7 Rules For Coaching Youth Athletes
As a coach, you’ll be tempted to gage success in a variety of ways. You’ll have influences in and around your team that push and pull you in different directions chasing what success looks like. These guidelines will help you keep the focus where it should be: on the kids.
Youth sports is, and always should be about one thing: the kids. As a coach, (thank you for accepting the challenge and the huge responsibility that goes with it), you’ll be tempted to gage success in a variety of ways (hint: the scoreboard isn’t always the best way). You’ll have influences in and around your team that push and pull you in different directions dictating what success should and does look like. These guidelines will help you keep the focus where it should be: on the kids. By using these 7 Fail Proof Rules To Coaching Youth Athletes Successfully you’ll keep the main thing the main thing.
Rule #1 – Never lie to them.
Kids are smart. They need truth more than protection. So refrain from false praise and inaccurate feedback. They know better. But honesty isn’t a green light for being mean. You still must deliver feedback which promotes growth by extending kindness and grace.
Rule #2 – Teach them manners.
Please and thank you, being punctual and prepared to participate, respecting teammates, coaches, and support staff. All should be expected (and enforced). Remember, If you have no manners, neither will they. Practice what you preach.
Rule #3 – Build relationships with them.
They deserve your attention when it’s scheduled. Be present, ask them questions. Find out what they love, ask them what they fear. Actively be investing in a relationship with them and encourage them to invest in each other too.
Rule #4 – Live in their world.
If they like video games, talk video games with them. If they like other sports, encourage and support them there too. Talk about things THEY want to talk about even if it’s not about the team. They are nerdy, stinky, emotional creatures. Let them be kids.
Rule #5 – Let them figure it out.
Give them the space to figure things out sometimes. Failure is an invaluable teacher. Structure practices, assign team building tasks, and ask for feedback designed to help them think their way out of it. But be ready to step in if you see them struggling though.
Rule #6 – Discipline with intention.
Discipline isn’t hurtful by nature. Hold them accountable, but teach them the lesson during and after. Always tell them you care for them after you discipline (remember #1). Discipline, when administered correctly and consistently aides growth of an athlete.
Rule #7 – Be their most vocal cheerleader.
Young athletes want to be around positive people. Build confidence in them by creating a safe and supportive environment. They will become what they are consistently told they are (remember #1, again). So find ways to encourage them. Honestly.
I’ve spent 15 years coaching youth athletes while being mentored from some of the best in the business. I’ve failed, and won. Learned and suffered. And through everything, I’ve narrowed success to the 7 rules above. The more you follow in a season, the better your chance for success through transformational coaching.
Give everything your everything. And then some.
If you’d like, connect with me on Twitter and Facebook, where I’ll share near daily insight on helping you navigate youth sports.
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