Getting a player out?

Like many of you I play in several leagues in Southern Ontario. Also probably like you I’ve noticed several talented players and put them in contact with the appropriate touring coaches so that they are placed on touring teams. All have met with general approval and have become good or great players in the region.

Of course, one runs into various personalities and problems as one mentors these players.  Many problems are easy to solve and simple require training.  Some problems though I lack experience with.  I have one particular player that’s developing quite well and I expect will be a National level player in the next couple of years.  His throws are excellent, he’s confident with his cuts, a great handler in the making, and a dominating striker right now.  Unfortunately he makes a few errors once in a while.  His error rate is far less than more established players but he takes each mistake badly.  He gets into his own head.

How does one help and coach a player that is so hard on them self that they bench themselves?  I can urge him back into the game and he’ll play but he’ll be stewing and I can see that he’s taken the edge off of his game.  Some players I know play better when angry but most play worse.  It’s not a matter of him being angry at anybody but himself.  Angry and disappointed.

What does one do?

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