Encouragement Without Standards Is Just Noise
By Coach Deon, The Woodlands’ Most Dedicated Coach
Every season, I coach players who tell me they “just need more encouragement.” And I get it — we all like to hear “good job” or “keep going” when things aren’t going our way. But here’s the truth nobody wants to say out loud:
If you always need encouragement, you’re not ready for competition.
Because competition doesn’t care about your feelings. Competition rewards preparation, focus, consistency — not constant validation.
There’s a growing culture in youth sports that tells players everything is okay, no matter the effort, execution, or outcome. And the moment you say anything corrective? You’re “too hard” or “not supportive.” But let me be clear:
Encouragement without standards is just noise.
If there’s no expectation behind the praise, it’s empty. And worse — it’s dangerous. It teaches players to seek approval rather than improvement. That’s not development. That’s comfort. And I don’t coach for comfort — I coach for growth.
The Standard Can’t Drop
Here’s another truth I say often:
“If every mistake is met with ‘that’s okay,’ don’t be surprised when the standard gets lower and the mistakes keep coming.”
Now don’t get me wrong — mistakes are part of the process. But what we allow, we encourage. If you’re a player who hears “it’s okay” after every turnover, every missed box out, every lazy closeout… what reason do you have to fix it?
That’s not coaching. That’s babysitting.
And I didn’t show up at the gym to babysit.
Accountability Is What Makes You Compete
The players who grow in this game — who really become something — are the ones who welcome accountability. They don’t need to be told “good job” to stay locked in. They need to know what needs to get better — and how to do it.
When a coach corrects you, they’re investing in you. When we hold you to a higher standard, it means we believe you can reach it. Encouragement has its place — but not at the cost of truth.
Final Word to My Players
If you play for me, understand this:
I’ll always support you.
I’ll always push you.
But I won’t lie to you.
And I won’t let you settle.
Because the standard stays high — and the goal is development, not comfort.
Let’s get better. Let’s stay accountable.
— Coach Deon