Coaching / Teaching Responsibility

As a coach, teacher, leader, etc. you are given an enormous amount of responsibility to those around you. Below is the philosophy I have used throughout my career as a constant reminder for myself and my staff. When in doubt, or if you find yourself or others questioning what you’re doing, return to this for humility, grounding, and to guide your decisions.

No matter the role for which you choose to adapt this, it should be implemented as soon as possible to set the ground work. If you’re part of a staff or team, everyone should have ample opportunity to collaborate, so all agree on the foundation. This can be adapted for any role in life whether professional, at home, or just as a person. Add or remove items as you see fit for your given situation.

Teaching Philosophy:

1. Let your players know you care about them. Trust is earned, not guaranteed.

2. Lead by example (character). Be a good role model to your players (integrity). Develop and keep credibility with your players by being honest, respectful, and loyal.

3. Inspire confidence in your athletes that you’re the best coach and teacher in the nation. If the athletes don’t believe it, we are not successful as a department. Athletes must believe that you and the program are the best in the nation.

4. We must be great teachers.

• You are the teacher. Your teaching is evaluated by your athletes’ performance – physically and emotionally.
• Professors can have A,B,C,D,F students. We are striving for all A’s.
• Keep things simple. Don’t over coach. Find the best way to teach each athlete. Teach fundamentals.
• We must first teach fundamentals and technique, so they are understood and executed every set, every rep.
• Coach before and after the set – not during the set. Give one- and two-word cues during the set.

5. Always look to find ways to improve your teaching and methods.

6. Athlete meetings – Don’t assume the athlete knows anything – start from scratch.

• Be on time for every meeting – NEVER be late.
• Be thoroughly prepared.
• Have a plan for each meeting.
• Be professional.
• Have your athletes come prepared to take notes (paper, pencil, etc.).
• Find an office or meeting room to have the meeting.
• Keep the door closed, this meeting is between the two of you.

7. Watch language in the weight room. Remember there are other sports here too.

8. No tobacco products by staff or players – NCAA Rule.

9. We will not lay a hand on an athlete.

10. Great enthusiasm and energy (NOT CHEERLEADING). Explain to the athlete we critique performance and not to take it personally. Find things to be positive about and build on it! Your communication and motivation should be positive! If this is not true, seek out how to change.

11. Be consistent.

• All Players must be team players and abide by the weight room rules and policies.
• Praise and criticize all athletes. Athletes will notice any inconsistency in your player interaction.
• Coach 100% effort every workout, every set, every rep.
• Players must be on time for every workout or meeting.
• Attention to detail.
• Demand athletes to compete in all facets of their workout. Compete against their own standards.

12. Hard workers on the floor. COACHING.

• Coach every exercise! Coach every exercise! Coach every exercise! Coach every exercise!
• Don’t stand in one spot. (Hands in pockets, arms folded, leaning against machines is not permitted in our program.)
• Go to where the action is. Be involved, don’t watch others coach.
• If a coach stands around, so will the athletes.
• No clinics during sets. Talk about it before or after the set or set up special instructions at another time.
• Player’s don’t lay around the weight room or sit for extended periods. Get them moving.
• Demand enthusiasm, intensity to get better, and constant improvement of technique.
• No staff huddles. We have an obligation to the athletes. Our energy is directed toward them. Coach the athletes, talk to one another later.

13. Never laugh or make fun of an athlete in manner that is harmful. Don’t degrade. No name calling – No unwarranted threats!

14. Walk-ons are treated like scholarship athletes – with respect.

15. Athletes need attention.

• Injured athletes need attention – physiological and psychological. Help them through injury.
• Get to know all your players.
• Build up your athletes after adversity (tough practice, criticism, etc.)

16. We must develop self-starters and leaders.

• Develop the importance of team.
• Promote the value of good work habits and principles of accountability.
• Give players more responsibility (stretching, talking to the team with your suggestions).
• Encourage positive peer pressure.
• Constantly emphasize expectations you have on your athletes. When they understand, they will perform better.