what makes a great coach?
If you want to be an effective teacher, coach, manager, or parent, you need more than a title to be influential. Whatever role you have in a person’s life, you can only impact a person as far as they let you. So when you get that chance, put your teacher hat on and give them your best stuff!
a whisper of inspiration
Coach, next time your athlete makes a mistake, take a deep breath and talk to them in a whisper. They know what they did wrong, and if done right, you might create a moment that athlete will remember the rest of their life.
decisions, distractions, and disappointments
Notice the emotion. Name the emotion. New choice?
I use this strategy with kids in the classroom and during sport. It is a great way to start a conversation about how emotions can cloud our decision-making process and lead to uncomfortable consequences.
a small way to make a big difference 📩
Remember the last time someone wrote you a hand-written letter? In the story above I recall one of my favorite memories as a high school athlete: getting a handwritten note from my coach.
spartans and mental toughness
"How do I get my athletes to be more mentally tough?" This is the most popular question I get from coaches and parents. They want to know how to teach an athlete to "tough it out" or "grind with a smile." I could go on and on, but let's get to the meat of what I want to share—a practical application on learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
on being late and running laps
Remember the last time someone wrote you a hand-written letter? In the story above I recall one of my favorite memories as a high school athlete: getting a handwritten note from my coach.
no rewards, only consequences
Like many elementary and middle school athletes, I had the same coach through different sports a couple of years in a row. My coach was an athletic renaissance man who knew a lot about many things, especially sports. Most of his teachings were through stories that may or may not have been true about his athletic past, and he was a master at using metaphors.
first speech in front of your new team
Speak from the heart. Let them know you will work hard to make them successful. Remind them they are in charge of their attitude, their effort, and their work ethic. Help them to see that you are their guide, but the season belongs to them. Then shut up and show them you meant what you said.
on the mental game 💪🏆
Your Athletes have talent, but can they access that talent consistently? My definition of a mentally tough athlete is one who is “able to access their talent regardless of the situation at the highest level your are capable on a consistent basis.” All coaches agree that the mental aspect of athletics is important, but surprisingly many coaches do not spend time strengthening things like focus and emotional regulation.
Winning with a Mediocre Team
To find more success in youth sports, simplify your playbook, increase your ability to connect with children, and practice in-game situations. But whatever you do, don’t assume the child has learned how to listen and respond. We are the adults, and we are their models for how to be.
Be a great adult.
