TEAMMATES: LEADERSHIP & SUPPORT
A true team player lifts their teammates up, they don’t drag them down. They lead by example, COMMUNICATE effectively, and make others BETTER.
HOW TO ENCOURAGE THIS:
✅ Teach them to CELEBRATE teammates’ successes, not just their own.
✅ Encourage POSITIVE TALK, a high-five after a good play or words of encouragement after a loss.
✅ Help them see the power of SERVANT LEADERSHIP, leading by helping.
✅ EmphasiSe ACCOUNTABILITY, great teams are built on trust.
3. IMPROVE THE GAME: RESPECT & SPORTSMANSHIP
A team player mentality isn’t just about the scoreboard, it’s about RESPECT for the game, the officials, the coaches, and even the opponents.
HOW TO ENCOURAGE THIS:
✅ Teach them that WINNING with class and LOSING with dignity matters.
✅ Model GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP as a parent, cheer for effort, not just results.
✅ Remind them that their actions represent their TEAM, CLUB, and COMMUNITY.
✅ Encourage them to GIVE BACK, mentoring younger players is a great way to grow.
WHY THE TEAM PLAYER MENTALITY MATTERS BEYOND SPORTS
Being a TRIPLE IMPACT PLAYER isn’t just about excelling in sports, it’s about developing CHARACTER, LEADERSHIP, and a STRONG WORK ETHIC that will serve them for LIFE.
A child who embraces the TEAM PLAYER MENTALITY will:
✔️ Be a BETTER LEADER in school, sports, and future careers.
✔️ Build STRONGER friendships and relationships.
✔️ Handle ADVERSITY with confidence and resilience.
✔️ Stand out to COACHES, SCOUTS, and EMPLOYERS in the future.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As a parent, you play a HUGE role in shaping your child’s approach to sports. By reinforcing the TRIPLE IMPACT PLAYER mentality, you’re not just setting them up for athletic success, you’re setting them up for LIFE SUCCESS. But as with all aspects, kids often learn from what we model, rather than just what we say. So try not to be a “Do as I say, not as I do” kind of parent!
Want to take their development to the next level? Encourage them to EMBRACE the TEAM PLAYER MENTALITY and watch them grow into an athlete who MAKES A DIFFERENCE, on and off the field.
Because at the end of the day, the best players don’t just play for themselves. THEY PLAY FOR THE TEAM. And coaches aren’t stupid, they know which players are team players and which players are in it for themselves!
