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Who Cares if the Coach Knows Everything About the Sport?

SportsEsteem — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:28:17 -0600

Although a coach can have a tremendous amount of knowledge about his sport, the two most important considerations for a coach are:

Can he teach what he knows?
Can he motivate his players to do what he teaches?

According to the Wikipedia, "a teacher is a person who teaches; a person who guides, instructs, trains or helps another in the process of learning knowledge, understanding, behaviour or skills, including thinking skills."

Although a coach may have tremendous skills from playing sports, their ultimate success will come more from their teaching skills. Coaches who want to be successful must complement their playing skills with the necessary teaching skills. Otherwise, a coach who knows everything about his sport will often find himself losing to coaches who know far less if he cannot teach what he knows.

Implementing Sports Esteem in Your Program

SportsEsteem — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 10:58:58 -0600

Below is a response we received from the Dalton Georgia Parks and Recreation Department who recently used the Sports Esteem information in their parent orientation program. Please feel free to use the content on this site in your own parent program and please let us know the results.

The parent orientation classes using the Sports Esteem materials have gone very well. This is a first for the parents in Dalton. Over 500 parents registered on-line and around 400 have gone through the class. Many parents have commented that we need to make the class mandatory for every parent at Dalton Parks and Recreation Department.

Thanks for all your information,

Mike Miller
Athletic Director
Dalton Parks & Recreation Department
Dalton, Georgia
http://www.dprdsports.com

Motivating by Fear

SportsEsteem — Tue, 23 May 2006 09:25:35 -0500

Player motivation can come from a variety of sources and in both positive and negative ways. The best professional athletes are always driven by their own internal love of sport and athletic competition. When they become motivated by fear or reward they often go into "slumps".

When this lesson is applied to young athletes, parents can accomplish more by helping their kids discover their own love of the sport and thrill of competition rather than by offering monetary incentives or yelling instructions.

Don’t You Wish Your Coach Had Written This?

SportsEsteem — Fri, 19 May 2006 09:27:12 -0500

If only every coach could write this at the end of a youth sports season...

"It never gets old. Not just winning, but working with this group of young men. My experience is augmented by the level of parental participation and excitement. We are truly blessed to be able to be a part of such a great group of boys and parents.

Congratulations to all! Special thanks to Tom and Sam for handling the base coaching (the most integral part of the game) and for Bill for his part-time base coaching (but more for his purchase of actual bases for use at practice!).

I am most proud that all of the boys contributed to each winning effort. It seemed that if ever one part of a player's game was down, he would turn around and perform in other aspects of the game. Just good, balanced effort throughout the entire season.

And what about Cash's two incredible backhanded catches (one in left field and one at third base) in addition to his "controversial" home run in the final game!!!! Lucas's grimacing face as he stared down runners on third. Landon as he snagged throws to get runners out on first. William and his lead-off hitting and snazzy base running. Wills' glove and pitching efforts. Will's final eight innings of shut-out pitching. Patrick's always steady at bats and hustle. Jude's heads-up play and wipe-out slides at home plate. Pearce's numerous throw-outs from right field to first base. Bo's good eye at the plate. Alex's courage to hang in there (especially on Saturday when he wasn't feeling his best!). Dash's willingness to play any position. Jake's goalie-like blocks behind the plate. Jacob's consistent efforts (until he leaves early every year to hone his professional, deep-water fishing skills!) And, oh yes, Joseph's desire to make his "old man" proud (and success at doing so!).

Have I told you all how proud I am of Joseph not only for putting up with me but for playing in the first instance? He wasn't sure he wanted to play this year and I left it up to him. I thank him for playing . . . which allowed me the opportunity to coach . . . which provided me with much happiness and joy. I know you all are equally proud of your boys . . .and that is what I love about this group.

We will miss Dash but I have to believe we sent him off in fine fashion. Thank you all for the coach's gift. While appreciated, it was not necessary. I received the best gift on Saturday by seeing the smiles on those boys' faces after winning the tournament.

And remember . . . "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." -- John Wooden

Enjoy your summer."

Thanks to Shelby Bush for allow us to republish his wonderful end-of-the-season email.

