Chasing perfect kills confidence. You hesitate. You tighten up. You stop trusting yourself.

Mistakes are part of greatness. The best fail. Then they get better.

Effort beats flawless. A gritty, focused rep is more powerful than a perfect one that never happens.

“You don’t have to be perfect — just present and prepared.”

Megan Rapinoe: “You were never meant to be perfect. You were meant to be brave.”

Celebrate growth, not just wins. Ask, “What did you try today that stretched you?”

Don’t over-correct every detail. Let them struggle. Let them figure it out.

Remind them who they are beyond performance. "You’re more than the game. Always."

“Your athlete’s identity should feel safe, even on their worst day.”

Carol Dweck: “Becoming is better than being.”

Give permission to fail. Say it out loud: “This is a space to try and miss.”

Highlight progress stories. Make room for the kid who’s improving, not just the one who’s dominating.

Correct with care. Use tone and timing that encourages ownership, not shame.

“Perfection doesn’t build winners. Pressure-resilient reps do.”

John Wooden: “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen — not perfect things.”