When an athlete keeps repeating the same mistakes, the coach should see the "red flag" of someone whose mental game is deficient. Going back to the drawing board will not stop that flag from being waved. Xs and Os are part of the analytical aspect of preparation. The human aspect must not be neglected. The teacher-coach may know his subject but he'd better know his student-athlete. Asking probing, encouraging, motivating, clarifying, reiterating, reinforcing, disciplining: the coach helps enhance the athlete's mental game through the use of these approached and responses.
From
"Coaching The Mental Game" by
H. A. Dorfman
