What should a coach do when a student gets mad that a swing change does not work?

The most appropriate response in this scenario is to accept blame and remind the student that they agreed to the swing change. This approach demonstrates emotional intelligence and acknowledges the student's feelings, which are important in building a positive coach-student relationship. When students express frustration, it’s essential to validate their emotions and provide support rather than dismiss or ignore them.

By accepting some responsibility, the coach shows humility and openness to dialogue, which can help defuse the student's anger. Additionally, reminding the student that they had a say in the change fosters a sense of ownership over their learning process. This can encourage them to engage more constructively with the training and view challenges as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Such a response can help the student reflect on their own efforts and the rationale behind the new technique, fostering a growth mindset. Building this rapport can ultimately improve the student’s motivation and performance as they feel heard and supported in their development.