A Coach's Mission

I miss my coaching days. I took it very seriously because I knew my mission was important.  I stepped away from coaching for a couple of reasons. My kid doesn’t need a dad coach. She needs to be inspired and motivated by others so she can find her own passions.  Also, with growing family needs and professional demands I didn't want to try to give from an empty cup.  I treasure those days.  I met some of the greatest people I know on the field and on the court.  I learned some of the hardest lessons too.  Coaching made me a better teacher and administrator.  I am very thankful for the opportunity I was given to impact others.

Now I spend a lot of time supervising and problem solving for kids and coaches alike.  I can watch a game objectively and evaluate what is going on.  It is not hard to see who the coaches are showing up for.  I always felt that I showed up for my players. I planned and worked for the kids because I knew they depended on me. If I didn't know how to teach something, I went a and learned it.  I took that relationship and dynamic very seriously.   I’m no expert, but that was my approach. I knew who I was there for and often I can spot this in other coaches. It shows up in their behaviors and their outcomes.

Not every coach is going to be a good one. Some are player centered without a clue how to work the Xs and Os. Some have the mechanics of winning down, but have no clue how to teach it. My hope for coaches that is they know who they work for. If you show up for kids, it shows. If you are only showing up for you. It shows. A coach’s mission has nothing to do with the coach. Their mission stands in front of them at every practice and every game.

When your kids are your mission, the following is obvious to everyone:

• EVERY kid has a strong foundation in basic skills. You are embarrassing them if they show up and don’t know how to play.
• A team culture is present by the unspoken habits of the players.  What they do without being told is a reflection of you and not them.
• Every player has a growth mindset. That is not built in. It is taught and nurtured by the adults in their lives.
• The kids want to win more than you do. They value their own success. Your job is to get them there. Your job is not to use them as a vehicle to your success.

I know this isn't enough to write a best selling book on, but it is a start.  I don't claim to be an expert, but after watching many successful and unsuccessful teams compete I can say its a good starter kit for a new coach.  Dare I say it might be a start to an effective evaluation tool?  Coaches, the kids are your mission.  They will respond positively and productively to you if they can see this in action.  The result is better team chemistry, learning more and of course it leads to a winning mentality.  When the kids are not your mission, they can see right through it and you will struggle to find success.  Please know what your mission is.