“I just want the kids to have fun.” How often have we heard that phrase? It seems so basic, so generic, so hollow.
There is so much to unpack with this topic – but most of it is driven by the level we are talking about. There are different goals at the recreation, travel/club, high school, collegiate and professional level. I would not say the “fun” lessens each rung of the ladder you climb, but the complexity of fun changes along the way.
For youth coaches, the number one goal is to ensure that your athletes learn to love the game. Not all will. Children are encouraged to try different sports and activities at a young age in order to best determine what they like and gravitate towards. Serving as a youth coach is a very delicate proposition. Many times you are the first (and sometimes only) exposure they will get to a particular sport. You have to make the learning process as clean as possible. This means communicating effectively, being organized and creating dynamic learning scenarios to provide a foundation for the sport. Just realize, not all of your athletes will like your sport. That is not on you. But it is your job to provide them with the necessary skills and experience to make an informed decision.
Once athletes make a decision that they enjoy a sport, how do we keep them in that headspace? The short answer is – they have to have fun. That is easier said than done.
HOW DO ATHLETES HAVE FUN?
There is such a common belief that winning isn’t everything. But show me a team that loses, and I will show you a big chunk of athletes who aren’t having fun. Winning and fun typically go hand in hand. Now, take that for what it is. I do not take a “win at all cost” approach, especially at the youth level. However, if an athlete is on a terrible team year after year, there is a good chance they will not continue in that sport.
Athletes have fun by having success – both individually and as a team. In this case, the coaches job is (always) two fold. How do you develop each individual player – which, in turn, helps to foster their love of the sport, while also developing a successful team?
HOW CAN A COACH CREATE FUN?
Here is the challenge.
One of the first things a coach can do, and this applies moreso to travel and club coaches, is to make sure your team is flighted appropriately. You want to play teams that will challenge you but also allow for some success. Win every game big and kids get bored. Lose every game and kids want to quit. If you have the ability to flight your team, give it appropriate thought based on your talent level.
The second challenge is to create dynamic practices. Kids need structure and purpose, no matter their age. We will explore this in many future blog posts but it is absolutely essential to have a detailed practice plan that keeps kids moving. In this age of immediate gratification and cell phone use, kids do not want to stand around for an hour and a half while the coach pitches and one player stands at the plate swinging at 10 pitches. Every activity must be designed for maximum involvement for all players. And each activity must change periodically. Players must remain engaged, not matter the age.
The third challenge is to connect with the players. You must get to know players. A good classroom teacher breaks down immediate barriers each day. Get to know your players as quickly as possible. Not all conversation should be about the sport. Find out what they like. Even though it may be basketball practice, ask about their soccer team. Ask about school, friends, their favorite foods. Whatever it takes. Establish a connection. This will pay dividends when you are teaching a skill or when they struggle in a game.
The fourth challenge is to build a winning culture. Again, this can be a book in and of itself. We will explore ways to do this in great detail. However, every team must have a winning culture even if you are not winning. Celebrate small successes. Players must see some success in order to have “fun” in the sport.
Each player on your team will have different ability levels – so what is considered “successful” will vary from player to player. It is important to know the abilities of each player and encourage success accordingly.
OPEN COMMUNICATION
The worst thing a coach, at any level can do, is to show up, roll out some balls and blow a whistle to start practice. There must be open and constant communication with each player.
If you have assistant coaches, put them in charge of stations so that there is more individualized instruction. Make sure to engage with each player individually every few minutes. Little nuggets of feedback go a long way.
If they field a ground ball well. Tell them. If they can do something better. Tell them. Some communication is better than no communication. Players want to feel like they are valued and when the coach interacts with them, it reinforces that belief.
REFLECTION
After each practice. Reflect. What worked well? What didn’t? What was the player engagement like in each part of practice. Remember, the answers may be different season to season. Every team has a unique makeup. Learn about your team as quickly as possible and adjust your practice plan accordingly.
With a structured plan, open and honest communication and constant reflection, the steps to creating a more “fun” environment become a bit easier.
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