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Post by coachxyz on Jul 9, 2008 15:39:15 GMT -6
I am a first year coach getting ready to start fall practice. I have been up to the school a few times this summer to help out while the kids are in camp working out and running, and I find myself keeping pretty quiet while the other coaches are doing all of the coaching. I mostly just stand there and try to nod at the appropriate times....Is this normal? can you guys remember how long it took you to start feeling comfortable interacting with the kids? I'm really hoping that by the time practice is underway I'm not just filling out a t-shirt and holding practice dummies for my money.
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Post by coachd5085 on Jul 9, 2008 15:59:39 GMT -6
coach-- this may sound overly simplistic but..do you have anything useful to say? Coaching is not preaching, so don't feel you need to always be talking if you truly don't have anything to say.
There are plenty of "coaches" out there that can't generate a teaching progression, can't recognize their players weaknesses and strengths, can't recognize which drills to use to develop the skills necessary, can't identify core competencies for their success...but they sure can talk.
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Post by kylem56 on Jul 9, 2008 16:08:08 GMT -6
coach, what I would do is ask the Head coach, Offensive/Defensive Coordinator, whoever to clinic you on their systems so you have a foundation of knowledge that you can teach . I was the same way when I first started , youll become more active with confidence and experience.
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Post by justryn2 on Jul 9, 2008 16:26:19 GMT -6
To provide a direct answer to your question, I think it was my third season before I really felt I could contribute as a coach. Understand that I coach in a youth program so there was not much interaction between the coaches other than at practice and on game day.
I agree with KyleM, ask for some direction from the HC or Coordinator for your side of the ball. Once you feel confident that you have something worthwhile to contribute, speaking up will be no problem at all.
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Post by coachxyz on Jul 9, 2008 16:34:42 GMT -6
thanks for the responses they both make a lot of sense, and don't be reluctant to send any more advice you would give to somebody new to the profession
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Post by semi-pro64 on Jul 9, 2008 17:00:13 GMT -6
When I was at a new program I did a lot of what you were doing, staying in the background and not really coaching. Part of it was I wanted to see what the culture of the program was about. Also I believe it was important for the kids to see me out there and know I care about them by showing up. Show up in the summer and try to get to know a couple kids a day. Let them see your face before the first day of practice starts. Most of the standoff attitude went a way after the first contact camp or the first day of practice if we didn't go to a camp (I have been at a couple different schools).
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Post by phantom on Jul 9, 2008 19:18:11 GMT -6
I am a first year coach getting ready to start fall practice. I have been up to the school a few times this summer to help out while the kids are in camp working out and running, and I find myself keeping pretty quiet while the other coaches are doing all of the coaching. I mostly just stand there and try to nod at the appropriate times....Is this normal? can you guys remember how long it took you to start feeling comfortable interacting with the kids? I'm really hoping that by the time practice is underway I'm not just filling out a t-shirt and holding practice dummies for my money. What's your role on the new staff? |
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dcoach84
Sophomore Member
If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven't done anything today. -Lou Holtz
Posts: 129
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Post by dcoach84 on Jul 9, 2008 19:22:09 GMT -6
I know my first year, I was the same way...unfamiliar with the system and the kids but was very motivated to do the best I could. I started by getting to know a few of the kids and branched out from there. Also, I tried to get to know the coaches better as well.
I would say just show up everyday eager to learn and with a positive attitude and over time, you'll get more comfortable. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions!!!
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Post by carookie on Jul 9, 2008 21:09:06 GMT -6
Just keep your eyes open for things that need coaching. I don't know the size of the staff you are on so who knows when it will happen, but I'm sure it will come sooner than later. If you see a kid who is doing something small that needs coaching, take him aside when you have a chance and coach him up. If you see someone doing something well, compliment him for all to hear. The opportunity will come for you to do some coaching just be ready when it does; and don't be tenative, the HC had faith enough to hire you, have enough faith in yourself to do the job when your chance comes.
