Coaching is not all about the X’s and O’s, there are many aspects of being a coach. A big one is having a connection with their team and players. Every kid and player out on the field is unique in many ways. They learn at different speeds, in different styles, and have different skill sets. It can be challenging for a Coach to be running practice, teaching new game methods, and there is a group of kids talking or doing their own thing. This is very frustrating for a coach wanting to get the best out of all their players. Here we are going to give the coaches out there some tips on how to understand better and coach players in today’s time.
Stringers Society Top Ten Coaching Tips
- Make sure the entire team is engaged and attentive. Being active in your drills can get more players engaged. Also, using small groups forces inclusion.
- Positive reinforcement makes every player feel better. Using encouragement is far more effective than constant punishment.
- Punishment and corrections are best in 1 0n 1 situations. Clearly explaining a problem to a player helps reduce the chances of repeating a bad habit.
- Find out what motivates your players. Knowing your players is half the battle and getting them excited for play makes all the difference.
- Always be consistent because it establishes loyalty and respect. Treat all players the same, and give them a routine they will expect each game day/practice.
- Explain everything in order to teach better! Today’s players are obsessed with the “why”. Explaining the benefits of a drill can get players more involved and bought it for better productivity.
- You don’t want to be your players’ friend. This doesn’t mean you can’t be friendly, just remember you’re the authority.
- Build a good culture. Let your players know you respect them and make sure they respect you too, then your team will be more open with each other.
- If it’s happening on your field you either coach it or allow it. This goes into building a good culture and stopping activities or habits you don’t want on your team.
- Be honest and make sure players know their roles to avoid hard feelings. If playing time isn’t distributed equally among all players then they should know why so they can understand.
Great Coaches Make Great Players, and Great Players Thank Great Coaches
Your team should have behavioral expectations from your players as well as mutual respect. Nobody should be considered above any players so none are allowed to get away with something others wouldn’t. All players must follow the same rules and have the same punishments while you are coaching. This lets you keep players in line so that none feel they are being treated differently.
A Conclusion to Lacrosse Coaching Advice
Coaching can be one of the most rewarding jobs out there, but it’s more about the kids than you. Share your vast knowledge with players wanting to learn and you’ll see how great it is in no time. You can make these kids better humans by teaching simple life lessons along with the skills of lacrosse. Coach in order to make your players better athletes, but teach them to be better people. Remember, our great sport isn’t always about winning on the scoreboard. Celebrate small victories like players improving, passing milestones, and becoming better people in order to keep morale high and make lacrosse as much fun as possible.
