There are few events more revered in the coaching world than
the annual Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) breakfast. The 2014 breakfast
featured such top-notch coaches as Jim Thompson and Randy Shaver. The coaches
in attendance were asked to share their thoughts on how to build a positive
team atmosphere and commitment among players. Not only did they share specific
strategies they
themselves had employed but they also gave some general tips.
Some of the gems they shared included:
l Always
emphasizing positive compliments with players. Coaches should compliment more
than they criticize!
l Publicly
thank assistant coaches and others who make playing possible.
l Get
to know each player individually and use the knowledge gained for person-specific
coaching and encouragement.
l Create
big-picture team goals as well as individual level player goals for each
player.
l Celebrate
every goal or milestone reached, no matter how small.
l Tailor
coaching to each player and his individual goals and wants; know each player’s
reason for playing.
l Challenge
the team daily.
l Create
expectations for each player and for the team as a whole.
l Set
goals for each practice.
l Smile
and be positive.
l Pay
attention to player reactions and emotions and act accordingly.
l Be
consistent as a coach.
l Don’t
make excuses.
l When
a goal is reached, set a higher/harder to achieve goal. Never stop striving for
betterment.
l Communicate
with players, parents, and every person or organization involved in players’
lives.
l Focus
on building a strong team and team environment, not on winning.
These goals might seem basic, but they are actually quite
hard to achieve. However, the only thing you can do, as a coach, is to do your
best each and every day and to try to keep these strategies and tips in mind.
Will any coach ever be perfect? Absolutely not. But the difference between a
good coach and a bad coach is constantly striving to be better.
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