Some people dream about playing professional sports while others see their future standing on the sidelines guiding the team. Their goal is to be a great coach. If you wondered how the great coaches made it to the top, you have to do your research. Take some time and read about the most successful coaches of all time. Here are a few to get you started . . . Joe Torre, Vince Lombardi, Chuck Noll, Mike Krzyzewski, Pat Summit or John Wooden.
You’ll learn how they got started and discover the paths to their coaching success. Each one is different and each one will teach you something that you’ll be able to use in your quest to become a great coach. Here are some tips to get started.
Become a coach’s assistant
All coaches need help. Whether it’s a six-year old soccer team or your high school basketball team, most head coaches can use your help. The first step in becoming a coach is to choose a sport that you like. You want to get involved in a sport that you enjoy. You don’t have to be a great player to become a great coach but you have to like the sport. In fact, many of the best coaches were not very good athletes but they had a passion for their sport.
Observe coaches in your area
Take some time and go to a few practices and games in your hometown. Watch how the coaches interact with their players, the referees and parents. You’ll quickly know which coaches that you like and which ones that you want to avoid. Observe how they speak to their players. Their tone of voice will tell a lot about their coaching style. At this stage, the key to absorb as much information about coaches as you can.
Ask a coach if he needs some help
Yes, it’s that simple. If there’s a coach that you want to work with, just ask him or her. Tell them that you want to become a coach and you admire their style. Let them know that you want to help him and learn from him. You probably won’t get to actually coach, but you’ll learn what it takes to be a coach.
Keep coaching notes and tips
As a coach’s assistant, you’ll learn so much about coaching and how to handle players that will serve you well into your coaching career. Take notes of what you observed as good coaching skills and methods, but also record those things that you don’t find successful and appropriate for your personal style.
Do your homework
Read, read and keep reading about coaches. To get started, pick up a book about Coach John R. Wooden of UCLA. He is known as one of the truly great coaches in college sports. He was a leader, a mentor and highly respected by his players and competitors. There have been so many books and articles written about Coach Wooden that you won’t have a problem finding one in your favorite book store or library.
As you learn about the great coaches, you’ll find tips and techniques that will work for your personality and style. So, get started on your research and enjoy.
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