Feel it, don’t fake it. It’s okay to hurt — acknowledge it, then move forward.

Review, don’t replay. Watch the game to learn, not to relive. Find one thing to improve.

Reset quickly. Set a 24-hour rule: reflect, adjust, then shift focus to the next challenge.

Serena Williams: “I don’t like to lose — at anything — yet I’ve grown most from setbacks.”

“A loss is only wasted if you walk away without learning.”

Validate feelings. “It’s okay to be upset — that means you care.”

Shift focus to growth. Ask: “What did you learn about yourself today?”

Keep the big picture alive. Remind them: one game doesn’t define a season, let alone a person.

“Adversity introduces a person to themselves.” — Albert Einstein

“Your child’s response to losing shapes their future more than the loss itself.”

Normalize setbacks. Teach athletes that failure is part of the process, not proof of weakness.

Highlight effort. Praise the fight, the hustle, and the controllables — even in defeat.

Create the rebound plan. Give athletes a clear, simple next step so they regain direction.

Mike Krzyzewski: “A basketball team is like the five fingers on your hand. If you can get them all together, you have a fist. That’s how I want you to play.”

“Losses don’t break teams — the lack of response does.”