Simple mental reset tools to help athletes move on and play strong.
Mistakes are inevitable in sports — especially in fast-paced games like volleyball, where one misstep can turn the momentum. But the best athletes aren’t perfect. They’re resilient. What separates elite performers from the rest is their ability to reset quickly and get back into the play with confidence and clarity.
This skill, often overlooked in youth training, is both teachable and transformational. A strong reset routine doesn’t just improve performance — it builds long-term mental toughness.
Why Reset Skills Matter
Mistakes trigger stress. Whether it’s a missed serve, a shanked pass, or an error in rotation, the athlete’s body often responds with a spike in adrenaline, tight muscles, and mental noise.
Without a reset tool, young athletes spiral:
– Their focus shifts from the next play to the last mistake
– Confidence dips, body language suffers
– Performance drops further
Teaching reset skills interrupts that spiral and gives athletes a way to move forward instantly — not after the game, not after the set — *right now*.
What Elite Athletes Do Differently
Watch any high-level match and you’ll see the best players use subtle reset rituals. After a mistake, they might:
– Tug on their jersey
– Tap their shoe or thigh
– Say a trigger word like “next” or “flush it”
– Take a focused breath through the nose
These aren’t superstitions. They’re practiced, purposeful actions that signal the brain: reset, refocus, release.
Three Reset Tools to Teach Youth Athletes
1. Physical Reset Cue
A small movement or gesture to anchor the athlete in the present. Examples:
– Jersey tug
– Stomp or foot tap
– Wipe hands on shorts
2. Verbal Reset Cue
A short word or phrase to interrupt negative self-talk. Examples:
– “Next point”
– “Let it go”
– “I’m good”
3. Breath Reset
A quick breath technique to calm the nervous system:
– One slow inhale through the nose (3–4 seconds)
– One long exhale through the mouth (5–6 seconds)
– Return to ready position
What Coaches (and Parents) Should Say
Coaches can reinforce healthy recovery with clear, supportive language. Instead of pointing out the mistake again, try:
– “Reset.”
– “Next ball.”
– “Focus on what’s in front of you.”
Avoid sarcasm, shame, or frustration — especially in front of teammates. Reset culture starts with leadership.
Conclusion
Mistake resets don’t eliminate pressure — they teach athletes how to function through it. The earlier we give youth athletes the tools to bounce back in real time, the faster they build composure, confidence, and consistency.
Mistakes don’t define a game — but what an athlete does after the mistake often does. Train the bounce-back. It’s one of the most important skills in sport.
Coach Luc Tremblay is the Founder and Head Coach of Volleyball Winnipeg & Volleyball Calgary.
Luc has been coaching for over 30 years across all age levels and abilities. He leads the VISION coach development program and designed many of the training methods used in our programs. click here.