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burn
Sophomore Member
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Post by burn on Jul 9, 2008 22:06:53 GMT -6
Coach,
I remember at a camp one time a head coach at another school asked me about a coach he knew that was coaching with me that year. He asked "how is Bill doing with your program?" My answer was "He shows up to work everyday." The other coach who coached a program that was not successful looked at me and said "enough said." I walked away and thought about my response and his reaction and I realized if the guy is there everyday he cares, he is invested and he wants to be there. This coach ended up one of my best assistants and later became a principal at a large school in a large district. The moral to the long story is keep showing up, keep investing and it will pan out as long as you care and have the passion. I can tell you already being on this site and feeling free to contribute you are well on your way. Good luck.
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Post by lochness on Jul 10, 2008 5:43:05 GMT -6
Coach,
What you're doing is not unnatural, especially at this stage. In fact, I think it is a very good trait because you will DEFINITELY learn more this summer by keeping your mouth shut rather than having it randomly flapping in the breeze!
In all seriousness, use the summer to absorb the system and techniques that your program teaches. Learn the kids names, learn who your athletes are, and come August (when it counts) you will probably feel more comfortable.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2008 16:56:44 GMT -6
Good posts so far. I can't say I was any different at my first two jobs, coachxyz, and the situation was really the same at my second and third jobs!! When you're the new guy, I think it's better to learn and absorb.
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Post by fbdoc on Jul 11, 2008 10:50:43 GMT -6
These are all great suggestions - and yes, I can remember those early years where you're not quite sure how much to contribute to the "discussion". One more thing, don't be shy about asking the header (or the OC/DC), "Coach, if there anything special you would like me to do during these sessions?" or "Coach, would you like me to ..." This is another way of showing your interest and also seeking out their wise counsel.
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Post by gilcd754 on Jul 12, 2008 0:29:06 GMT -6
I think coachd is right on! Don't be afraid of watching, learning and then slowly adding input and coaching as occasion arises and your knowledge/comfort increases. I started out as an assistant OL coach with a team that had won the state title the year before. I got the job because I told the HC that I wanted to learn from winners, I wanted to see what it took to be a great program and I wanted to learn my craft from the best. I told him I would be the water boy if that's the only position he had open and that I would work my a$$ off for him. It was very awkward at first, the OL coach was obnoxious to me but I watched, learned, contributed when I could and found opportunities to reinforce coaching points or take small groups to the side to correct fundamentals. Now, 15 years later, the OL coach is fired and I'm now lucky enough to be the OC at that same program. Be natural, let the opportunities come to you but don't be afraid to check with other coaches to see if you could help in any additional ways. The main thing for me was to adjust to the culture and assimilate myself within my own personality.
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MaineManiac
Junior Member
What you see depends on what you're looking for.
Posts: 311
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Post by MaineManiac on Jul 12, 2008 9:51:52 GMT -6
This is a great question though - I returned to coaching football after a 5 year hiatus while I had young kids. Even with over 10 years experience in coaching this very question popped into my mind. The funny part, I'm the Assistant Head Coach. I think this shows how important it is to make sure coaches have a role that is specific, know where to execute their mission, and help feeling like they have a role. My experience has shown that a staff that each coach is positively impacting kids is a staff where the entire staff is involved.
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Post by tye2021 on Jul 12, 2008 10:02:26 GMT -6
I have the same question as phantom...
what is your role on the staff?
Are you responsible for a particular position?
As it has been mentioned by others, find out from the HC or DC/OC what they need or expect from you.
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Post by coachd5085 on Jul 12, 2008 10:52:41 GMT -6
My take on the situation (and maybe this is just from a lack of information presented), is that if you have to ask someone to "find out" what your expectations are from someone...then the situation is not a good one to begin with. Those are the things that should be presented TO YOU, by someone with a vision and good management skills. That isn't a great sign in this situation.
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