Coaches occupy an important space in promoting positive mental wellbeing. They are trusted figures and mentors. Learn more about the role coaches can play in better youth mental wellbeing.
As a coach, you’re in a unique position. You’re not just shaping students’ physical abilities; you’re creating an environment where young people feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow both on and off the field or court. In today’s world, where mental health challenges like anxiety and depression are increasingly common among high school students, your role as a coach is more significant than ever.
Mental health struggles are a rising concern, with more than one in three high school students experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, according to The Jed Foundation. As a trusted adult in your athletes’ lives, you can provide meaningful support in moments that count. You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference — simple awareness and a few intentional actions can have a powerful impact.
Your athletes spend a lot of time around you, and you’re likely to notice if something feels “off.”
“Coaches are really well-suited to be able to check in with young people on a regular basis,” Hannah Olson, the director of the Center for Leadership in Athletics at the University of Washington told EdWeek. “[They] see them every day at practice. [They can] understand what their baseline is, what they look like on an average day, and be able to know when something’s going on, for better or for worse.”
We know it can be tough to navigate challenges like social media pressures, mental health concerns, and off-the-field stressors with your athletes. One survey showed that many coaches feel underprepared — less than half feel confident addressing trauma or eating disorders, and two-thirds said they want more training. That’s why we’re here — to share tips that can help you feel more equipped to support your team including recognizing signs of stress, anxiety or depression. Here are some cues to watch for:
Behavioral Signs: Withdrawal from teammates, irritability, avoidance of practice, or a sudden lack of enthusiasm for the sport.
Physical Signs: Persistent fatigue, frequent headaches or stomach issues, changes in appetite, or sleep disruptions (sleeping too much or too little).
Emotional Signs: Increased anxiety or nervousness, mood swings, social detachment, or expressions of feeling overwhelmed.
When you observe these signs, a gentle check-in can go a long way. Try asking an open-ended question such as “what’s going on” or “how are you doing”. This simple question can help an athlete feel seen and safe to open up.
A supportive team culture doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional practices can make your athletes feel safe, valued, and connected. Here are a few practical ways to build a supportive environment:
Start your practices with a quick and casual check-in. Questions like, “What’s one thing on your mind today?” or “What are you looking forward to working on?” show you’re interested in their mental space, not just their performance.
Make it clear that everyone on the team that you encourage openness and acceptance regardless of background, identity, or performance. This fosters a sense of belonging, shows all athletes are a valued part of the group and helps create mutual support among the group.
Find ways to model and normalize self-care for yourself and your athletes by taking breaks as needed and show them that managing mental health is just as important as physical training.
Building Resilience Through a Growth Mindset
Sports can emphasize winning, but fostering a growth mindset can help athletes see challenges as opportunities for improvement. Here’s how to encourage this mindset:
Celebrate Effort Over Outcome. Recognize small wins, such as a consistent positive attitude or small skill improvements. Try implementing a “Small Win of the Week” ritual where you highlight an athlete’s effort or resilience, regardless of the scoreboard.
Reframe Mistakes as Learning Opportunities. When an athlete makes a mistake, remind them it’s a chance to learn. Ask questions like, “What did you learn from today’s practice that can help you next time?” This approach helps athletes view setbacks as valuable parts of their journey.
Introduce a Reset Ritual, a physical gesture athletes can use in the moment to overcome a mistake and re-focus on the game. Doing so can also reduce the fear of making mistakes, allowing athletes to play more freely. Establishing a reset ritual ahead of time can help make it second nature. Talk with your team about coming up with one.
It may be one they create on their own or one that already exists, like snapping fingers to “snap out of it,” shaking hands to “shake off” the mistake, swiping the forehead to “erase it,” making a small mark on the ground and brushing it away, taking a deep breath and exhaling to “release” the mistake, brushing the shoulder off after a missed play, crumpling an imaginary piece of paper and throwing it away, or using a humorous flushing gesture to “flush” the mistake away.
Meaningful conversations can make athletes feel seen, supported, and understood. Here are some conversation starters you can use before, during, or after practice to foster a supportive dialogue:
Be sure to listen to what they say. These simple check-ins remind athletes that their wellbeing is a priority to you beyond their athletic performance.
Supporting your athletes goes beyond training drills and game strategy. It’s about creating a culture where mental wellbeing is valued, where each athlete feels connected, and where challenges are embraced as steps toward growth.
Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers.
Often, simply being present, listening, and letting them know you care is the most powerful support you can offer.
And while you’re doing this, please remember it’s important that you take care of yourself too. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your own well-being so you can be the best possible coach and mentor for your athletes.
If you are a coach and looking for additional tips like these, join our Head in the Game Learning Community for free training opportunities and to connect with other coaches dedicated to supporting youth mental wellbeing.
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Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
