The Never Ending Challenge

What is the one thing every coach has to deal with all the way up to the pros? Playing time, no matter the team sport, no matter the level, playing time is always an issue. It comes from players, and all to often parents feel the need to give their unsolicited point as to why their player needs more time, innings, more minutes etc. I think you get my point because experiences like this are inevitable for any coach.

As players start to enter the more competitive ranks of sports where there are not rules concerning playing time it is important for coaches to take the time and explain how players will see minutes. I have this conversation early in the year and have it more then once. This way, there is no confusion amongst the players and there is a standard and clear expectation right from the start as to how one will get playing time. In the process this gives us as coaches more to lean on and refer back to when confronted by a parent. In addition it makes the player more accountable as to why they are getting the minutes they are.

There are a few ingredients I use to help determine playing time. The first is attendance at practice, can't play if you can't come to practice. Make the commitment and you will be rewarded. Attitude, one needs to have a good attitude while at practice, this plays into coachability which is equally as important. Attitude and coachability mean players are willing to listen and take the time to get better. Effort at practice goes a long way and playes into the two previous aspects. Players who never take a rep off and  practice at a high level throughout practice are able to play at a sustained high level come game time.

It is always a challenge to deal with playing time. I have found the ability to embrace the challenge because it is part of competitive sports, so it will follow me wherever I go. It helps with other aspects of team chemistry because it helps teens have perspective as well as mature as an athlete. Having clear expectations will help players understand how to get better and make the effort to do so. Clear expectations puts the accountability on the player to do their job in order to get playing time. Challenges are what make us grow as individuals, embrace them come up with a resolution and all will benefit, players coaches and parents.

Quality coaches wear many hats

In my last post I spoke of a conversation I had with a middle school principal regarding the importance of developing relationships with students and players. I whole heartily agree that success working with youth in any capacity begins with the relationship we as adults develop with our players, students, campers or whomever. Relationships are going to build the foundation for an environment where the kids are able to take risk, grow their confidence and be able to raise their level of achievement.

Having relationships with players and students that go beyond the sport or content covered in class will help students perform at a higher level because they do not want to let the coach or teacher down. This shows in student work or improvement from game to game, practice to practice or over the course of the semester. My experience is when my players feel like we have a positive relationship they are always eager to share stories or give evidence of what we were covering in practice.

Coaching high level athletics I see more from my players then I do students. My theory is that a roster of 12 or 18 players as oppose to 100 students makes for a more comfortable environment. Because sport manifests itself as competition, my experience that players feel a stronger need and sense of urgency to perform at a higher level. Perhaps it is irony, that amongst the sweat of competition and striving for superior performance, there seems to be a strong sense of comfort.

In my experience, building relationships with players and students I become more then a coach. I began to play mentor, confidant or counselor. I know that teenagers are less willing to take advice from parents at this age, they have come to me for guidance and support and seeking answers as they try and figure out life as a teenager. Maslow says that when people are safe they will be able to feel more comfortable trying new things and be more willing to step outside their comfort zone. There is no better example then coaching youth and teens.  

Where I've been, Experiences I've had

While I was attending Western Governors University to obtain my teaching certificate in secondary social studies I was unable to maintain this blog. I have since graduated and am looking forward to new opportunities, challenges and experiences that this post-baccalaureate degree will bring me. As I do so I intend to share my experiences and lessons in this blog. I feel as people we can share with others the most valuable experiences as we all try and navigate the game of life.

Last year I was the 8th grade basketball coach, I was offered a spot on the high school staff for this year. I was honored and privileged to be given this opportunity because this group of freshman are a special group; Incredibly athletic, high basketball IQ and hungry to get better. At the end of the 8th grade season I knew they were special, so having the chance to coach them again this year was an incredible opportunity. These three adjectives are a coaches dream so I knew immediately I wanted to home to the high school with them.

As an adult and as a coach, I am always looking to be better. I am ambitious with my career as well as with my personal characteristics. I have learned a great deal about coaching high school sports from these guys as well as have been reaffirmed that what I am doing things right. The boys are smiling, positive with each other at practice, we can joke with each other, it is really fun to be around them and to be together as a group. The other side is parents are happy as well, they are a supportive group and so knowing they are happy with whats happening is important for me as well the future success of our program. My contribution to this environment is making it fun as well as developing relationships that go beyond the X's and O's.

When I was done with my student teaching, the principal told me my ability to relate to students beyond the material, whether basketball or humanities will pay huge dividends for me over the course of my career. This was probably the greatest compliment for me because I have always felt this. To hear it from the principal reaffirms that I have chosen the right career and will be able to make it rewarding and enriching for me.

It is important to remember that all individuals have something to offer, youth and teens do as well. I like to think I am a "student of the game" part of that is realizing I can learn from my players just as they are learning from me.