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.
