How To Correct Bad Body Language In Sports

Body language is a form of nonverbal communication. Through your body language, you can portray your emotions and thoughts. How you hold yourself before, during and after your sporting event tells your spectators a great deal. You can improve bad body language by paying close attention to your gestures, facial expressions and movements. Once you know how to do so, you will portray a more positive attitude and greater sportsmanship.

Body Language

Your body language conveys what you are thinking and how you are feeling. Body language is comprised of your facial expressions, gestures, eye movements, breathing patterns and posture. Certain body language messages are made consciously depending on how you feel, while others are not, so you might not even realize the message you are sending. What others feel about you, true or not, is often based on your body language.

Sports

In sports, nonverbal forms of communication tell your teammates, coach, fans and spectators how you feel about the game and how it is being played. Your coach and teammates may also use body language, such as a thumbs-up or a passing motion, to tell you what your next move should be. Bad body language might lead your fans and audience to believe you are a poor sport. Gestures or facial expressions that convey anger can cause you to appear as if you do not have any self-control. Poor posture might tell others that you lack confidence. Failure to make eye contact can cause you to look disrespectful.

Research

According to the "New York Times," positive body language is essential in sports because it holds a team together and promotes effective communication. Winning is the common goal in sports, and poor body language can convey that you are not a team player or that you have lost confidence and respect for your fellow teammates. Positive nonverbal communication can solidify a team and help build both communication and respect. A study presented in "Emotion," reports that touching forms of nonverbal communication, such as a high-five or pat on the back, build cooperation and improve performance.

Recommendations

The most important way to improve poor body language is to pay attention to your emotions. If you begin to get angry, take a deep breath to regain your sense of self-control. When you feel that a win is hopeless, hold your head high, smile and make eye contact with your fellow teammates to help build confidence. Create an environment of cooperation by giving high-fives or encouraging pats on the back. Work to keep a positive attitude and your facial expressions, gestures and body language are likely to align.