Athletics Section: Volunteer Coaches Handbook

COACHING TIPS We play sports to have fun, learn skills, develop fitness, and to enjoy competition. Winning and receiving individual awards should not be the most important reasons to play. Coaches who understand this and kids’ needs are more likely to keep those kids on the playing field. Here are some tips to being a great, engaged coach. Practice with purpose. It’s important for coaches to make the most out of their team practices and to ensure the training sessions Drills should be straightforward with a clear objective. If the game or drill cannot be explained within two minutes, don’t use it. If you notice players making mistakes, pull them aside and explain what steps they can take to correct their actions, then give them the opportunity to try again. Be positive. are fun and organized. Use simple drills.

Young athletes want to be around positive people. It’s important for kids to feel like they are in a secure and supportive environment in order to develop confidence. Get to know the athletes. To better engage with players, it is important to get to know each athlete on an individual level. This will allow the coach to become familiar with each player’s individual strengths and weaknesses. Different children may need different motivation. Establish good parent-coach relationships. It is important to understand that the title of “Coach” does not guarantee automatic respect and commitment from the players and parents. Players and parents on your team expect a lot from you. Good youth coaches understand that they are coaching children, not college or professional athletes. Don’t over-coach. When a game is underway, and

a coach feels the need to change the game plan or strategy, it can be tempting to over complicate

instructions to players. Engage all players.

It can be tempting for a coach to rely on key players during a game. Gain players’ respect by showing your players that you can teach them to develop their skills and that you are willing to make the effort to do so. Ensure good sportsmanship. While it’s important to teach athletes skills, it’s just as important to instruct players on the rules of the game, and how to play with good sportsmanship. Your team’s success, or lack of success, in games does not indicate the kind of coach you are. Encourage play at home. Because practice time is limited, give your players ideas on how to practice at home. Demonstrate drills they can do by themselves. Even better, incorporate fun games into practice. This will give players ways to build skills outside of practice. Handle aggressive parents. Speak with the parent privately, where others can’t become involved. Try not to be defensive or argue with a parent. Listen to his/her viewpoint. Involve staff if issues persist and you need assistance resolving the problem.

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