When it comes to evaluating what is a good or bad coach, we hear all type of different criteria. People will often refer to coaches as being, great teachers, solid tacticians, a players' coach, a great communicator, old school coach (a task master) and many other generic terms.
People will make reference to how the coaches of the past can't coach today's athletes in the same manner because of how the modern athlete is more demanding, questions authority, has a stronger sense of entitlement and generally won't respond to being told how to do things, without understanding the why. We often hear about how long time coaches have been able to succeed by adapting their coaching style to the modern day athlete. The reality is that coaching is always about adapting. You need to adapt to the age group, competitive level, gender along with quite a few other aspects. Whether in relation to my own coaching or when I am in a position to pass along tips to younger coaches, I have always maintained that it is important to stay true to who you are as a person, in terms of how you are as a coach. While the way you communicate your message might change, the core values that drive your decision making and interaction with athletes should remain consistent. In my opinion, the most impact-full level for any coach is at the youth age groups. This is whether any coach can really reach the athletes in ways that goes beyond teaching them the sport in which they are involved. It is about setting the foundation on which these athletes learn about how to interact with future coaches and hopefully reach their athletic potential while still developing into well rounded individuals. If youth athletes have a negative experience in relation to their coaches, it will often lead them to leave the sport or develop negative behaviors or attitudes as they grow into teenagers and young adults. Regardless of which sport, which age, which competitive level and ultimately which coach style you adopt, there are some traits that are or should be consistent to all coaches.... but even more so to those working with youth level athletes. Of course my coaching path gives me insight into coaching soccer but I am pretty sure my observations can apply to other sports. Coaching involves more than designing plays for free kicks or creating team formations. Coaching, especially at the youth level, involves accepting a huge responsibility as you are basically in a position of trust as parents put their kids in your care. The youth soccer coach wears many hats. Being able to communicate with players, parents, coaching staff, officials, and administrators is a critical part of the job. Communicate in a positive way that shows you have the best interest in the players' welfare. How you as a coach, present yourself when interacting with the various stakeholders will serve as an example for your athletes. In many cases the example you give, will outweigh anything you say to them. When teaching a sport such as soccer, you must remember it's just a game and you want to be sure your players have fun. Therefore, help all players be the best they can be by creating a fun and productive practice environment. Use a "games approach" to teaching and practicing the skills and tactics young players will need to learn. Introduce different ways to educate the athlete of the sport rules and make them part of your training session. For example, in soccer, offside is often the most hardest to understand and manage of the rules. Make it part of the coaching so the players can adapt to it during competitive games. If as a coach, you don't enforce and explain the rule, how will the athletes learn to play within it. Many rules can be taught in the first practice, during the course of game like activities and small-sided games. Review the rules any time an opportunity arises in practice.As a coach, regardless of your level of experience, stay on top of trends and coaching tendencies. With the influx of technology, there are many exciting new tools available. Game day direction includes figuring out a starting lineup and a substitute plan, relating to officials, opposing coaches and players in an appropriate manner, and making good tactical decisions during games. The focus is not winning at all costs but rather on teaching kids to compete well and do their best while winning within the rules. Young athlete need to have an understanding of fitness so that they can participate in their chose sport successfully and safely. Children don't think much about fitness, but they should be introduced to its value and the need to become and stay fit on their own. Don't make them do push-ups or run laps for punishment. Getting fit for soccer should be fun. By making it fun to play the game they'll develop good fitness habits for their lifetime. At the end of the day, if an individual is unable to deal with the physical requirements of their sports, all the technical and tactical coaching will be for not. Sports all come with a certain level if risk in terms of potential injury, but as a person coaching youth sport you're responsible for regularly inspecting the practice, game fields, and equipment to ensure they're in working order. Let players and parents know that they'll learn the safest techniques and that you'll have an emergency action plan to follow should an injury occur. Creating a safe environment should also include the aspect of allowing the athletes to be themselves, free from intimidation, bullying, undue stress or worry in a rewarding and positive setting. You have accepted to role of coach, a role or leadership and as such, you are the individual responsible for the well being all your athletes. Character development includes learning, caring, being honest and respectful, and taking responsibility. Teach these values to players by demonstrating good behaviors yourself. Help them understand that they should try to win the battle on every play even though they might not be recognized for their efforts. Every player is an individual. Provide a wholesome environment so that each one has the chance to learn how to play the game without fear and while having fun. As coach, you can only worry about the things within your control. Unfortunately often times, you will be evaluated on your results and not your efforts and many of the factors affecting an outcome are beyond your reach. Stay true to yourself, be passionate about your role, make it about the athletes and not yourself. Lead by example, be consistent in your message and expectations and always that remember that sports are fundamentally, just a a game and games, by definition are supposed to be fun. The day, as a coach, the tasks and responsibilities become a burden, it is time to leave the role.
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AuthorAfter many years of coaching at various levels and with different teams, I thought I would share some of my experiences and thoughts about coaching. Archives
January 2023
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