Coach’s Code of Conduct

SportsEsteem — Thu, 05 Aug 2004 13:14:49 -0500

As a coach, I will conduct myself at all times in a way that demonstrates my commitment to the following:

Coaches must create a positive and fun environment for their players.
Coaches must provide open communication with parents and enlist their help and support with the team.
Coaches must be educators, placing the development of player skills and knowledge ahead of winning games. They must encourage team play over individual efforts.
Coaches must set goals and objectives for their team that foster mastery in their players.
Coaches must help players develop their own internal motivation and critical self-observation skills.
Coaches must be positive role models for players. They must show emotional maturity by controlling their anger and never using obscene language or gestures.
Coaches must treat everyone fairly and with respect. They should set the highest standard for others to follow.
Coaches must be organized and prepared so that limited practice time and game time are put to best use.
Coaches must always put player safety and health first by dealing aggressively with unsafe situations or player conduct. They should encourage their players with appropriate safety and health leadership in all areas of their lives.
Coaches must continue to work to develop their skills as a coach.
Coaches must honor the game and help players and parents to appreciate the sport and the life lessons that can be gained from the sport.

I have read and understand the above Code of Conduct and agree to follow its guidelines at all league activities. I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, I may be asked to leave the league activity (such as a game or practice) or give up my coaching position.

Signed:

____________________________________________________

Coach Signature

____________________________________________________

Coach Name (Printed)

____________________________________________________

Team

___________________________

Date

Ancient Chinese Advice for Coaches

SportsEsteem — Thu, 25 Sep 2003 11:43:18 -0500

"To know your enemy, you must become your enemy... Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
Sun Tzu

Unfortunately for some youth coaches, this saying might have more application to team parents than to the weekend's opponent. However, if parents are becoming a problem, this ancient Chinese battle strategy does provide solid advice for coaches seeking a remedy.

Coaches and parents do not have the same goals. Where parents focus on one child, coaches focus on the entire team. Most times, these differing viewpoints yield the same result and parents and coaches see little conflict. Occasionally though, these differing focuses cause two distinct interpretations of events. This is where Sun Tzu's advice comes into play.

For coaches to work with parents, they need to bring them close and to communicate. Coaches not only educate players, they also educate parents. Part of a youth coach's job is to help parents understand ways they can help their child and to help them understand things from a team perspective. Good communication between coaches and parents goes a long away to keep things in perspective and under control. Good communication won't make the viewpoints the same, but will make for a better understanding.

Let Me Introduce Myself

SportsEsteem — Mon, 08 Sep 2003 11:36:35 -0500

Most opposing youth coaches have the same goals (with one exception) and problems. Unfortunately, they seldom have much time to help each other. Even if they did, many opposing coaches do not know each other well enough to admit a problem and solicit advice. So, the one group of people who can most help a coach are often the ones least frequently called.

One way for coaches to build these relationships is to introduce themselves to each other before a game and exchange business cards with contact information. This simple exchange of information lets coaches ask questions long after a game and learn how certain things demonstrated by a team were developed by the coach. It lets coaches communicate at their convenience away from the rush of after game distractions. While there may be certain coaches who view these tips as providing a proprietary advantage, the better ones will be glad to see some of their hard-learned techniques passed along.

In most leagues, introductions before a game are not a common practice. When first practiced, some coaches may find the opposing coach surprised. However, over time and as the benefits of improved communication become evident, it is a practice that can improve the game for everyone.

General Motors / Hockey Canada Publications

SportsEsteem — Sun, 07 Sep 2003 18:39:09 -0500

Hockey Canada and General Motors cooperated on the production of two documents to help parents and coaches get the most from youth sports. They are great reads and feature an intro from Bobby Orr...

"Hockey has always been about much more than simply winning or losing. As a young player, my parents never pressured me to play, but rather encouraged me to participate so that I might learn lessons about hard work, dedication and leadership. Of course, first and foremost, the game was always fun, and that is what all children should be able to experience from the moment they first lace up their skates to play a game of hockey."

Getting Back to Basics

SportsEsteem — Fri, 05 Sep 2003 11:37:31 -0500

"We have to go back to the basics with these guys."

Nate McMillan, Seattle Sonics Head Coach

"Herb (Brooks) called a timeout to settle us down and let us collect and get ourselves back to basics."

Mike Modano, speaking about Olympic Hockey Team USA

"Gentlemen, it's time to go back to basics. This is a football."

Vince Lombardi, former Green Bay Packers Head Coach

All teams and players occasionally find themselves having problems. For many players and teams, it can be difficult to judge exactly where to start. However, over time, the best coaches and players have learned one important lesson - when problems arise go back and work on the fundamentals of the sport.The basics of each sport will vary and though it may be more exciting to learn new skills, working on and mastering existing skills are the keys to most player and team success.

