What can be a consequence of coaches establishing low expectations for athletes?

When coaches establish low expectations for athletes, it can lead to heightened feelings of inadequacy among the athletes. This phenomenon occurs because athletes may internalize these low expectations as a reflection of their own abilities. When they sense that their coach does not believe in their potential or capability to succeed, it can significantly diminish their self-esteem and confidence. This feeling of inadequacy can then manifest in various ways, such as decreased motivation, a reluctance to take risks, and a fear of failure, all of which can adversely affect their performance. By contrast, high expectations from coaches are often linked with increased motivation and improved performance, which emphasizes the negative impact of having low expectations. As a result, when coaches set the bar low, it can create a cycle of underachievement and emotional distress among athletes.