- Mar 28, 2011
- 35
- 6
So I just finished up my 10-U Rec Ball season. This was the first time in two years that I took the assistant Coach role rather then Head Coach. This allowed me to take a secondary role and observe our team and the other team’s players and Coaches in a way that had not been afforded me as Head Coach. I found the perspective very interesting, challenging, and sometimes quite frustrating for a variety of reasons, but that’s another post altogether.
I noted many differing styles, personalities, temperaments, knowledge, demeanors, etc. Some Coaches say very little, some are timid, some are very loud, some are bold, some are explosive, some are patient, and some are not. I always try to study others; I find that in most cases I can take something of value, whether that is something to do or not to do. I am always learning.
I try to model my own Coaching style much like that of a Tony Dungee or John Wooden, cool temperament but extremely competitive. Trying to figure out personalities and how to motivate and inspire players. I never yell, but I am demanding and set goals and expectations for the players. It seems this style has worked well for me so far.
While I can appreciate the many varying styles of Coaching, there is one particular style that gets waaaayyy under my skin. This is the must win Coach. The type that uses the team for his own purpose and own platform. This is the type that will yell at a 10 year old girl for making a base running mistake in an important game; the kind of Coach that will grab their daughters arm and shake it when they enter the dugout after having done something unsatisfactory or displeasing. I know a Coach like this and this behavior is tolerated in the name of wins and development because he has had success, that is if success is measured by wins and losses. In my mind it doesn’t make it right and I would never let my daughter play for such a Coach.
This is why I Coach, so I can save my daughter from experiencing this kind of Coach. I may not be the best Coach, but I will always respect the game and respect the players. I also expect them to do likewise.
Please provide your own insights on what has worked for you, what hasn’t worked, what you have witnessed and experienced. If there is a win at all cost Coach out there, help me understand your own philosophy. Are there any Wooden disciples, or Dungee fans. I know it take all kinds. Please feel free to post your own philosophy, whatever that may be.
I noted many differing styles, personalities, temperaments, knowledge, demeanors, etc. Some Coaches say very little, some are timid, some are very loud, some are bold, some are explosive, some are patient, and some are not. I always try to study others; I find that in most cases I can take something of value, whether that is something to do or not to do. I am always learning.
I try to model my own Coaching style much like that of a Tony Dungee or John Wooden, cool temperament but extremely competitive. Trying to figure out personalities and how to motivate and inspire players. I never yell, but I am demanding and set goals and expectations for the players. It seems this style has worked well for me so far.
While I can appreciate the many varying styles of Coaching, there is one particular style that gets waaaayyy under my skin. This is the must win Coach. The type that uses the team for his own purpose and own platform. This is the type that will yell at a 10 year old girl for making a base running mistake in an important game; the kind of Coach that will grab their daughters arm and shake it when they enter the dugout after having done something unsatisfactory or displeasing. I know a Coach like this and this behavior is tolerated in the name of wins and development because he has had success, that is if success is measured by wins and losses. In my mind it doesn’t make it right and I would never let my daughter play for such a Coach.
This is why I Coach, so I can save my daughter from experiencing this kind of Coach. I may not be the best Coach, but I will always respect the game and respect the players. I also expect them to do likewise.
Please provide your own insights on what has worked for you, what hasn’t worked, what you have witnessed and experienced. If there is a win at all cost Coach out there, help me understand your own philosophy. Are there any Wooden disciples, or Dungee fans. I know it take all kinds. Please feel free to post your own philosophy, whatever that may be.