People, Participation, Progression, Performance in Hockey
COACHABLE – “Capable of being easily taught and trained to do something better.” Below is a list of 9 Key Characteristics of a Coachable Athlete.
 | 1: Highly Accountable |
| First, coachable athletes are highly accountable to their team and themselves. They take responsibility. They may lead and hold others accountable, too, but they first lead by example and hold themselves accountable. | |
 | 2: Listening Skills |
| How does the coach know you are 'hearing what they say? How do you validate being coached? Communication is always a two-way street. Coachable athletes are focused on the coach when they are speaking. They are not distracted. They are not in side conversations. They show their focus through eye contact and nodding. This is how good communication works. Part of listening is also asking for validation of what we just said. A good, coachable player can restate what was coached to them to ensure both are on the same page. | |
 | 3: Good Body Language |
| Do you slouch? Do you avoid eye contact? Do you roll your eyes? Do you exude positive or negative energy? Are you attentive? Do you affirm the feedback from your coach? Are you alert? Most of how we communicate is really through our body language. Since being coachable is also about communication, athletes must be aware of their body language and its impact on their learning and the team. | |
 | 4: Approach to Failure |
| Coachable players view failure as a growth opportunity. They never consider it as a result. For this reason, they are always looking to grow, improve, and get better. This allows them to have a mindset of continuous improvement. John Maxell said it best. "The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure." | |
 | 5: Seeks Feedback from the Coach |
| Do you love to learn? Do you want to be great? The best athletes are always wanting to learn and grow. They seek out feedback. They do not wait for the coach to tell them something. They are inquisitive. They ask. They understand that they are always learning. It is a mindset of continuous improvement Coachable athletes seek feedback, | |
 | 6: No Excuses |
| Coachable athletes do not make excuses. When athletes receive feedback or criticism, they do not immediately come back with a reason or excuse. They listen. They affirm the feedback, they learn, and they move on. | |
 | 7: Leave the Ego at the Door |
| Be humble enough to learn. No one is irreplaceable. No one is too big for the team. Be willing to accept constructive feedback. The ego focuses on the past. Coachable athletes focus on the present. They focus on learning and personal growth. | |
 | 8: Accepts Constructive Criticism |
| Accepting criticism is different from believing criticism. Constructive criticism is about growth. Some of what you hear may not be accurate, but some will Be willing to filter out what is given to you and take the pieces that will provide growth and meaning. When athletes cannot accept any criticism, they get in trouble. These players are not coachable. | |
 | 9: Executes what the Coach Asks |
| No matter what they might think about the game plan or the coach's decision, a coachable athlete will do what the coach asks. Coachable athletes know that a team is made up of many people who all have a role. The coach has a role too. Coachable athletes respect the coach's role, and follow through, and execute the coach's decisions. |
