Cliches Give Me "the Ick": How to Avoid Cliches in Coaching

Ohio State beats Notre Dame to win the College Football National Championship! As a former athlete and coach, I undoubtedly appreciate the skill, grit, and teamwork it takes to do so. 

And then comes… the post-game interview.

Most of them sound similar:

“We had each other’s backs.”

“We just wanted it more.”

“We had to get out of our comfort zone.”

“We left it all out there and gave it 110%.”

Ahhh…clichés!

I get it. There’s no putting an end to cliches.  It’s in our coaching DNA but I DO think there should be an emphasis on using them more diligently.

What’s a cliché?

Cliché is defined as an overused phrase, idea or expression to the point of losing its original meaning.

Without the use of them, coaches are forced to be more skilled instructors; ones that create practice plans, scouting reports and player development plans with greater intentionality.  “Outwork them” won’t cut it.  I assume that no one wants to be outworked.  The question lies in who can do the most proficient work?  Do your players know HOW?

How to stop filling space with cliches and avoid them in coaching:

1. Establish processes and routines to replace the sayings.  Point to the preparation, player development work and team drills to execute in real time.

2. Pause. Just… pause.  Emotional intelligence will allow you to be conscious of the desirable message and the tone.  It will increase the chances of the instructions being received.

3. Ask open-ended questions to gain insight and encourage self-discovery.  Be a teacher.  Allow the student to come to their own conclusions, at times.

Eliminating cliches improve clarity and engagement, builds trust and gives actionable steps.  Avoid cliches like the plague! ;)