Helping Your Athlete Handle Mistakes

Mistakes are part of every hockey player's journey—missed passes, bad penalties, or goals allowed. While they may seem discouraging in the moment, these setbacks are actually powerful learning opportunities. At SDR Academy in Calgary, we teach our athletes that growth comes from challenge, and how they respond to mistakes defines their path forward.

For hockey parents, knowing how to support your child through mistakes can make a lasting impact. Here’s how to help your young hockey player build resilience, stay confident, and use mistakes as stepping stones to success.

Why Handling Mistakes Matters

In a high-intensity sport like hockey, the ability to bounce back is critical. Teaching your athlete how to manage mistakes leads to:

• Increased confidence on and off the ice

• Stronger mental toughness for hockey

• Better decision-making during games

• Long-term athlete development and growth

Every great hockey player—from youth leagues to pros—has made game-changing errors. The difference lies in how they recover.

1. Normalize Mistakes in Hockey

Let your athlete know that mistakes are normal at every level. Whether it’s a missed shot or a misread play, even NHL stars make errors.

🔁 Try this: “Even the best players mess up. What matters is what you do next.”

By taking the pressure off perfection, you help your athlete stay focused and reduce fear of failure.

2. Encourage Accountability, Not Self-Blame

It’s important to help athletes own their mistakes—without turning them into personal criticism.

🧠 Ask this: “What could you do differently next time?”

This approach encourages growth while still showing support.

When kids take responsibility with a solutions mindset, they feel more empowered to improve.

3. Focus on Solutions, Not the Problem

Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, shift the focus to how your athlete can grow.

🛠️ Example: “You lost that puck, but it’s a great chance to work on protecting it under pressure.”

This builds game IQ, reinforces positive mindset in youth sports, and helps kids feel in control.

4. Create a Safe Space to Reflect

Give your child room to talk about their feelings after a tough game. Listening without judgement builds trust and helps your athlete process emotions.

🤝 Ask this: “What’s one thing you want to work on for next game?”

Open communication reinforces that sports performance is a journey—not a judgment.

5. Lead by Example

Your athlete is always watching how you handle pressure and disappointment. Staying calm, supportive, and optimistic will help them do the same.

🙌 Try this after a tough game: “I’m proud of your effort. You kept going and that matters most.”

Your encouragement teaches resilience and confidence more than any critique ever could.

Example

During a U15 game, one of our SDR athletes turned over the puck, leading to a goal. Instead of getting frustrated, her coach praised her effort and helped her analyze the situation afterward. At the next practice, she worked specifically on puck protection drills and came back stronger. Now, she’s one of the most composed players on her team—proof that mistakes fuel growth.

Actionable Step for This Week

After your athlete’s next game or practice, sit down for a quick debrief. Ask:

• What went well today?

• What challenged you?

• What’s one thing you want to improve?

By making reflection a regular habit, your child learns how to self-assess, stay motivated, and grow their skills with purpose.

Helping Hockey Players Thrive

At SDR Academy in Calgary, we don’t just build skills—we build mindsets. Our programs focus on youth hockey development, mental toughness, and coaching that empowers players to take ownership of their journey. Helping your athlete handle mistakes is one of the most powerful tools in their development—on and off the ice.

Need support with your athlete’s growth? Explore our programs at SDR Academy, where every shift is a chance to grow.