When it comes to youth hockey, everyone wants their child to
have a wonderful coach. However, everyone does not know what makes an awesome
coach.
While every coach is different and while different athletes
will have their own preferences, there are some key characteristics that every
truly great coach must have.
True Caring
The difference between a good coach and a great coach is
this: a good coach cares about the team. A great coach, on the other hand,
cares about both the team and the players, not just as athletes but as
individuals.
A great coach will do his best to tailor his coaching style
to match the specific needs of each individual player. This type of coach will
strike up a special camaraderie with each player and will focus on building
each and every player as an athlete and as a person.
Excellent Communication Skills
In today’s world, where everyone seems to always have their
heads buried in their phones, communication is becoming a lost art. Good
coaches, however, have not lost touch with how to communicate.
They will communicate criticism constructively, make their
rules sound firm, and will know when to use what tone with which player and in
each situation. Coaches should also be skilled at communicating with parents,
officials, and everyone else involved in the game.
The
Ability to Model Appropriate Behavior
One
final quality of every great coach is the ability to be a great role model.
Coaches
shouldn’t have to be perfect all the time, but they should always model high
standards of behavior and treatment of others in everything they do. They are
timely, professional, fair, and kind, and they always remember that their
actions can impact the easily influenced minds of their young players.
If
your children have a great coach who exhibits all of these qualities, give him
a big thank you. And, if their coach falls short, it may be time to look at
other coaching options. After all, every child deserves an amazing coach in his
life.
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