Basic Coaching: A 7 Day Program

By: Muscle Media

Have you ever been a coach to a neighborhood youth team? I know how it feels from the first time I was coaching a team of seven-year-old soccer kids. I was amazed how much they can really test your patience, not to mention sanity as they ran around kicking the ball like swarming ants. It feels strange at first, being stared at by a bunch of kids who know that I’m not an expert in the field. So, what’s the deal with coaching?

Coaching is all about working in the competitive world of movers-and-shakers, front-liners, and even a couple of benchwarmers waiting for a chance to perform. I know how that feels when I go back to my regular day job. Some players are just MVP material. Some of them are just there to support the MVP’s, so why do they bother sticking around? It sounds ironic when people say, ‘there is no I in team’, but even underachievers can be sore losers. Attitude is everything.

These are some steps that can help, but it takes determination for coaching:

Corporate Team Building

Corporate Team Building has become very popular in recent years. There are many options available: vacation packages, rope courses, on-going office games, ice-breakers, etc. Management can also purchase videos, books, and seminar packages to assist in building their organization into a worthy team. Later you’ll be given some ideas of where you can go for information on effective team-building tools.

Motivation

The truth about motivation is waiting to be revealed! It is ripe and ready to be put into action today. Don’t settle for mind-numbing gibberish. Think of 3 small ways to begin. Start looking forward to your alarm clock going off each morning before you huddle with your team.

Experience

Experience is priceless, regardless of any courses you’ve taken. There is something captivating about being someone who knows how to stir the energetic side of another person. It’s even more impressive if you’re able lift up an entire team.

Judging

To judge a person by their performance is often necessary, but never question their knowledge or intelligence. Sadly, mistakes have been made by coaches who never seem to understand what a player has to go through to do the job right. It may lead to aggravation and frustration. If you want the job done right, then go do it yourself. You’ll see what it is like to be on the receiving end. It will also help you plan a much better course for improvement.

Egotism

Sending a player to the bench is probably the most difficult experiences in coaching, especially if the player is your top performer. When dealing with this kind of situation, see to it that he understands the reasons for the removal. Egotism may tend to make them lose focus. Be firm but understanding about it.

Responsibility

Don’t allow your position to blind you from your responsibility. Coaches are human. Realize that you may think that you’re superior, but only by position. Even if you were in their shoes at their age, it’s better to have them realize that this is for their own benefit.

Trust

Finally, you should learn to trust yourself and your team. Decisions and performance are primarily your goals, but also your responsibility. There are many opportunities to determine if you could perform the tasks more efficiently. So, before you are tempted to send someone to the bench, have a good chat with them. See if they have any problems you don’t know about. Encourage them to continue with their best efforts. It never hurts to give them a good, encouraging slap on the back.

It’s important for a company to be successful. We’re all part of a team and part of any success. Coaches are there to serve as the guides who will help you perform to your potential. You may be teaching them, but you’ll be learning too.