We have bullet-pointed the 18 key factors in a one-page summary of our article "Doing the right things when interacting with your players -The 'Checklist' for Youth Coaches".
You can print off this quick-view checklist to see if you, as a coach, are meeting most of the considerations mentioned. However, we encourage you to read the articles in full- as each point below is explained in detail.
We have written a non-sports-specific version of this piece, along with hockey and soccer-oriented versions.
1) Build confidence in your players.
2) Identify the real team players on your squad.
3) Communicate regularly - and honestly.
4) Explain clearly what you want and then demonstrate what you want.
5) Recognize that every young person/athlete is motivated differently.
6) Recognize that you have a potentially huge affect on the young people you coach.
7) Don't hide your head in the sand. Make yourself aware of personality conflicts on your team, and work to resolve them.
8) Keep your players' egos in check.
9) Listen to your players. Don't assume you have all the answers.
10) Model real leadership. If you talk about leadership but don't live it, your players will tune you out.
11) Be consistent in your discipline and expectations, regardless of whether it's your "stars" or those who play less often.
12) The Golden Rule: Monitor how your players treat one another.
13) Be respectful of parents.
14) Always be open to new players, but be loyal to dedicated returning players.
15) Ask yourself: Are you being the adult in the relationship with your player/players?
16) Recognize that every player on your team must not only feel they are an important part of your team/success, they must know it. That comes from you.
17) Are there consequences to your expectations or are they just idle threats?
18) If you cannot provide certain kinds of expertise yourself, find it for your team.
The full articles are available at these links:
