Do You Have What It Takes To Coach a Team?
Coaching a sports team, no matter the age group, can be tough. It requires time, effort, and more research than any number of jobs. But it’s often more rewarding.
Becoming a sports coach often means becoming a life coach, a counselor, and a mentor.
It means becoming a commander, studying your enemy relentlessly to give your team an edge in battle.
The question is: do you have what it takes to be a coach?
Great coaches remember their players are people
A great coach, especially a youth sports coach, understands that their players are more than a cog in the wheel. They are both players and people. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses, both in terms of their sports performance and personal lives. You are their mentor, at times counselor, and they value your opinion. They are more than their custom sports uniform, more than the logo on their chests and the numbers on their backs. And a great coach remembers this.
Great coaches keep perspective
Sports, while important and awesome learning tools, aren’t everything. A great coach understands that the life lessons that can be learned while playing far outweigh the number of wins or losses. Eventually, your players will move on and grow outside your scope of influence, thus understanding that your time is both limited and precious is what separates good coaches from great ones.
Great coaches are consistent
Parents are watching. Players are watching. Opposing coaches are watching. The life of a coach is one under constant scrutiny. Consistency is key to building trust with your team and make no qualms about it, your team includes players, coaches, parents, spouses, and even grandparents. Do what you say – your actions speak louder than your words.
Great coaches communicate
Great coaches don’t confuse communication with being loud. Despite how polarizing he may be, you will rarely, if ever, see Bill Belicheck, head coach of the New England Patriots, screaming on the sidelines. Clear, calm communication is core to coaching. That means speaking and listening. Sometimes it’s hearing a play suggestion, other times it’s a protective parent requesting more play time for their child.
