1. Care about your athletes
Magic Johnson said, “All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them”. The influence a coach has on an athlete can go far beyond simple X’s and O’s. A coach can inspire diligence, integrity, loyalty and many other honorable attributes to athletes who need that direction in their lives. Coaches will impact more people in a small amount of time, than most people do in a lifetime. The influence of a coach is significant and should be treated with significant importance.
2. Send a clear message
As a coach it’s important to have a mantra that solidifies a collective mindset. Phil Jackson says, “Create the best possible conditions for success, then let go of the outcome.” All he wants is focus and determination. He knows that those who receive the message, not only have a good chance of winning, but also each player will hold their head up high after the game regardless of the outcome.
3. It’s okay to be harsh, but have a purpose
Of course a coach sometimes needs to get in the face of his athletes. Look at all the great coaches. Each had to get a little up close and personal from time to time. But what separates great coaches from the rest is having a reason to get harsh. Don’t just go throwing foldup chairs around for nothing. The last thing a coach wants to do is lose their temper purely because they’re upset. Calculated temper tantrums can be a fantastic motivator. But anger for the sake of anger stifles development. Just make sure you’re in control.
4. Keep the big picture in mind
Win or lose, it’s vital that your athletes keep trying. In order to keep that confidence up a coach should be as quick to compliment, as they are to criticize. Losing the game is one thing, but being pessimistic afterwards leaves athletes feeling the same way. Athletes often mirror the emotions of their coach, so if you stay composed and optimistic, so will they.
5. Well-timed enthusiasm can go a long way
If something awesome happens, show some excitement for it! Probably nothing fires up an athlete more than to see their coach fired up. With that being said, don’t be obnoxious. Nobody likes the guy that celebrates a little too loud and a little too often. That can be a sign of disrespect to the opposing team, and can diminish moments that are truly deserving of a Coach freak out.
