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The Principles of Ethical Youth Coaching

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Contents

Introduction...................................................................................................viiPreface: The Aim of the Ethical Youth Coach....................................................................ixChapter 1: Positive Coaching...................................................................................3Chapter 2: The Ethical Youth Coach.............................................................................9Chapter 3: Practice and Game Plans.............................................................................19Chapter 4: The Five Stages of Player Development: An Overview..................................................27Chapter 5: Stage One: Laying the Foundation (Before First Practice)............................................35Chapter 6: Stage Two: Building the Frame (Practices 1-5).......................................................45Chapter 7: Stage Three: Exterior Finishes......................................................................57Chapter 8: Stage Four: Working on the Interior.................................................................67Chapter 9: Stage Five: Laying the Field........................................................................87Chapter 10: Maximizing Your Effectiveness with Young Athletes: A Developmental Perspective.....................93Chapter 11: Yelling as a Form of Communication.................................................................103Chapter 12: Self-Esteem and the Confidence Factor..............................................................111Chapter 13: Special Situations in Youth Coaching...............................................................115Chapter 14: Dealing With Parents...............................................................................153Appendix A: The Plan in Action.................................................................................165Appendix B: Playing Time Template..............................................................................167Appendix C: Helpful Resources..................................................................................169References.....................................................................................................171

Chapter One

Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude. -Thomas Jefferson

If you are not committed to following the ideals set forth in this first chapter, there is no reason to read the rest of the book. This may be a bold statement, but the attitude with which you approach your coaching is critical. In this chapter we will discuss the Positive Coaching Model. If you follow these suggestions you will ensure that you are reinforcing positive attitudes in your players and creating an environment that will help your players best absorb the EYC model. The positive coaching model ensures that you are always maintaining a positive mental state and encouraging your players. You must always keep in mind that participation in sports for young athletes is not primarily about winning, but about having fun and developing good habits. The concept of winning and losing should be introduced with an emphasis on the positive aspects of each. When the team wins, highlight the aspects that brought about the victory, i.e. dedication to practice. When the team loses, point out the things that were positive about the team's performance. Discuss with the team how they can improve certain areas of their play and how this will enhance their chances of winning in the future. "Keep it positive" should be your mantra! Later in this book we will discuss specific strategies for dealing with the concept of winning.

All too often coaches focus on the record of their team or on individual stats. This is best highlighted by the stat-driven game of baseball. A Little League coach who constantly focuses on players' batting averages is doing little to foster positive attitudes on his or her team. Of course, players with high batting averages will feel great. However, those with less than stellar averages will feel inferior. While highlighting players' stats can be a great way to motivate players, it should be done in moderation. Your players are not playing for million dollar contracts. Your focus should be on overall improvement and not arbitrary stats. If you are coaching children seven and under it is advised not to include any stats in the information you give your players. The key is moderation. The first words you say to your players should never be stat-oriented.

The following are some general guidelines to keep in mind in order to ensure that you are following the positive coaching model. Always make sure you are using "please" and "thank you." If you need something during practice say "please" and when it is delivered make sure you say "thank you." Make sure all your players are also following your lead and using these two magical words. If you witness a player demanding something of another player immediately address the issue by pointing out that "on this team we say please and thank you." It is very easy to get in the cycle of demanding things on sports teams, particularly when the competitive juices are flowing. Slow down and make please and thank you a habit. It is simple, yet powerful. Thank you.

Always focus on the positive. If a player makes an error, deliver the corrective lesson by leading with what the player did correctly. If you are having difficulty finding something positive to say about a given error focus on the player's attitude or approach, then go on to the problem. All too often coaches only use phrases like "you screwed up" rather than addressing why the player "screwed up." Then the coach makes the player repeat the activity that he or she made the error on. There is no problem-solving or instruction in this scenario. Rather than creating this negative cycle, make sure you problem-solve about what caused the error to happen. This is not to say that you have to stop the whole practice and spend several minutes addressing what may be a minor issue. The key is to make sure you do not repetitively engage a player in an activity that he or she is struggling with until you address why the player is struggling and how the problem is going to be corrected. This can be as simple as saying "follow the ball more" and then hitting him or her the ball.

The following is a list of ways you can be a positive coach. We encourage you to add to this list.

• Compliment a good play.

• Always lead with a positive statement.

• Have a special snack for the players as a reward for all their hard work.

• Smile.

• Emphasize having fun.

• Practice the drills with the players and while doing so emphasize how much fun you are having.

• Use please and thank you.

Challenges to Your Positive Attitude

Sometimes even the most positive coaches with the most well-planned practice can have a day when the players are not responding and are down on themselves. In these situations it may be best to focus on something that you know the team does well in order to build up the team's...