Don’t allow your emotions to get in the way. I had a big tournament for my girls U10 team where we won the championship. It was great for the girls. They learned a lot. It was emotional for sure. The games were tight, highly contested games.
Seasoned coaches know not to wear their emotions on their sleeves. They don’t yell or get overly animated when times get tough. These types of coaches have such emotional self-control that even their body language does not give them away. I have learned this over my 25 years of coaching.
I have learned that when you allow your emotions to get in the way, players (and even parents) notice it and it will spill over to them. Now they are losing control. This is not good for your players. I had to maintain my composure and still manage these games.
It is not not easy. I remember to take a step back and remember who I am coaching: 9 year-old girls. Remind yourself of your “why” when you are in a difficult situation where the outcome is uncertain.