Why
Does Your Coach Do What He/She Does?
Written by Mike Batell
I'd
like to pose the following question to the reader: Why do you think that your
coach, coaches? If your answer is somewhere along the lines of money, prestige,
fame, power, or control, I ask that you re-analyze your answer after reading
this article.
When
someone asks me this question, I instinctively respond, "Because I love
coaching." However, the whole answer is much deeper than that. While I
certainly enjoy the excitement of competition and the thrill of winning a
nail-biter against a conference rival, basketball is about much more than
winning and losing games. I coach because I feel that -- through basketball -- I
can teach my players life lessons.
First
of all, I teach my players about the often-overlooked importance of finding a
lifelong dream. They are encouraged to discover a pursuit, which they can pour
their hearts into. In a sense, I suggest that they become "dreamers."
By choosing a vision of their own futures at a young age, they acquire
confidence and endurance -- virtues necessary to ride out the turbulence of
life.
Secondly,
my players are taught that, in order to achieve their dreams, they will have to
persevere through the toughest of adversities, the lowest of lows. "Don't
give up. Don't ever give up." These are the inspirational words of a true
hero, Jim Valvano, who died after a courageous battle with cancer in 1993 --
just ten years after leading the NC State Wolfpack to an "impossible"
NCAA Championship. Does your coach encourage you to try your hardest?
Next,
I underline the value of an education. Far too often, kids are pressured into
sacrificing academics for athletics. Priorities must not only be set, but also
faithfully adhered. Through the combination of education and dreams/goals, a
coach has the ability to open up opportunities for kids, which they themselves
would have never imagined to be available. Does your coach tell you the
importance of doing your homework and studying?
The
importance of family can also be emphasized. Obviously, when people hear the
word "family," the first thoughts that come to mind are "Mom,
Dad, brother, sister, grandma, grandpa." But a basketball team can also
constitute a sort of "second family." In fact, many of our athletes
come from a background that lacks a strong family atmosphere or father figure. A
cohesive basketball team shares many traits of a family: strong bonds, respect,
sacrifice, the ability to work through arguments, and the compassion to provide
guidance when confronting problems. Does your coach encourage you to be friends
with your teammates?
A
coach must continuously demonstrate concern for his players. As Mike Krzyzewski
writes, "If we do all we can in showing concern for our players, we will be
rewarded by seeing our players develop as people while they are developing as
players." My players are reminded throughout the season that I am always
available to talk with them, whether it relates to issues regarding basketball
or not. Even if it's 3 o'clock in the morning, my phone is always on the hook.
Dean Smith takes great pride in the fact that past players frequently seek his
advice when confronted with life's crucial decisions. A coach should strive to
establish relationships with his players that transcend the basketball court.
Does your coach show concern for you?
Through
enthusiasm, my players are encouraged to add electricity, excitement, and flavor
to every aspect of their lives. As Ralph Waldo Emerson proclaimed, "Nothing
great has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm." Enthusiasm can be
seen through laughter, through a spirited voice, or through passion in one's
eyes. Does your coach encourage enthusiasm?
Finally,
I teach my players that there is much more to life than basketball. This fact
was tragically brought to our attention when the younger brother of one of my
players was killed in a car accident while traveling to a tournament
championship game. But it was through this tragic event that I saw how truly
special my players are. The amount of care and concern that they showed for
their grieving teammate was remarkable. Possibly the single most important thing
I have ever done in my life was to help that young man through that critical
period in his life.....…Why do I coach? That is why I coach. If you answered
“no” to most of the questions asked at the ends of the paragraphs, you
should talk to your coach about that.
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Questions to
think about for practice discussion:
Does this article
sound familiar about your coaches?
As a player, what
do the coaches hope to develop with you throughout the entire season?