What Makes A Great Coach ??

the most important single thing...

 

Communication to both the kid and parent is extremely important. Kids will give 110% to a coach that is willing to communicate what's expected and show them how to do it. We recently had a coach tell the girls on my daughter's team that they were pathetic; told them to go play wherever they wanted because there's no way they'll win. He was absolutely right with that type of attitude. Lost a couple of kids on the team including mine! Coaches have the opportunity to research players and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Put them in a position that allows them to be successful or set expectations at practice that allows them to earn playing time. No kid should have to ask a parent or a coach why they're not getting playing time. Especially at the 8, 10, and 12u level.

 

Telling players they're pathetic at any age level may be questionable but at the age level mentioned it's absolutely unacceptable. He shouldn't be coaching anyone's kid until he learns how to coach. There are several organizations that offer that training and certification.

 

This could go on for days

A good coach should have:

1. Knowledge of Game - should know the basics and the rules

2. Patience - development is key. Kids come in with wide ranges of knowledge. Coach should be able to help those who are weak get stronger and those who are stronger become polished.

3. Good Communication skills - Let parents, players, and even other coaches in on the big picture. If everyone has the directions, everyone can get to the destination.

4. Motivator - Kids respond differently to critisism. Some need positive reinforcement and some tell you straight up, I need you to be mean to me. Get to know your kids and how to push their buttons. Stay positive as much as possible. Notice that when something is positive it has a + sign, which usually means growth.

5. Passion for the game and kids - When you love doing something it shows. If you love your job it doesn't seem like work. If you love coaching, it will never be about the $$$. Cause frankly we don't make any. When my kids see me cutting grass and pulling weeds, they always ask do I need any help. They see how much everything means to me so they care as much as I do. They have seen me cry enough when classes graduate to know how much I care. I don't even try to hold it back.

6. Trustworthy - show kids you trust them, and they can trust you. Your word is your bond, so don't tell a kid that they are going to get something when it might not happen. Be honest. They usually respect you for it.

7. Punctuality - Be the first one there, and the last one to leave. Trust me kids take notice. I watched a coach lose his team once because he was the last one their and the first to leave. Kids took note and started coming late and leaving early. When he tried to discipline them, they threw it in his face.

I could go on and on... But these are a few

 

We were a consistent "A" or "AA" bracket team at 10u. We moved up to 12u this fall instead of playing a mixture of 10's and 12's like most teams do. Our girls were ready for the challenge of facing much larger, more experienced, and faster opponents. We got it handed to us week in and week out which in my opinion should've been expected. The girls had very little if any success or fun and really needed someone, their coach, to believe in them and continue teaching and suporting them. They would have rallied behind him. Instead he chose to place balme on a bunch of 10 and 11 year olds instead of searching out for alternative coaching methods. We've moved on since and will play down at 10u as a pick up player for the remainder of the year and already have a 12u team for her to join in the spring.

 

You are right on! When you find a coach like you describe, you've found a winner--a great coach.

 

Great Coaches...

Are natural born leaders with with the ability to relate to the players with out knowing they possess either one of these skills... we follow them for who they are because we believe in them...

 

Appreciate all the posts as being A Coach trying to put together A Team to play at the next level from this Area.Dealing with boys mostly and now over the past few years Coaching FastPitch.I have found that this area doesn't give Softball the Attention it deserves,and bases most of the attention on Baseball.I got into FastPitch after A township failed to have A coach come to practice or even show up at the first 2 games.This coach was an employee of the township.So,without being able to allow these kids to go through this.I said.The fundamentals are the same,and felt it was something I could handle it.Boy,did I find out quick the differences.Rules wize.But,I fell in love with it.Started an organization in the same area,and have been able to have these girls playing since.With the girls.To me.Being understanding is the biggest thing.I try and research all the aspects of the game to become A better coach,but being able to understand A "Bad Day" has been the key to gaining the girls trust,and respect by letting them know A "Bad Day" will come but it also will pass.I've seen Coaches go Crazy during these Days.It was rediculous!But thanks for the posts.Done Babbling!!!!

 

A good coach has to know how to communicate with players, and coach because they love the game. Must be committed to the sport and looks out for the best interest of the players. Abide by the same rules that you teach your players. If you show your players respect, you get respect from them. Listen to your players and encourage player comments and questions. Explain things to your players. Tell them, show them, ask them, and let them try it. Make sure you know your players, their school, and their grade level. Emphasize how important it is to excel in the classroom as well as on the field. A good coach will try to learn new training procedures and seek out information from great coaches and athletes. Encourage your players to attend clinics and camps. Coaches should attend clinics and camps as well. He always has a set of rules in place for discipline when violations occur, and should enforce those rules. Remember, it’s communication with your players that gets the most attention.