There are several key elements to a coach's philosophy in achieving the goals for youth sports. I like to be reminded of these elements often and try to see them through the eyes of the children.
Players need a patient, supportive coach that can teach and motivate in a positive way. Knowing how to be positive and having the ability to communicate with your players is more important to a successful season than knowing many aspects of the game.
Each player needs to know that you care for him as an individual and that you believe he is an important part of the team. Take time to talk to all players individually. Try to take interest in what is going on in their life outside of baseball. Many of my current ball players have complexities in their life and it doesn't hurt to ask simple questions. You will be amazed as to how little time or energy you need to expend in order to get them talking about the various activities at school or home.
Fun is essential for children of all ages. Develop practices that let them do the things they enjoy. It's also important for you to have fun. Create an environment that is structured and varied enough for you to enjoy what your doing. If you're having fun, chances are your players will be having fun also.
Players want to improve and gain new skills. Make sure that you challenge all your players at an appropriate level to foster improvement. This may require that players focus on different skills than other players during practice.
Don't make the mistake of emphasizing results instead of effort. I've seen and heard coaches who try to motivate players by offering rewards. This could be money or candy for getting a hit or getting on base. This focus on results puts additional pressure on the player to perform. This can be especially difficult for the less skilled player.
- Organization And Discipline
Children quickly pick up on a coach that is unorganized and doesn't communicate his expectations. If you don't establish certain rules and don't follow up with an appropriate punishment if the rules are broken, you will quickly lose control of your team. I always have a rule about talking when I'm talking during practice. I expect when I'm explaining something that the players will have their eyes on me and pay attention. For example, I recall the first practice I held this year. One of the 11 year olds started to speak over me and attempted to assert himself and explain why he did or didn't need to follow what I was saying. His legs were then given a workout! After this day, the same player and his teammates are remarkably quiet when I speak.
Remember this simple phrase: 'You hear, you forget. You see, you remember. You do, you understand." This is the same methodology used for Medical School and Residency. "See one. Do one. Teach one." Often coaches try to teach players a skill by talking about it. The younger the player the less effective it will be. Give a quick explanation while you show them the skill you want them to perform. Then have them do it.
Coaches that believe winning is the everything have only one direction to take the team...down. Everyone wants to win, but when the main goal is winning, a really good season can be lost. If on the other hand you emphasize attitude and effort, a successful season can be had without a league championship. Winning games really will take care of itself if you prepare the team to play hard and always give their best effort.
The idea of sportsmanship seems to be lost on many youth players. The fact is, sportsmanship must be taught. If children watch professional sports then their idea of sportsmanship may be to trash talk, spike the ball in the opponents face, or to mimic some other visual statement that demonstrates their superiority. As a coach, it's important that you teach the value of sportsmanship. I want my team to show joy when they make an exciting play, but not at the expense of the player on the opposing team. I want my players to always show the other team respect. Your leadership is the best way to get this across to your players. Interact with the players on the other team. Compliment them when they make a good play. Show your players that you appreciate the other team and the opportunity to play against them.
Dealing with parents might be the most difficult part of being a coach. Research suggests that it's the single biggest reason that coaches quit. It's a common problem, but one that can be difficult to solve. In my experience as both a coach and a parent I have found some common mistakes that coaches make that can bring on the wrath of a parent along with some ways to deal with a parent that is causing you grief. For example, conducting a parent meeting can alleviate many problems encountered in the future. Expectations are set. Another way is to get parents involved. Make them feel accountable.If a parent makes it to practices, have them help by working with some of the children. They may soon find out that coaching is more difficult than it looks from the bleachers.
Stating your philosophy is one thing; implementing it consistently is another. Make sure you make rules for your team that you can follow up with.
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