Youth sports are among the most worthwhile endeavors for those who seek to help their communities. There are many opportunities available for volunteer coaches who are vital to the success of youth sports.
Don’t know how, you say? Inexperienced? That’s where everyone starts. Anyone can volunteer, whether they know the sport or not. Many great youth coaches actually knew very little if anything about the sports they coached until they began coaching their young sons or daughters.
Next time you have the chance, take it. But first, consider the 10 keys to How-To Coach Youth Sports:
Make it Fun
This is and should always be No. 1. If the sport isn’t fun, the kids won’t continue playing. Having a sport or other pastime is an important component to a successful young person’s development. Through sports they learn people skills, teamwork and the value of hard work. They will have their entire lives to work for a living. Making practice enjoyable will keep them interested.
Make the Commitment
Coaching will take some time, from practices to games to post-game pizza parties to discussions in person and on the phone with interested parents. Don't take on the job if you can't give the time. Part of this commitment is taking the time to learn the proper skills and drills necessary for the sport. Consult more experienced coaches. Starting out by assisting someone who has coached before is a great way to begin your coaching career. Consulting books and the internet for sport-specific coaching tips is also advisable.
Set Goals
Get to know your players and what they hope to gain out of the season. What experience level do they have? What specific skills or positions do they hope to learn?
Have the players, with help from their parents, write down goals at the beginning of the season. These should be specific, like "I want to learn how to shoot free throws better" or "I want to learn how to pitch." Be sure to frequently consult these and don’t be afraid to alter the goals as necessary.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Players need to be taught and re-taught. So do their parents. Make sure to keep the lines of communication open between everyone. Players and parents must know your expectations and the consequences for failing to meet them – for example the punishment when a player misses practice or is late for a game. Everyone needs to be aware of your rules as well as league rules, so make sure these are handed out in print and discussed.
Be Consistent
Rules on a team go for everyone. If your punishment for a player missing a practice is not to start the following game, make sure that is always the case, even if it is your star pitcher who missed practice. You should also be consistent with your praise and consistent in your demeanor. Just like adults, kids do not like to be yelled at. Show self control and hope theirs improves.
Celebrate Improvement
Sometimes the highlight of the season can be a single foul ball, if it represents the first time a player actually got a piece of the ball with his bat. The little things – like running in the proper direction and dribbling without the ball hitting your foot – can be cause for celebration. Every player is at a different level, and they all need to be pushed. When they do improve, they need to have that pointed out to them but an adult whose opinion they respect.
Reward Effort
Trying is more than half the battle. Continuing to practice a difficult move or skill builds character and should be congratulated. Sports come much more naturally for some, but the less physically-gifted players who work hard and refuse to give up often develop into better players.
Model Proper Sportsmanship
Be a good sport. Winning is never the most important thing and certainly isn’t the only thing in youth sports. Teach your players to respect the sport, their opponents, their coaches, the officials, and the fans.
Emphasize Teamwork
Everyone’s role on a team is important. No team wins or loses because of one individual, and everyone strikes out once in awhile. Teach your players to empathize with one another and to support one another. Cheering for a teammate and being genuinely happy when they succeed is a great lesson that makes everyone feel better.
Be Fair to Your Own Child
The vast majority of youth coaches begin coaching their own children. This can cause major problems in the parent-child relationship, particularly when the children get older. It is difficult – but very important – to separate the roles of coach and parent. Treat your child the same way you would treat any other player on the team. It sounds simple but it is something often much easier said than done.
Young people who play sports are not only healthier than their peers who don’t, but are also less likely to get involved in drug use and other unhealthy activities. Make a difference in the lives of children by becoming a coach. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
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