The emphasis on basics does not go away with age or skill level. Professional team drills are often the very same drills used by youth teams. Basic skills are the building blocks on which all other abilities are built. A breakdown in a basic skill means everything else suffers. When players want to be the best, they never stop practicing the basics.

Skills Certificates

SportsEsteem — Wed, 03 Sep 2003 18:56:10 -0500

Sports Esteem has put together three packages of certificates that can be used to recognize players and coaches.

To download, click the appropriate package below:

Tips for Parents Considering Coaching

SportsEsteem — Tue, 26 Aug 2003 12:38:25 -0500

By Nancy Churnin / Reprinted with Permission of the Dallas Morning News

Gail Gross, a Houston radio talk-show host who has worked as an educator and is an authority on child development, says the best thing she ever did as coach of her daughter's basketball team was to walk away when asked.

"I was the worst coach who ever lived," Dr. Gross says cheerfully. "I'm right-side dominant and have poor vision. I dreaded every game because I was such a failure."

But her memories of that time are happy because of the good communication she had with her daughter. She took the job at her daughter's request when no one else wanted it. She left it to a replacement when her daughter told her, halfway through the season: "Mom, you're right. This isn't your sport. Thank you for your support, but you don't have to do this anymore."

Dr. Gross and other experts offer these coaching tips for parents:

Ask permission: The first question to ask is whether your child wants you to coach, says Jim Thompson, the author of The Double-Goal Coach: (Quill, $13.95). Mr. Thompson founded the Positive Coaching Alliance (www .positivecoach.org), a nonprofit organization based at Stanford University. He says you need to know if your child wants to come on board as your partner in the experience. If not, there's very little chance it will work out.

Set up cues: Anticipate moments of conflict, such as how your child will feel when you praise a teammate, or she doesn't get the position she wants, advises Dr. Gross. Ask your child to help you come up with signals, such as a hand sign, to remind her of your agreement not to get upset or act out about disappointments or frustrations.

Help kids see you as coach: It can be confusing to distinguish between the roles of parent and coach. For younger children, it may even help if you literally put on a different hat for coaching to help the child with the transition, says Dr. Ken Christian, a New York-based psychologist, author and organizational consultant.

Get your head together: You have to get your own feelings about your child in order before you take on a coaching job, says Dr. Christian."It's like being therapist to your own child," he says. "Sometimes you are looking in your child to find the thing you like in yourself. When you don't see it, you have to let go and let them be who they are. You have to be Buddha-like."

Teach life lessons: John Bates' son, Nehemiah, complained when his father pulled him off the field to give equal time to a player who didn't perform as well as he did. Quietly, at home, his father would talk to the 5-year-old about how all team members get an equal chance to play even if they have different talents. "He finally got it toward the end."

Ask lots of questions: Telling children what to do never works as well as asking them, says Mr. Thompson. For example, a coach can say, "I have a suggestion for making you a better hitter. Would you like to hear it?" Most of the time a kid will say yes. Then you can make the criticism into an "if and then" statement, as in "If you bend your knees more, then you may get more power." And if the kid is not open to hearing your suggestion, then say, "OK, no problem" and walk away. Chances are he will come back the next day and ask what you were going to tell him.

Listen: When your child complains, don't defend yourself or your position, says Dr. Gross. Let him say what he feels. Then say what you feel.

Be fair: The biggest complaint coaches' kids have is that their parents favor them or are too hard on them. One dad, Tim O'Brien of Pittsburgh, calls the All-Star games "Dad-ball" because the teams are always stacked with the coaches' kids, whether they are deserving or not. Frank Martin, founder and director of Kids Sports Network, says he can always tell the coach's kid because the coach is paying the most attention to him - often by yelling.

Reward good behavior: Ignore bad behavior whenever possible, says Mr. Thompson. Instead of lashing out at the one kid who is not paying attention, Mr. Thompson suggests focusing on one who is, as in saying, "Hey, Ryan, I really appreciate how you're in the ready position."

Model good behavior: If you want your child to keep his temper, keep your temper. Be generous with praise and use mistakes as teaching opportunities, says Mr. Thompson.

Try not to embarrass: Coaching is a very public form of parenting. And it's hard, at times, not to worry about how the behavior of your child reflects on you. Remind yourself that your child is not you, says Dr. Gross. Try to either ignore bad behavior or pull the child aside. Defer as much discussion as you can to the ride home. If problems persist, you may want to enlist assistant coaches or other parents to help and ask them to take over more of the interaction with your child.

