In a previous blog this space introduced the idea of a new approach to coaching. Let’s start with taking you through an exercise to identify your coaching values and develop a coaching philosophy.
Coaching is (or should be) about more than just putting out cones for drills or drawing up plays. As a coach you will have an impact on the athletes with whom you interact. Your impact might not be in the way you think it will be either. You may never know the impact you have on a player. Something you say that you do not even remember might stick with an athlete for the rest of his/her life. This video (about eight minutes in duration) is a great example of how an encounter can be meaningful for one person and completely forgotten by another.
Take a few minutes to think about a favorite or influential coach.
Jot down the traits or things the coach did to make that coach special to you.
Now think about how you want to be remembered by the players you coach. What do you think they will remember? If one of them is a coach one day, would that coach list you as a favorite or influential?
Why do you coach?
Has anyone ever asked you why you coach? Have you given it much thought? Oh, I am sure you have asked yourself that during frustrating times like when a team is playing without effort or athletes are not giving it 100%. “Why do I bother”?
