Champion Coach on Athlete Behavior
Teaching Positive Athlete Behavior
It is the coach’s responsibility to model positive, respectful behavior at all times. As Play Like a Champion’s Kristin Sheehan notes in Part 2 of her series on athlete behavior, this is the first key to forming the athletes we coach (see video to right). Coaches are models for their athletes; our athletes see what we do and follow our example. Thus it’s especially important for coaches to remain calm and in control during practice and games, particularly when competition heats up or adversity strikes. This example will help our athletes to do the same, to demonstrate positive behavior and to perform at their best. The other key to promoting positive athlete behavior is to have intentional conversations with our athletes and teams. As Sheehan explains, the circle conversation is a popular and effective way to do this. Watch her comments this week and then plan your own team conversation. Here are a few simple prompts to start the discussion: How should we treat each other on our team? How do we treat our opponents in competition? How do we treat our officials during competition? How do we react when adversity strikes or when things aren’t going our way? Come up with your own questions as well and have these conversations at practices throughout the season. Then follow up; evaluate how you are doing as a team in living up to the standards you have set through these discussions. By setting a positive example, having intentional team conversations, and evaluating your behavior as a team, coaches can create a culture that develops athletes as young men and women, while also promoting a better team environment that boosts performance.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
~ Matthew 5:16
A Prayer for Coaches
This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. But what I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place that which I have traded. I want it to be gain not loss, good not evil, success not failure. I know I shall not regret the price I have paid for it because the future is just a whole string of now’s! Lord, help me to live this day according to your will. Amen.
Prayer by Lou Holtz.