The Coach: Leadership for Excellence /The Successful Coach, an Exploration

The Coach: Leadership for Excellence /The Successful Coach, an Exploration

Produced for the Amateur Softball Association

Author: Dr. Peter S. Pierro                                         

Copyright © Peregrine Press, 1987   

Dear Reader - A Reminder

In 1987 while working as an adjunct writer at the Amateur Softball Association - now USA Softball - I developed a set of materials for coaches, players, and parents of players to improve their interpersonal relationships. It also dealt extensively with the growth of the players; as players and as young people.  

The result was an audio tape set of eight extended sessions. The information on these eight tapes will be presented in our blogs in its entirety in the following weeks with no editing. The first session The Game - The Thrill of Being a Coach has already been presented in Blogs 1-3 and will continue in Blog #4.

Blog #4 - The Successful Coach, an Exploration 

 There are Winners and There are Losers

The purpose of these tapes is to explore the differences between the winners and the losers. We are going to take a look at the personal and the interpersonal aspects of the game. We are going to examine the content and the effects of motivation, goal setting, positive expectancy, communication, leadership, self-esteem, and sportsmanship. We are going to walk on the fields where the winners walk, those people who have experienced the joy of playing the game and of helping young people share in the enjoyment.

Of course, we have to take that walk in our own way. One person's dreams do not add wings to another person. There are several steps to the quest and to the journey. First, we have to determine where we are, what we believe about ourselves and what we believe about coaching. Then we have to check out the possibilities, where we might go from here. And finally, we have to make our decisions, our choices on which way we will go.

The Belief Systems

At the very beginning, we have to check out three things, first, what do I believe about myself as a coach; second, what do I believe about my players; and third, what do I believe about the game of softball? All of the decisions I make on the practice field and on the playing field are based on my beliefs and on my values. It's kind of a three-legged stool; all of the legs have to be of equal length or you're not on the level.

Beliefs about Coaching

Why do I have my kids come to the game in neat, clean uniforms? I do that because I believe that clean uniforms raise the self-esteem of my players; I believe that clean uniforms win respect from parents, umpires, spectators, and opponents; I believe that clean uniforms express respect for the game of softball; and I believe that wearing clean uniforms helps my team play better and win more games.

It is essential that you examine your personal philosophy of coaching. Obviously, you already have a coaching philosophy and a set of values based on this philosophy. What is important is that you become totally aware of these beliefs and values so that you can operate honestly, consistently, and assertively.

I am going to share with you my personal philosophy that I have developed over many years of teaching elementary school children, college students, and players on teams that I've coached. You are welcome to borrow anything you like from this list.

Belief #1 - I love to coach and I love to win and I will coach and win only within the bounds of my beliefs about myself, about my players, and about the game of softball.

Belief #2 - As the coach, I act as a caring guide and resource person who is committed to assisting each player in growing as a learner, as a ballplayer, and as a unique person.

Belief #3 - I believe that players learn to play by playing; by being involved in the game.

Belief #4 - I believe that any player who comes to practice faithfully, is present at the games, who is interested in being part of the team, should be a member of the team, that is, he or she will not be 'cut'.

Belief #5 - I believe that this team has to be an important part of the life of each of my players, however I must keep this in a reasonable perspective. I must have respect for the other areas of the players' lives; their home and family, their school, and any other valued activities, such as hobbies, music lessons, and leisure time.

Belief #6 - While it is possible that some of my players could go on to 'higher' levels of play; high school, college, even the Major Leagues; I believe my task is to deal with them right now, in terms of their present needs and growth.

Belief #7- I believe that my players and I are on the same team ­I reject any kind of adversarial, me against them, relationship. I also expect complete cooperation among all of the players.

Belief #8 - I believe that mutual respect is always appropriate and essential. I must present the model for this by having respect for each of my players and for myself. Also as part of this modeling, I must be an example of other values I subscribe to, such as honesty, good sportsmanship, and fairness.

Belief #9 - I believe that parents are partners with me in helping children grow and learn in this game.

  Well, there they are. I don't expect you to agree with all of them. As a unique person, you have your own beliefs and priorities. What is important is that you take some time to get in touch with them, to evaluate them, and to make sure you are operating within them.