Coaching like a pro

A great coach is integral to a successful sports team. Their enthusiasm is part of what keeps the players coming back week after week, through rain, mud and blistering heat.

The best coaches know that winning doesn’t always mean being first across the line or sinking the most goals in the net.

In 10 or 20 years, players may reflect on a junior premiership won or lost. But they’ll always remember the friends they’ve made and will be better off from the lessons learned.

Striving, competing and achieving are valuable experiences. How you get there is just as important. Especially when building protective life skills to keep young people on the right track.

Finals fever

Finals season is an exciting time for any junior club, and as a coach or a parent, it’s natural to want to see the team have success.

It can be especially tricky for junior coaches, with pressure from parents and supporters to perform.

As a coach, it’s important to stick to your principles and do the best thing for the juniors. Your coaching mantra is probably more like ‘we’re in this together’ than ‘win at all costs’.

To support coaches, we’ve put together some tips to keep in mind during the club’s finals campaign and all year round.

Being a better coach – 5 ways

Here are some things to keep in mind as your team gears up for the game. It’s all about balance.

1) Understand the bigger picture

Good Sports clubs can have an important impact on their community.

For sporting clubs, it’s all about developing the playing group.

The big wins come from growing healthy habits and confidence.

Most importantly, it gives people the tools they need to develop into great teammates, players and people. Keep this front of mind when making any coaching decisions.

2) Stand by the club values

Don’t let other people’s expectations get to you. The difference a coach or a parent can make once the game starts is minimal.

Have confidence in the way you have prepared your team and be a positive support on game day.

Making ‘big moves’ or denying players their minutes on the ground can do more harm than good. On the other hand, showing faith in your players might make all the difference.

It’s hard to argue with that.

3) Get real about your impact

Don’t let other people’s expectations get to you.

The difference a coach or a parent can make once the game starts is minimal.

Have confidence in the way you have prepared your team and be a positive support on game day.

Making ‘big moves’ or denying players their minutes on the ground can do more harm than good.

On the other hand, showing faith in your players might make all the difference.

4) Importance of player development

You might think you’re doing the whole team a favour by giving one player a permanent spot.

No, you really are not. More likely you’re hampering their potential to develop.

For junior clubs

The beauty of junior sport is the opportunity to try a variety of different positions and develop a team-first attitude.

By encouraging a true range of skills and the right attitude in your juniors, you’re setting them up for a successful senior career.

5) Learn from the losses

Yes, we all love to win. But learning and growing from disappointment is an important part of personal development.

Above all, use losses as a chance to learn. It is a strategy that truly successful people take through life.

They focus on the long game. Ask:

• What did they do better than us?
• What did we get right?
• How can we do more of that next time?

Focus on the positives and remember that losing today can lead to victory down the road.

Final words

As a coach, your legacy is about the impact you have on the growth of your players.

In future, your players will remember your encouragement and belief in them. You can shape them for life.