THOUGHTS ABOUT THE COACH FOR THE PLAYER: by Barry L. Mestel, President of Winning Ways Inc.

Coaches should treat players as they can be, not as they are – you should demonstrate your potential while you strive for continuous improvement. Coaches should reward only what they want done. One philosophy states that the player that is closest with the coach is the one who will benefit the most. A player can only think, “Coach likes this, I'll do it again,” if the player knows what the coach wants. How can you become the player who knows what the coach wants? For starters, always pay attention. Come early to practice, be the last to leave, work the hardest, and if you think of a question while you’re not at practice-write it down and bring it with you for the coach to answer. If you get comfortable communicating with your coach, then you’ll feel close to your coach, then you’ll trust your coach, and if you trust your coach, you don’t doubt your coach’s decisions. Doubt is what keeps plays from being run correctly. Doubt is what keeps players from taking shots during games. Doubt is what causes losses.

If possible, a good coach will know the team you’re playing before you play them. How does the coach know the team? The coach goes and watches the team. Ask your coach if you can come too, if you get in the habit of watching games with your coach, then your coach will get in the habit of asking you if you want to come. Knowledge is the most valuable. When you come out of a game, sit right next to the coach on the bench. Listen to what the coach is saying. Everything your coach says to you during games is important, whether it’s during your game or someone else’s game. You can use what your coach says to become a better player.

Once you’ve established this relationship with your coach, you’re set for life. Later in life, while you’re reaching higher levels, you can always go back to that coach for help. The players who distant themselves from the coach are the ones who hear criticism and take it personally, those players consider what is said to them about their game, as insults. The players who are closer understand that the criticism is to help them; therefore, they value criticism.

Don’t forget that your coach is just like your teacher in school. Would you ever disrespect your teacher? Probably not without getting in trouble. Even though you may be close with your coach, that doesn’t change the fact that your coach is still an authority figure. Know your limits. Remember, your coach holds the power of whether or not you play, so respect the coach at all times. Go out of your way to show extra respect for the coach. Your coach won’t show respect for you unless you show him or her respect.