Trust the Process in Youth Sports

What does “Trust the Process” mean? Everything in life is a process, from getting up in the morning, brushing your teeth, changing clothes and eating breakfast. This example is obviously in its most simplest form. Coaches talk about trusting the process but what do they mean. 

Growing and developing in a sport is a process. Being on a team is a process. You may have heard your coach say “Trust the Process”. Often parents get upset if their child didn’t have a good game or their team lost a couple games in a row. As in life, there is no time for panic. Coaches will make adjustments to focus on what is in the best interest of the team. 

As a coach, we see this all of the time. Players struggle one day only to crush it the next. Sometimes parents get excited about the one day that didn’t go well, I just want to say, “Trust the process.” 

What does “Trust the Process” mean for a team?

In a Sports Illustrated article, ”Trust the Process” is tied to the Philadelpia 76ers. They had a losing season. They took a step back to figure out what they needed to do to turn the team around. There is no magic potion and you have to trust the process and be in for the long term to see change happen. Like a professional sports team, you have to trust the process for your youth sports team too. Know that your coach is always looking for ways to improve the culture of the team and the skill level. They want to win and are looking at what combination of players will help them achieve success. 

What does it mean as a player?

When you trust the process, you’ll get where you intend to go without panic or pressuring yourself. Coaches know that perfecting a skill or understanding game strategy takes longer than one practice. A good coach will tell you to trust the process because they know that you will get there. They will want you to be patient and that you keep working hard. It means that even though things may not look great today, remember that this one day is not your final destination.

What can you do as a parent to support your athlete?

When you see that your child may have had a bad game or did not start in one game, know that your coach is there to support them. Trust that one day doesn’t take away from all the other days they worked hard for that coach and contributed to the team. Just like we would tell a player, be patient. One bad game doesn’t discount the other good games and hard work your player puts in. 

As a coach, I have told parents to be supportive all around and to encourage your player to speak to their coach if they have any concerns. Basically “Trust the Process” and know that the coach can see beyond one day, one week or one tournament. A good coach has it in their best interest to first empower and develop players for their sport and for life. 

At iSport360, we help support coaches and sports organizations by helping to build a culture of empowering player development.