THE FIRST IN A FIVE PART BLOG SERIES – YOUTH COACHING 101
At some point, you may volunteer or ask to become a youth sports coach. A recent study by the CDC found that over half of children ages 6-17 will participate in a youth sport. While that is a large percentage of child participants, there are far fewer adults willing to coach. Many recreation, travel and club organizations are desperate for coaches. While a handful of youth coaches have coaching experience at some level, most do not. How do you become a youth sports coach? The fact that you are reading this blog is the first step.
You do not have to have previous experience to be a successful youth sports coach. If you have a basic understanding of the sport, a willingness to learn and the patience to work with children, you have the foundation necessary to start your coaching career.
You must understand that many youth sports coaches do not have experience. Do not be afraid. If you follow some basic steps and guidelines and are eager to educate yourself, you will do just fine. The benefits of coaching are endless. First of all, you will be teaching a sport and life lessons to young athletes. You will establish valuable relationships as you watch the young athletes grown and blossom in the sport and life. And you will benefit tremendously by feeling a sense of accomplishment after every practice, game and season.
STEP 1 – UNDERSTANDING THE TIME COMMITMENT
If you want to coach the proper way, please understand that the time commitment is much more than the few hours of week you are at practice. Coaching is a serious time commitment but it is not as painful as it comes across. You must be organized and have a game plan for the season.
The first step is outlining the season. Create a calendar of practices, games, picture days, fundraisers and other volunteer events (community clean up days, etc.) A few decades ago, all of this would have to be put on paper and passed out to parents. Nowadays there are many apps where you can communicate all essential information. Apps such as GameChanger and Crossbar are free for everyone and allow parents to have access to all pertinent information.
As soon as you get the needed information, set up an app and include the email addresses or phone numbers for your parents. Provide the calendar of all relevant games and practices well in advance. This eliminates any last minute surprises or not having enough players for a game.
The next step is to create a unit plan for the preseason. Outline how many practices you will have and create a detailed list of what you would like to accomplish each practice. This depends on the sport, however the concept is the same.
If you are coaching Little League and you have eight practices before you first game, you must teach the fundamentals such as throwing and hitting but (depending on the level) you also may have to prepare the team with bunt defenses, first and third plays, outfield relays, baserunning plays, etc. Make sure these are all covered in the unit plans.
When you practice each day you must arrive with organization and energy. Each practice must be scripted to the minute (we will address this in future blogs) and you must be enthusiastic.
Time is important and valuable.
STEP 2 – GETTING CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED (If Required)
Every sport is different. Most sports require coaches to at least be CPR/AED/First Aid certified. Find out from your league what the requirements are and allow for plenty of time prior to the season to obtain necessary certifications.
Many travel soccer leagues require coaches to take a course and obtain a Grassroots Coaching License. Coaches can also sign up for additional courses for higher level licenses. If you plan to coach multiple seasons, I would recommend getting as many certifications as you can.
Some courses are online. Others are blended, with an on-field component. Check with your league to get a feel for what is required for you to coach.
STEP 3 – LEARNING THE BASICS OF THE SPORT
This step varies from coach to coach. Some coaches are well versed in the sport. Others may not understand the first thing about it. Use online resources to provide a basic fundamental knowledge of the rules and basic strategies.
If you are coaching at the recreational level, you can get by with a basic understanding of the game. If you are coaching at the travel or club level, you must have a more intimate knowledge of the sport. Simple internet searches will provide a plethora of knowledge.
Even if you have been involved in the sport your entire life, do not underestimate the need to be a lifelong learner. Many high level coaches attend professional development workshops each year to stay up to date on the trends in the sport.
Make sure you obtain specific league rules or rulebooks from your organization. Certain baseball leagues have pitch count rules. Certain basketball leagues have substitution rules. Contact your league officials to get a copy of the rulebook and league rules.
STEP 4 – BUILDING YOUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Now it starts getting interesting. What is your WHY? What is your coaching philosophy? Do you want to develop a love of the game in your athletes? Do you want to teach fundamentals? Do you want to be positive? Do you want to win a championship?
Some of these questions may vary based on the level or skill of your players. The biggest piece of advice that you need is to develop a philosophy that mirrors your personality. If you are positive and energetic – be that as a coach. If you are calm and cerebral, with a more educational focused approach – be that as a coach.
Children can see through fakeness. Don’t be inauthentic. Be true to yourself and who you are as a person.
STEP 5 – FACE YOUR FEARS ( YOU WILL BE FINE)
All coaches, whether experienced or novice, have fears prior to the season. You will be absolutely fine.
The practices and games will come and go. Most seasons fly by. At the end, you will be sad it is over but slightly happy to get some more time back in your schedule.
Coaching is a labor of love. Your team starts out as a group of kids at the first practice. Over a few months they bond through the highs and lows of a season. They see each other get their first hit or score their first goal. They hug each other when they miss a shot to win the game. Sports truly mirror life.
Ask any adult to reflect on their youth sports experience and most will talk about the fun times they had. The memories they shared with their coaches and teammates. Games that they won (or lost). They will not talk about the time you screwed up as a coach. Only you dwell on that. Kids don’t.
More than ever, the kids need you more than you know. Jump in with both feet and let’s get going.
COMING SOON: PART 2 – HOW TO CREATE EFFECTIVE YOUTH SPORTS PRACTICE PLANS