Archives for Coaching Basics category
Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
Going into the season, set aside a one to two hour block to meet with the players’ parents. The parents don’t need to be coddled, but they are adults who have vested interests in their son’s or daughter’s abilities, environment, and future.
A parent meeting will not only allow the coach to flesh out coaching ideas and plans for the season, it will give the parents a forum to voice their questions and, of course, suggestions. A meeting will give the parents the opportunity to share what is on their minds, thus limiting more regular “talks” with the coach during the season. Give them their chance at the meeting, then you can concentrate on what you want to do: teach the players and develop the team.
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Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
Most teams take the summer off from regular practices and matches. To prevent burnout, this is a good idea. Yet to walk off the field after the last game of the Spring season and say “See you in September” to your players leaves too much space.
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Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
As a coach, you take on a number of duties. You are role model, you are a motivator, you are an administrator, and most importantly you are a teacher.
There are two sides of teaching. On the one side there is the element of showing a player how, where, and, hopefully, why to do certain things. This requires knowledge of the sport and preparation to educate the players. Another side of teaching is guiding the players in such a manner that they will learn the various elements of the sport on their own. A teaching environment that rewards curiosity, creativity, self-confidence, and the ability to adapt will help finesse self-teaching.
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Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
Without a doubt, all coaches want to win every contest in which they are involved. However, deciding not to focus on the outcome often leads to greater rewards of improved play, happier athletes and, ultimately, success. Concentrating on the process of performance, rather than the outcome, allows players to control their ability to succeed. Control leads to confidence, and confidence leads to better performance.
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Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
How many times do you begin a season unable to recall certain plays, exercises, or practice you have used to teach a certain technique or philosophy? While the fall season is still fresh in your memory, write down:
1. Your best plays
2. Ideas for next year’s offense and defense.
3. Exercises you developed to teach your system
4. Areas of individual improvement to share with your players.
5. Ideas you picked up from other coaches and teams.
These ideas will pay big dividends next season!
Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
Giving handouts on occasion to the players and parents is a good idea to remind the group of important themes and re-invigorate the group to critical messages. Each group is tied together under one flag, behind one purpose - develop the players in a supportive, positive, disciplined, and challenging environment.
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Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
With extensive experience in sports marketing, I often see many connections between the business side of the game and the coaching side of the game. Think about the following business-model questions and how they apply to your role in teaching your players and elevating the game.
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Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
Listed below are a few off season projects to consider to enhance your program:
1. Paint and remodel the locker room.
2. Add new logos and artwork to the locker room.
3. Develop new promotional ideas for use during games.
4. Remodel and refurnish the coaches’ offices.
5. Purchase new video and editing equipment for team use.
6. Develop an award system or merit system to recognize team play and/or individual achievement during the upcoming season.
Posted on Nov 20, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
‘Tis the season, so why not throw in some coaching resolutions. We can always improve to more fully understand the game and more effectively teach our players. They deserve our dedication to elevate our abilities, just as we ask of them.
Think back on the past season and jot down:
- Three elements you planned for the season that did not fully develop.
- Three moments in training sessions when exercises were not smooth.
- Three occurrences in games that confused you.
- Three times that when you were talking to a player, you were not quite sure how or what to tell him/her.
- Three times when you should have spoken to a player about an issue and you decided to not say anything.
- Three situations with either referees or parents that you could have done better on.
- Three times you were either late or unprepared for a training session.
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Posted on Nov 19, 2007 under Coaching Basics |
Coaching should be approached from many important angles such as:
- What age are the players?
- What skill level are the players, as a group and as compared to their competition?
- How much of a commitment do the players (and families) involved make in terms of time, money, and travel?
- What level is the team (recreation, traveling, etc.) and at what level does the team wish to be?
In this issue, we will discuss the age factor and point out some useful themes for coaches to keep in mind for their own team and for future teams. A coach’s training environment, teaching techniques, and expectations from the players need to be age-specific.
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