Assertiveness for Teen Players
Being able to be assertive is like having a superpower in the world of teen hockey, both on the ice and in the often-difficult game of life. To be assertive is more than a catchphrase. Mastering this quality, known as “the golden puck of social skills,” will allow you to face life’s challenges and opportunities with poise, respect and self-confidence. Let’s lace up the skates and explore into the different arenas of a teenage hockey player’s life where assertiveness can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Assertiveness on and off the Ice for the Teen Hockey Player
Navigating high school can feel like a high-stakes hockey game. You need skills, strategy, and that secret ingredient: assertiveness. But what’s assertiveness exactly? It’s that balance of respecting yourself while also respecting others and the game.
Flexing Your Assertiveness Skills on the Ice
When you’re out on the ice, being assertive is about playing with confidence. It’s about not being afraid to take risks, shoot when you see an opening, and to give tips or advice to your teammates. It also includes speaking up to your coaches about how you want to get better and about your hockey dreams.
Assertiveness in the Locker Room
Inside the locker room, being assertive is about having the guts to talk openly about what’s troubling the team, suggesting smart strategies, and sharing worries with teammates. It’s crucial to talk in a way that’s both honest and kind, so everyone feels heard and appreciated.
Assertiveness and Personal Growth
Being assertive also touches your personal growth and progress. It includes setting personal goals, taking feedback to heart, and asking for help when you need it. It’s all about making the effort to be a better player and person.
Talking to Coaches and Authorities
Being assertive means sharing your thoughts and questions about game strategies, training, and your part in the team. Learning to question process not authority will allow for more meaningful interactions. It’s also about accepting feedback in a respectful way and understanding how feedback can make you better.
Assertiveness Beyond the Rink
After you unlace your skates and head back to usual life, being assertive helps with schoolwork, handling peer pressure, and being cool in your personal relationships. It helps you make the choices that are best for you, set boundaries, and communicate better with friends, family, and teachers.
Just remember, being assertive is a balancing act – it’s not about being pushy or bossy. It’s about being firm and direct, but also fair. And trust us, it’s a skill that’s great to have not just for hockey, but for life too. Mastering it will help you respect others and yourself, on and off the ice.
