Drawing Mindset: Chesscampeona On The Move

 

Today, I am focusing on an area of chess that is extremely important not only for chess players but for chess coaches.

In the last couple of months, as I played numerous tournaments throughout Texas, New York, New Hampshire, and Florida, I have noticed many young chess players making a habit of drawing prematurely.

In chess, while drawing is sometimes inevitable, it can quickly turn into a bad habit and mindset when it is not a drawing position.

Young chess players may prefer to draw because they feel if they lose a game they will disappoint their coach or parents. When I was a child, on several occasions, I was not excited to leave the playing hall because of a bad performance.new I was "going to hear it." I am sure my coach might have popped a few veins several times!

Therefore, sit down with your student and have a conversation after a tough game. The most important thing for a coach to do is to remain calm. It's important to remember that usually students are already giving themselves a hard time. I can tell you it is not worth losing your temper.

Just like a parent or a teacher, the student looks for direction in his or her coach. The way you respond as a coach affects the way the student responds. It is important to understand that, as a coach, you are conditioning students to give their best.

Help your students understand they should be more concerned about not disappointing themselves rather than their coach. In a coach-student relationship, communication is extremely important.

 

 

Young chess players are afraid to lose rating points. To solve this problem we all have to take the rating system off a pedestal.

Ratings are numbers that help us evaluate our strength. Explain to your student that just like in life you are not defined by a number or a grade but by your knowledge, skills, abilities, and values.

Be concerned about perfecting your own style of chess. This does not mean that rating is not important, because it does reflect your performance. Therefore, if you play your best, the rating will come.

Overall, it is important to inspire your student to win!

Each year, before my first tournament, my coach and I watch an inspiring video.

In 2011, my coach showed me "Four Days in October," a famous video of how the Boston Red Sox won the 2004 American League Championship Series after losing three games in a row. This video inspired me so much that I continually ask myself the same question the Boston Red Sox asked themselves after a three game losing streak: "Why not us?"

Remember, your role as a coach is extremely important in your student's life. Therefore, help your student by communicating with them and inspiring them.

I hope you learn from my experiences and use them in your life.