In soccer, unsporting behavior can result in a free kick for the other team and even a red card and an expulsion. But, it's often not seen by the referee and even occurs in practice. Some might say that if it's not called then it doesn't matter. As long as it doesn't put your team at a disadvantage, just let it go.
Why wait for the disadvantage? If you see it, deal with it. The first time, every time. Your players should know that you expect them to be good sports and to play by the rules. Your players should know that you care about doing it well and doing it right.
In a recent game, one of my players tripped a player on purpose to keep her opponent from attacking the goal. It was a subtle and undetected move that she had learned on another team. The rest of the girls were watching for my reaction, but it would have been the same regardless. "You kept her from scoring, that's true," I said, "but don't ever do that again while you are on this team."
Be consistent and unequivocal on this one. If you have to play unfairly to win then you haven't really won at all.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Rule 1: It’s not about you
If you didn’t know I was the coach of my teams you probably wouldn’t guess it. During games especially, I quietly observe what is happening and give feedback to the players not on the field or to individuals as they come off. I rarely raise my voice except when I think the kids are lagging and need a power boost.
Don’t get me wrong. I care about winning intensely. But more importantly, I care about the success of my team and each individual as much as any coach.
But I know this: every parent on the sideline is there to see their daughter get opportunities to perform well. Games are a time for players to perform. All of the yelling, positioning, reminding we can do from the sideline only serves to distract. The time to teach is at practice and when the girls are catching their breath on the sideline.
I may be wrong, but it strikes me that the loudest coaches are the ones that are somehow trying to draw attention to themselves. Maybe they are trying to relive their time in youth sports or to make up for lost opportunity somewhere along the line. I don’t really know.
Yes, I wish my senior year in high school had not included being shut out eight times in ten games and only scoring two goals as a team all season. But that was my chance, and now, as coach, it’s my job to help my players make the best of their chances.
There is tremendous opportunity for personal satisfaction in youth sports coaching. But first and foremost your goal should be to make it about them.
Don’t get me wrong. I care about winning intensely. But more importantly, I care about the success of my team and each individual as much as any coach.
But I know this: every parent on the sideline is there to see their daughter get opportunities to perform well. Games are a time for players to perform. All of the yelling, positioning, reminding we can do from the sideline only serves to distract. The time to teach is at practice and when the girls are catching their breath on the sideline.
I may be wrong, but it strikes me that the loudest coaches are the ones that are somehow trying to draw attention to themselves. Maybe they are trying to relive their time in youth sports or to make up for lost opportunity somewhere along the line. I don’t really know.
Yes, I wish my senior year in high school had not included being shut out eight times in ten games and only scoring two goals as a team all season. But that was my chance, and now, as coach, it’s my job to help my players make the best of their chances.
There is tremendous opportunity for personal satisfaction in youth sports coaching. But first and foremost your goal should be to make it about them.
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