Handling setbacks in injuries losses and rejection
1. Injuries
“When a non-league player picks up a serious injury, what are the first steps you recommend to help with the recovery process?”
When something upsetting like an injury occurs you are likely to react in one of three ways emotionally.
You either will not be noticeably affected. You will feel lower for a while and then bounce back.
Or you will feel lower for a while and end up more emotionally resilient than you were to begin with.
All three reactions are normal The very first thing you must do when injury occurs is to acknowledge the uncomfortable feelings emotionally, These include: disappointment, anger, grief, guilt, shame sadness frustration and numbness sense of injustice.
Acknowledging the feelings is a start to recovery, but then you need to express those feelings (because expression reduces depression). You need to talk about it with someone or write it down. You want to stay involved with the game, watch matches, get involved in the locker room if you can support your teammates, because being isolated doesn’t help.
Keep your mindset on your recovery, focus on what the doctor of the physio has recommended. Keep looking to getting back on the pitch. Physical activity that can help you stay fit without delaying recovery is useful too.
2. Returning After Time Out
“Many players struggle with confidence when returning from injury. What strategies help rebuild belief and manage the fear of re-injury?”
So spend some time every day imagining that you are confidently moving round the pitch with your team. We all have an inner voice. If your inner voice is critical or doubtful, or nervous, then you need to override it with positive self talk.
Change “what if I get injured again?” to “ I’m prepared, I’m recovered and I’m ready”. Important one here: be realistic, remember that you are not going to be at peak performance in your first time back on the pitch. Gradual progress is the focus.
3. Rejection & Selection Decisions
“Rejection, whether being benched or dropped from the squad after injury can be deeply personal. What’s the healthiest way for a player to process it without losing motivation?”
It’s really normal to feel jealousy. Just accept it.
Accept any uncomfortable feelings, you have top keep reminding yourself that not being selected doesn’t impact your identity. It’s not who you are , it’s the process.
Instead of allowing your inner voice to tell you you’re not good enough, remind yourself that you are in recovery mode and this is one of the steps. Being benched or left out doesn’t mean you’re not good enough, it usually means the coach needs something different for that game.
You can also keep telling yourself that your opportunity will come and you will be ready for it when it does.
Keep connected and properly involved with the team and focus on what you can control, keep your drills going and build your strength up and feeling ok.
Seek support from friends, players and coaches.
Penstock Training specialises in building mental resilience and performance for athletes, teams, and organisations. Through practical psychology, coaching, and tailored training and workshops, Penstock helps people handle pressure, develop healthier mindsets, and perform at their best on and off the pitch.
Find out more at www.penstocktraining.com