Busy work is good: It doesn't hurt to give them an alternative to (literally) climbing the walls while they're waiting for their turn. Pastor Bates entertained the kids on the bench by giving them clipboards and having them take notes on the game for him.

Know when to fold 'em:
Youth sports couldn't exist without the parents who generously donate their time. But if it just isn't working for you and your child, find a replacement and find another way to contribute.

Printed in the Dallas Morning News Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Winning Teams Have More Fun and Other Myths

SportsEsteem — Tue, 15 Jul 2003 11:05:09 -0500

During a game, the winning team gets to cheer more and, based on this single observation, seems to have more fun. But parents should consider the following questions before thinking that fun is only for winning teams.

A team wins a game and afterwards a coach stands up and congratulates players on their hard work and accomplishments. When a team loses, what should a coach do?

A team wins a game and afterwards parents congratulate their children on their efforts. When a team loses, what should parents do?

A team wins a game and everyone goes out afterwards and celebrates player accomplishments. When a team loses, what should everyone do?

A team has a winning season and afterwards the entire team gets together to remember memorable moments. When a team has a losing season, what should the team do?

The answer to all the above is "the same thing." Every game has a "scoring" outcome and every game has a "fun" outcome. As parents on winning teams often know, these two things are not related. The coaches and players may control the scoring outcome, but parents do control the fun outcome.

Winning at All Costs

SportsEsteem — Sat, 05 Jul 2003 10:58:05 -0500

Coaches of recreational, select and travel teams can all be statistically certain of one thing - they are not coaching any future professional players. With that possibility out of the way, coaches can then ask, Will the lessons I teach make sense when my players go on to be lawyers, bankers, accountants, police officers and other people who make up my community?

Coaches should try to determine the impact of their lessons on the adult professions that kids are more likely to have. For example:

Do I Want to See this Behavior:	In this Profession?
Gets by with penalty not seen by others.	Accountant
Yells at officials until calls start going the desired way.	Lawyer
Physically intimidates other team with plays not caught by officials.	Police Officer
Plays selfishly, doesn't use teammates but sometimes scores.	Doctor
Steps aside to watch other players compete in tough games.	Fireman
Takes credit for win even if own effort was substandard.	CEO
Blames everyone when things go wrong.	Politician
Doesn't prepare, but hopes team carries the day.	Soldier
Screams to show disapproval.	Parent

Youth games are not adult competitions and the goals are quite different. Each time coaches fail to ensure that competitions are played fairly with larger goals than winning at stake, they teach lessons that can have unintended consequences in their players' adult lives. If coaches want to live in a great community in the future, they will lay the groundwork with every young person they influence today.

Are You Communicating Clearly?

SportsEsteem — Thu, 15 May 2003 16:15:05 -0500

There are things that are said among adults that have a common understanding based on shared experiences. However, when coaches try these common expressions on young players, there may be nods of understanding followed by actions of confusion. The following table gives some common coaching expressions that may be confusing or negative with some possible more clear or positive alternatives. Possibly Confusing

Hustle!
Run!
Get them!

Alternatives

Catch up and be in position to help out on the play.
Win your individual battles.
Keep up with the play.
The other team will always catch you unless you go faster.

Possibly Confusing

We just didn't have any defense today.
Don't bunch up!

Alternatives

Everybody is responsible for defending against scores.
Remember your positions.
Stay in your position and let your teammates share the work.

Possibly Confusing

Pass!
You're not sharing the play.
You're being a "hot dog".

Alternatives

Keep your head up as you move to see passing opportunities.
Play position and remember to pass rather than to try to do everything by yourself.
One person can't do it all, it takes a team.
If more than one person is covering you, then it means that someone is open. Look for your open teammate.
Just because you can move it to the net doesn't make it the best play. Passing gives the team the best chance to score.

Possibly Confusing

Quit falling down!

Alternatives

Use better stance and balance to avoid falling.
You are waiting too long to pass.

Possibly Confusing

Shoot!

Alternatives

Shoot the ball/puck sooner and let your teammates work together for a possible rebound.

Coaches learn over time the expressions or phrases that work best for a particular age group. Older players often understand with less words. However, when coaches take a few sentences more to educate, they do not leave any doubt about what actions they want changed.