The first thing teachers are supposed to do at the beginning of the class period is to greet students at the door and welcome them to the classroom. The next step is to establish objectives for the period and get the students actively engaged.
This model is appropriate for coaching. Coaches should always engage with players prior to practice. This is the first step in creating a positive climate and culture on the team. The theory behind this is if you break down some barriers early on, it is much easier to coach them up during the practice. Additionally, set a goal and objective for the practice. Do not try to teach seven things in an hour or an hour and a half practice. Focus on one or two things and make sure the players understand it.
I have seen too many coaches rush into practice, set up a field and carry on adult conversations while the players stroll in and hang out. Nothing throws up a barrier more than a coach not engaging with the players. Remember, this is THEIR practice.
In an ideal world, the coach would have the practice area set up prior to the start of practice. As the players arrive, the coach should be engaging with them – and it doesn’t necessarily have to be about the sport. Getting to know your players is crucial. Maybe the coach can ask about their favorite team or what is going on in school. Getting to know the players is such an important component for building a positive culture.
Engaging with the players in a stress-free way paves the way for easier teaching during the lesson. Not only will players earn a level of respect for the coach, but they will also take constructive criticism better.
PRACTICE OBJECTIVE
No matter the sport, there should always be an objective for the practice. If you are in preseason, this should be mapped out. What skills, fundamentals or plays are you working on prior to the start of the season. In football, there would be a plan for how to introduce your offensive and defensive plays. In basketball you would have to teach your press break or inbounds plays. In soccer, it is paramount to teach your structure or your set pieces. Each practice should have an objective with a primary focus.
During the season, your objective may change depending on how the team is performing. Maybe a coach would like to install a new play. The baseball team could be struggling with hit and run situations, so that could be an objective for the day. A coach knows his or her team the best.
No matter what the objective is, there better be one. The worst thing you can do is have a generic practice with no main focus or structure. Players pick up on this and this is where practice becomes boring and repetitive. Baseball players standing around for an unstructured batting practice is a culture killer. Soccer players lining up and taking shots on goal screams BORING.
Coaches must engage with players and keep them engaged. This happens through initial positive interactions and then a well designed practice plan that starts with a practice objective. These are two fundamental pieces of a positive team culture.
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