Guidelines Every Coach Should Live By

If you have browsed through some sports websites offering coaching advice, you have probably heard all sorts of ideas about the right way to coach young athletes. That’s because there is no right way - but some coaches believe their way is better than others. It can be a challenge to strike the right balance between styles and taking on too many at once can lead to inconsistency and confusion. Every team, coach and player is different, but there are still a few universal techniques to employ as you take on your coaching position.

1. Be level and firm. Yelling at kids often has the opposite effect of what you want to see. Many of them recoil from aggression, sulk and become withdrawn. You don’t want them to think you’re angry after a mistake, or that they are personally responsible and guilty. During those teachable moments, you must show composure, support the youngster and advice how something could have been handled better or differently.
2. Keep a consistent approach. Nobody appreciates a wildcard. You need to show you know what you’re doing and you’re in charge by coming to practices, games and meetings with the same attitude on a regular basis. Leave whatever personal problems you have at the gymnasium door and focus on the task at hand. If you swing wildly from excited and outgoing to quiet and distant, your athletes will not know what to expect, nor will they achieve their goals.
3. Provide individual attention. Schedule semi-regular meetings with each of your players to discuss his or her strengths and weaknesses, what you expect out of the player and ways he or she can improve. Not only will it benefit the athlete’s skill and focus his or her attention, but it will also let your players know that you are invested in each and every one of them. There are some issues that you cannot address by talking to the team as a whole, so put time aside to talk with your players one-on-one.
4. Set team goals. Ensure everyone is on the same page, working toward the same ends, by instating goals for the season, for specific games, for the team and for individuals. This will keep the whole group on the right track and provide a measure of success.

Although some team websites prefer certain coaching personalities over others, many of them will work just fine by following these guidelines.