The Most Powerful Word in Coaching: Yet
🗣️ Quote of the Day
“The most powerful word in coaching is ‘yet.’”
— Carol S. Dweck
⚽ Coaching Insight
There’s one word that can completely shift how your players view themselves. A word that keeps hope alive after a missed shot, a tough game, or a hard-to-learn skill: Yet.
- “I can’t do this drill…” → “I can’t do this drill yet.”
- “I’ve never scored a goal…” → “I’ve never scored a goal yet.”
- “I’m not a good defender…” → “I’m not a good defender yet.”
As youth soccer coaches, our players are still figuring out who they are—on and off the field. Many of them are carrying silent doubts, comparing themselves to teammates, or wrestling with confidence.
That’s where growth mindset for youth athletes comes in. When you introduce “yet,” you teach kids that improvement is always possible. That skill isn’t static. That effort leads somewhere.
And most importantly, that failure isn’t a stop sign—it’s part of the journey.
🧠 What Is Growth Mindset (And Why Does It Matter)?
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a “growth mindset” is the belief that ability can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s the opposite of the “fixed mindset,” where players think they’re either talented or they’re not—and if they fail, they quit.
Youth athletes with a growth mindset are:
- More resilient after mistakes
- More motivated to learn
- Less likely to fear failure
- More likely to enjoy the process of getting better
Your players don’t need to be perfect. They need to believe that progress is possible. And that belief starts with the way you talk to them.
💬 Use This in Practice
Try integrating “yet” into your feedback and encouragement:
- “You’re getting closer every time. You’re not there yet, but you will be.”
- “Keep working on that first touch. It’s not perfect yet, and that’s okay.”
- “That was a brave move—might not have worked yet, but it’s the right idea.”
Even better, teach them to use it themselves. Create a “Yet Jar” on the sideline or in your team chat: anytime someone says something negative (“I’m not good at this”), another player adds “yet.”
You’ll be amazed at how quickly it shifts the tone of your team.
🔥 Today’s Challenge
Listen closely today to the way your players talk about their abilities. Then:
- Gently add “yet” to any fixed-mindset phrases you hear
- Praise effort, learning, and persistence—not just outcomes
- Remind them: nobody started out great—they got there through reps, risk, and yet
💡 Keep Leveling Up.
Youth players don’t just need drills—they need belief. Give them the tools to bounce back, to trust themselves, and to keep going—even when it’s hard.
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