Have you ever loved your school sport and had a bad coach who made you want to quit? Or may you have got the best coach there is that made you want to stay?
Who’s Impacted:
Hundreds of High school students take part in school sports. The coaches for each sport take on a very important role because they impact each player.Not only in that sport ,but outside of that as well. “The coach must create an environment and structure where teenagers can thrive in their high school sport and experience the benefits that sport offers.”
What do we look for in school sports coaches/ what qualities:
It’s crucial to find coaches that portray significant qualities. Here’s a list of some top five qualities to look out for . 1. Creating a positive experience. High schoolers have a fair amount on their plates. Such as classes to attend, tests/ quizzes which can also lead tostress. Many students play sports as a way to relieve that build of stress so it’s important to make it enjoyable for them. 2. Improve the players weaknesses, but also bring up positives. It’s quick for coaches to point out all the weaknesses. Which is important so you can work on improving. But it’s also important you don’t leave out the positives and improvements made. 3. Push your athletes , but also support them . Coaches want to get the most out of their players so they tend to push them. Yet good coaches know when to slow it down . 4. Teaching that it’s not all about winning .Coaches teach key life skills. Learning that not everything will result in a big win is crucial. You showing growth is a win because one of your top goals should be improving and working hard on yourself. 5. A coach that cares about their athletes. Caring about how your athletes are doing . Along with how school has been for them can help grow a close relationship between you and the team. One helpful thing a coach can use to help improve players is having personal experience. “Coaches that know the sport and have first hand experience with it can be helpful within coaching. They can take their experiences and place helpful tips they have learned into the hands of their players.”
Personal Example:
Last spring my biggest goal was to PR as best as I could in as many of my events. I mess up once and it’s the only thing replaying in my head the rest of the day. I can’t focus on techniques as well and end with the same score and no PR. This is an example of how simple it can be to lose that self- esteem you’ve worked hard to rebuild back up. It’s important to have a coach that can help you to improve and rebuild that confidence back.
Where do coaches need to improve:
“Many coaches are quick to identify a player’s weaknesses.” It can be easy for coaches to point out each mistake/ mess up. Yes, it’s very important to double down and improve on these. It’s also important to acknowledge each positive as well. A great plus of seeing both neg/pos is using them to your advantage and placing them where they might exceed more. As a coach you want to bring up the players confidence. Nagging them on every blow can lower self -esteem and lead to more mistakes due to constant worry of doing it right.
Why is it important to have a good coach:
“Oftentimes, you’ll also be a shoulder to lean on (or cry on), someone to talk to when an athlete is going through tough times” along with “ your more than a coach; you’re a mentor.” Many players join these school sports in hope to relieve built up stress. Due to school, homework, exams, tests , and this can provide them with a healthy/fun way to get rid of it. Having a negative space can lead to the player dreading practices. Which that sport could be the one part of the day they look forward to. This is why it can be very important and crucial to have a good coach . One that can be there to provide a joy filled time for their student athletes.
When is it time for a new coach:
There are many positives we can discuss about coaches. But there are some things that made someone not a right fit for coaching . “There’s the bad coach who yells at their athletes at the most minor inconveniences; there’s the coach who encourages their athletes to run through pain; and others who do not listen to the athlete’s needs.” Bad qualities:
1. More criticism than feedback.
2. Main focus is on winning.
3. Pick favorites .
4. Pressures players when injured.
5. Does not listen to player feedback .
How can coaches affect athletes/ student’s performance:
Coaches not only teach you things in your sport but help provide life skills outside of that. Coaches try to model behavior that shows and teaches good sportsmanship. Some coaches help you learn to set goals for yourself . Third is improving communication skills. Between your team members that can lead to outside your sport. Such as planning your own practices and communicating that between each other. “Try to center your discussions on the needs and goals of each individual and make sure they feel they have a voice and role in their training and development path.” This can help the student athlete grow to make and find goals. Not only for their sport , but including their school life. They get to choose how they develop .
