Reframing: Helping Athletes Turn Setbacks into Growth

For many athletes, one missed pass or lost game can feel like the end of the world—especially in middle and high school, when confidence can rise and fall with each play. But what if we helped them see these moments differently?

Reframing is the practice of looking at a situation from a new perspective. It’s not about sugar-coating failure—it’s about helping athletes recognize that mistakes are part of the learning process, not a reflection of their worth. Instead of thinking, “I blew it,” we want them to ask, “What did I learn?”

At home, this starts with the language we use. After a tough game, you might say, “I know that didn’t feel great—what’s one thing you did well and one thing you want to work on?” This kind of reflection encourages growth, resilience, and self-awareness—skills that extend well beyond the field.

You can also normalize struggle by sharing your own reframing moments: “I messed up a presentation once too, and it taught me how to prepare differently next time.” Middle and high schoolers benefit from knowing that growth doesn’t mean being perfect—it means sticking with it, learning, and trying again.

At Beyond Sticks, we model reframing in our sessions through Mistake Rituals and debriefs. Whether it’s a missed reception or a tough loss, we help athletes pause, regroup, and move forward with confidence.

With consistent practice, reframing becomes second nature—and athletes begin to see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow.

This summer, we’ll be diving deeper into mindset and reframing through field hockey—and how these tools can shape not just our play, but our academic and social lives too. Join us at camp to keep the growth going.