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After · Debrief

After a Loss

A loss is one data point — not a verdict on you. Run a quick debrief so it makes you sharper instead of just replaying in your head.

Best done once the rawest few minutes have passed — not mid-meltdown. If you’re still too heated, come back in an hour.

1

Land it

How’s it sitting right now? Tap one — then we move forward.

2

Run the whole tape

Before any lessons: name something you or the team actually did well. Be specific — a real moment, not “we tried hard.”

3

What was actually yours?

Sort each one. Some of a loss is on you to train; some of it isn’t yours to carry.

4

The next rep

Turn what’s yours into one change — then the very next thing you’ll do about it.

Keep it a process you control — an action, not a result.

5

Your debrief

After a Loss · Debrief
Did well
name it in step 2
On me
sort step 3
Let go
sort step 3
Adjust
add it in step 4
Next rep
add it in step 4
One check before you go: read it back. If a teammate played that exact game, would you talk to them the way you’re talking to yourself? Be at least that fair to you.
This is a debrief tool, not therapy — it helps a tough loss make you better instead of just hurting. But if a loss is hitting harder than a loss should, or the low won’t lift after a few days, that’s worth saying out loud to someone you trust — a parent, coach, or counselor. The Athlete Support page is there too.
Hope Ave Therapy · Sport & Performance