Great Coaches Keep Learning and Growing

Great Coaches Keep Learning and Growing

“It’s not about the shoes. It’s about what you do in them.”-Michael Jordan

As coaches, we have a different team dynamic, level, and approach each season. Therefore, we are constantly learning and growing! As a coach, many get stuck in the same routine, standards, beliefs, and strategies. But to be a great coach, we have to recognize the need for change and growth! We have to see what types of athletes we have each year, what strengths and weaknesses our athletes and team have as a whole, the types of learners we have, who our athletes are as individuals, what the goals are among the team, and what our rules and expectations are.

Each season and each team is a learning experience for all involved! We are constantly learning and getting creative with drills, practice plans, game plans, and team chemistry events. We should never settle for mediocracy, but to constantly strive for the highest potential not only for the team and athletes, but for us as coaches.

We tend to let pride get in the way at times. Whether you are a coach of 25 years or 5 years, you should never let your pride or comfort get in the way of your success. Change is a great part of life that keeps us on our toes, challenges us, teaches us, and helps us become better than we were to start with.

As a coach, I like to watch, listen, and read what other coaches have to say. There’s always a different perspective, tips, quotes, creative factors, and motivating terms that I learn from and am able to use and apply in my own instruction and approach. It encourages me to always strive to be a better version of myself, not only for me, but for my athletes, team, family, and friend.

Use all of the resources we are all so lucky to have! Ask questions, do research, and get creative! We are all capable of being a great coach, we just have to be willing to work for it.

With the constant learning and growing, perspectives and knowledge I see, hear, and read the more I look forward to each season! It’s a chance to help our young athletes learn and grow as individuals and as a team while learning how to see themselves through a positive perspective, become aware of their abilities and skill level, and gain knowledge about the game.

As coaches we are influencers, and with that title comes a lot of expectation, diligence, and passion. It is up to us to become a positive influence for our athletes. To be honest, caring, hardworking, respectful, and knowledgeable human beings they can look up to, learn from, and be inspired by.

We must put in 110% FOR them if we expect 110% FROM them.

A great coach is constantly learning and growing. Take advantage of all you can learn from each practice, lesson, game, book, coach, and each experience you get during the season, because that is your chance to not only be a better coach and person, but a chance to help your athletes be a better player, person, and teammate.

Written by Nikoli Sharp