In sport, we need to foster the willingness to try new things, to take risks, to test

potential. This is best accomplished in a supportive, encouraging

atmosphere that is characterized by praise not criticism, full of rewards not

punishment. Rather than saying "That's the wrong way to do...!" - it means

saying "You've done this part well, now let's see if we can add..." Try to catch your

athletes doing something right, not something wrong.

Sport should be fun. Fun doesn't mean that athletes need to be laughing and

giggling all the time. Part of the fun is challenge that is realistic and

encouraging. Part of fun is playing - playing the game or playing at parts of the

game. Fun is not standing in line waiting for your brief turn at an activity. Fun is

being actively involved. Fun is being respected for your self and your particular

talents. Fun means freedom from negative criticism and harassment. Fun

means that we all count as part of the team. Fun means that we play the game

fairly, not to bend the rules or break them to gain an advantage. Fun means

having a sense of satisfaction that what you are involved in is gratifying and

worthwhile. Fun is what your athletes should expect from you. Fun is what you

should expect now that you are involved in coaching.

As a coach, you are an equal partner in making sport fun - you should neither be

overly authoritarian nor merely a passive observer.

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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