People become coaches for many reasons: because they have a child in

sport, because they were an athlete themselves, or because they want an

opportunity to help in their community. Some coaches step forward;

some are asked to help. No matter what the reasons, all coaches have the same

roles. You will be a teacher, a leader, an organizer, and sometimes will even act

as a counselor.

Coach has a nice ring to it. It sounds important. It is important. Think back

to some of the lessons your coaches taught you. Perhaps you remember the

importance of trying your best all the time. Perhaps you remember how

important team goals and sportsmanship were. Perhaps you were taught

how to solve problems or you were excited about learning new things. That

coach made a difference in your life. You too can make the sport experience

meaningful, fun, and memorable. That's why you're here. When your

reasons for coaching match the needs and development level of your

athletes, everyone can win.

In your role as a teacher, you will be asked to share your knowledge of the

sport and prepare athletes to play by improving fitness and developing skills

specific to your sport.

In your role as leader, you will make many decisions, to motivate your

athletes and help them set and attain goals.

In your role as an organizer, you will manage practice and game schedules

for the team, plan and evaluate practices and evaluate athletes.

In your role as a counselor, you will listen to and provide guidance and

support for your athletes.

It is important to understand that athletes, like coaches, participate for

different reasons. Some athletes enjoy the sensation of speed, power, or grace.

Some athletes just want to be with their friends, or be a part of a team (social

reasons). Some athletes want to win, to improve themselves or advance to

high levels in their sport (achievement reasons).

Match your reasons for coaching with the reasons that athletes participate. A

coach who is driven to win, coaching a team of 7 year olds who are there for

fun and social reasons, can result in an unhappy coach and unhappy

athletes.

Coaching Basics

by Lorne Adams, February 2000

Creation of this document supported by the Sport Alliance of Ontario and the

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

This document may be reproduced with credit to the author, Sport Alliance of

Ontario, and Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

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