Our Club

Team Photos

Parents Handbook

Maps & Directions

Hockey Links

Table of Contents

· Introduction
· Our League
· Our Organization
· Our Season
· Our Constraints
· Our Philosophy
    · Coaching
    · Parental Involvement
    · Winning

Parents Handbook - What To Look For In A Good Coach

This article was originally published in Baseball Parent Magazine
Tennessee, April, 1998, vol. 4, no. 3, p1.
by Brian Priebe Assistant Coach University of California, San Diego

When choosing a team for your child to play on, who the coach is should be one of your most important considerations. The coach's interactions with your child throughout the season will have a lasting impact on him or her, for better or worse. How can parents determine which coach will be a positive influence and role model? The coach's won-loss record or number of championships are not necessarily good indicators of quality coaching. Below are some traits to look for in a coach, and the reasons why they are important. If you find a coach who has these traits and wins too, he's the one you want for your child.

Clearly communicates expectations to players. Players respond better when they are clear on what is expected of them. A good coach will inform players at the beginning of practice what drills to perform, how the squad is to split into groups, and how each group progresses through the various stations. He also conducts periodic conferences, or pow-wow's, with players and assistant coaches. He uses these conferences to review his philosophy of how to play the game, any important team rules to be followed, and what each player's role is in the line up. A coach who provides structure and clarity allows kids to relax about "doing it right" and focus on improving their skills.

Benches star players for violating team rules, possibly at the expense of winning. A coach needs to set boundaries so kids know what is and is not acceptable behavior, e.g., showing up on time for practice or attending classes in school. Moreover, a good coach applies the rules to all players equally and consistently throughout the season, even during tournaments and playoffs. Kids, by their nature, will test the boundaries set by the coach. Sometimes the star athletes, who play every game and are relied on to carry the team, act as though they've earned the right to ignore team rules. A coach who is willing to sit their star players and reward the kids who comply, even if the team loses a big game, sends a powerful and positive message. He drives the point home that one's integrity should not be compromised for the sake of winning.

Emphasizes TEAM goals and achievements vs. individual statistics. The game includes many individual battles, but is ultimately a team game. A lineup filled with individuals out for personal glory will be outscored and outclassed by a lineup consisting of players who give themselves up at strategic moments so that their teammates can excel. A quality coach espouses sacrificing personal glory for good of the whole. The coach can use individual statistics as measurements of effectiveness and to reward performance at season's end. But, he should emphasize those individual statistics which advance the team's overall goals.

Exhibits PATIENCE - Patience to teach the players what they don't know, to remind them of what they forgot, to accept the players' skill level, wherever that is, and to allow mistakes. The most important role of a coach is that of an educator. Good coaches show an insight into the way humans learn physical skills, in order to reach as many players as possible and to accommodate individual learning styles. Some kids can learn by listening, others learn better with visual images, and still others learn best kinesthetically - by going through the motions. The coach must allow players to learn at their individual pace, not at his pace. Some kids require a longer time and many repetitions to absorb a new concept or technique. A coaches' job is not complete when he's delivered his message, but rather when the light bulb clicks on in the players' minds.

Leads by example. A quality coach asks no more of his team and assistant coaches then he is willing to do himself. Of all the members of the team, the coach should show the greatest commitment to being a leader, striving for excellence in his skills, and giving selflessly. A good coach does exactly what he would want his players to do - hones his skills, gets in shape to meet the physical demands of his role, shows up to the game rested, alert, and ready to go, and leaves his personal problems in the parking lot.

Looks in mirror vs. points a finger. When players make mistakes or "fail" under game conditions, a mediocre coach might blame the outcome on the kid's lack of caring or intelligence. In reality, the first place the coach should search for the cause and the solution is in the mirror. A good coach accepts responsibility for the results of his efforts. He examines his role in creating the results, and challenges himself to be a more effective teacher and communicator. He asks the questions, "How did I contribute to that sub-par performance? What can I do differently or better to help the team?"

Continues to be a student himself. Good coaches readily admit they do not know everything and continually seek more knowledge. They take steps to improve their coaching and teaching skills, such as attending clinics. They are willing to ask for help and advice.

Inspires players to excel beyond their perceived limitations. Players have expectations of themselves which are often lower than what they're truly capable of. Unless the players are highly self-motivated, they may not push themselves. It's scary to shoot for "great", it's much easier to be satisfied with "good". The best coaches encourage their players to dare to dream big, and to have the courage to try and fail. They hold their players capable of achieving greatness. They see each player not as he is, but how he can be.

Empowers players to make decisions for themselves and exercise independent judgment during practice and in the games. A quality coach molds "little coaches" who plan three plays ahead; organize, help, and encourage their teammates; and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. The coach should prepare his players to "leave the nest" and retain their knowledge as they move up to the next level. A good coach is secure enough with himself to delegate some control to the players and assistant coaches - not to lighten his load, but to allow others to learn by doing, to make mistakes, adapt, and learn.

Helps other coaches succeed. A great coach wishes his competitors well. He shares his knowledge of the game with other coaches and players. He speaks well of other programs and their personnel. And he does not exact revenge on teams who are poor sport. By helping the competition, the coach actually serves his own kids, because his team will naturally rise up to meet the level of the competition. In the larger scope, helping all kids develop by adopting a "win-win" philosophy is far better than focusing only on his own team winning where someone else has to lose.

A winning record by itself does NOT indicate which coach will provide the guidance and influence you want for your child. Watch for every day, practical examples which reflect a coach's core principles of integrity, education, patience, communication and empowerment. If you find a coach that exhibits most or all of the above traits, not only are his teams probably winning, but his kids are enjoying themselves while they mature as players and people.

Community Websites: · Aquatic Club · Baseball · Football · Lacrosse · Soccer · Palmyra School District · Palmyra Home Page ·

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws