“Seek opportunities to show you care. The smallest gestures often make the biggest difference.” – John Wooden
Coaching has become an artful expression over the years. I think of a great artist like Vincent Van Gogh, Michelangelo and Ai Weiwei and Christo Claude in the current era; each of them with unique styles that have an impact on not only the world we live from a macro perspective but the artist industry itself. I view coaching the same way, the impact a coach has on a child can last a lifetime for a child, but also for the coaching industry itself.
Every coaching style has an opportunity to be successful, that success is based around building a foundation formed around relationships. Relationships can take a under-performing team and help them reach new heights or an incredibly talented team and create an atmosphere of negativity. As a coach, relationships are the life line of your team. Master this foundation and the opportunities are endless.
Below are three successful ways to incorporate relationships building tactics into youth sports teams.
- One on One time with players – Children benefit greatly from one on one time with the coach. Simple tactics as a quick 5-8 min check-in will help pave the way for a communication. This can come in the form of helping with skill development or just a simple “how are things going outside of the team” goes a long way
- Take an interest in classroom performance – Encouraging children to excel in the classroom goes along way with building relationships. Parents will support you on the court. Remember parents, player and coach work together for success!!
- Everyone is a Leader – Giving every child an opportunity to lead is powerful when it comes to building relationships, Selecting a “captain for the day” is a great example to encourage leadership in every player.
Remember to check out The Book Light Year Dreams: Becoming the Athlete, Building the Leader. Combine these tactics with Chapter 1 : Work Ethic Determines Performance. If there are any further questions regarding best practices in building relationships with players, please contact Christopher Mayshack @ christopherjmayshack@gmail.com. Thank you !
