Being coachable doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being open. When a coach gives me feedback, I don’t take it personally. I take it seriously. Feedback means they believe in you enough to help you grow. If a coach wasn’t saying anything, that would actually worry me more.
Sometimes I mess up. We all do. But when I do, I look my coach in the eye and say, “Got it.” Then I try to fix it next time. I also try not to make the same mistake twice. That’s how you earn trust. Coaches don’t expect perfection, but they do notice when you listen and make the effort to improve.
I’ve learned that being coachable is more than just nodding your head. It’s how you respond in the next play. Do you adjust? Do you hustle harder? That’s how you show you’re paying attention.
Here are my personal coachable tips:
- Always listen first, even if you think you already know
- Ask questions if you’re not clear on something
- Give full effort, even when you’re unsure
- Say thank you when you get advice or corrections
- Show up early and stay a little late when you can
Another big part is body language. Coaches notice everything. If you roll your eyes, slump your shoulders, or zone out, it says you’re not in it. I try to stay locked in and positive, even when I’m frustrated. If I mess up, I want my coach to see that I care and that I’m working on it.
There have been times when I didn’t agree with what I was being told. But I’ve learned it’s not about being right. It’s about being better. Sometimes the correction doesn’t make sense right away, but later in the game it clicks—and I realize why it mattered.
Being coachable helps you grow faster. It also helps the whole team. When one player is dialed in, it sets the tone. Coaches love players they can count on for effort, focus, and a good attitude. If I can be that player, I know I’m doing something right.
I’ve had teammates who didn’t take feedback well, and it affected the whole vibe. So I try to be someone others can rely on, someone who lifts the team instead of dragging it down.
I’m still learning every day. I don’t always get it right. But I want to be the kind of player that coaches trust. That starts with being coachable—and staying coachable no matter how far you go.
