High School Sports - How to Be a Successful High School Coach in Any Sport
65There are a great deal of jobs that exist today that feel rewarding, as if the person is doing something that helps others. Coaching is a great example of one of these professions. It is not just about the specific sport. It is about being a role-model, an inspiration, a shoulder to cry on, a motivator, an educator, and so many other things each and every day. Through my time as a coach and an athlete, I have determined there are five ways for a coach to be successful in any high school sport, no matter the location, student-athletes, or any other variable.
5. Listen, Listen, Listen!
Every day students come to school, they are told where to go, what to write down, what to do for homework, etc. Sometimes, these student-athletes just need to talk to someone. It is not the responsibility of a coach to bark orders at his or her players every day. Often, when there is no relationship between coach and player, those orders are not always done correctly. Building that coach/player bond not only creates a longer lasting relationship, often times well past high school, it creates a mentality in the player that he or she would do anything for that coach. We've all heard the phrase, "...run through a wall for that person." This is the result of coaches listening to their players. Be available in the mornings, before or after practice, on the phone, through email, etc. This communication creates players who trust and confide in their coach, and in turn, will do anything for that person. Who knows, taking the time to listen to your players may be the most positive aspect of that young person's life.
4. Discipline
Quite often, this is either a very overused or underused tool in high school coaching. Sometimes as coaches, we feel that the more we threaten, the more the players will listen. On the other hand, if we discipline less, the players will like us more and therefore play harder for us. Discipline can be a very effective tool when used correctly. First of all, when a coach gives players a list of rules, he or she better be absolutely sure they can stick to them completely. For example, if you tell the team that a failing grade in a class will result in ineligibility for the week, you better not go back on it when it is your best player who fails the class. Even if you feel the punishment does not fit the crime, you must be ready to adhere to the rules. If you can't follow through, why would any of the players follow the rules? Secondly, make sure the punishment does fit the crime. For example, if a player is five minutes late to practice, making them stand on the sideline for five games is a bit excessive.
3. Build Tradition
To me, a high school sports program without traditions is like an after school club that meets once a week. You really don't get to know many of the members of the club, and it feels like people just show up and go through the motions day in and day out. Now, there is one common misconception when it comes to tradition. Tradition will not win you games. Tradition builds family, teaches respect, and promotes unity. These three things will win you games. First of all, tradition builds a sense of family. For many of the student-athletes in your program, this may be the only true family they have. Not everyone comes from a great, loving home. Therefore, tradition allows these students to feel like part of the family. Secondly, tradition teaches respect. Student-athletes who have been in your program for a couple years or more will teach these traditions to younger or newer team members. They are taught to respect tradition because it is important to upperclassmen. Lastly, tradition promotes unity. Not everyone is going to get playing time, so being a part of the tradition equally makes those people feel more like a part of the team. Whatever tradition you plan to create or continue, make sure it is something the student-athletes will follow and rally behind. This is one small step in building a successful program.
2. Build Off Both Wins and Losses
Too often, coaches spend too much time going over every little detail in a loss because they feel that is how they are going to get better. However, many forget that no win is always 100% perfect. Therefore, there are teachable moments in victory and in defeat. It is critical to not harp over every little error one finds while reviewing a loss. It is quite possible that player feels incredibly guilty because he or she feels directly responsible for the loss. Yelling at them is not going to help them the next time they are playing. Explain the error, give the student-athlete the knowledge to not make it again, and move on. Wins can often help us more than defeats. As coaches, we can see what our players did correctly and stress to them that they need to continue to do so. Guess what? Players need a pat on the back just as much if not more than a critical comment. Keep these thoughts in mind the next time you are reviewing game film.
1. Show You Care
Probably the most important step to building a successful athletic program in high school is to become a coach who shows his affection for his players each and every day. There are many different ways a coach can do this. First of all, showing up to other sporting events or extracurricular activities that your athletes are a part of shows your players you care. Be a fan of your athletes in all their efforts, and you will be amazed how much this will benefit your program. Secondly, make an effort to talk to your athletes. It is not always necessary to wait for them to come to you. Have a conversation with them after practice, find them in the morning before school and ask them about their classes, or make a positive phone call every once in a while. These small gestures go a long way to building a positive atmosphere. Lastly, be an emotional coach. There is nothing wrong with showing excitement when players do well, and there is nothing wrong with being sad in the midst of a tough defeat. It shows your athletes you are human and that you care about their success. Showing your athletes you care will advance your program in ways you could not even imagine.
