Post by endersgame on Aug 23, 2010 21:16:16 GMT -6
College classes started today for me, and I had a "Beginning Skill Acquistion" class today for my Physical Education major. The instructor mentioned part of the class was getting up in front of the class and teaching skills and techniques in a sport of our choice, with the goal being to learn how to teach. It sounds fun to me! But I got to thinking about it, and I thought maybe with the instructor's permission I could talk about the things new coaches should do to be successful. I immediately typed my thoughts into my phone so I didn't forget my train of thought. I was hoping to get more ideas from you guys that I could bring up, as well as creating a useful thread for new coaches. I won't have to get in front of the class and teach for quite some time, but I figured I'd get a jump start while the ideas are fresh in my head. I immediately wrote down my thoughts into my phone, and I didn't edit them (hey, I gotta get to bed, I have classes in the morning). It explains why they're so "choppy" and out of order. They're below, but I was wondering if anyone else had points to share or things they learned when they were a new coach. It doesn't need to be scheme or football specific, just things you learned on your first coaching staff.
Word choice is critical. Terminology you use shouldn't include a word with two separate meanings, and you should be aware of connotations of certain words. Don't use seven words when five will do. Be aware of "talking versus "speaking." Don't speak just to hear yourself talk. Be concise.
Correct, don't criticize.
Don't waste anyone's time.
Be organized.
Teach "body parts"- teach the eyes, the hips, the feet, the MIND, etc.
Studs will win 9 out of 10 times.
Teach A to B to C. Teach the stance before keys/reads/where the player's eyes should be, then the first step(s), then the technique. Have a logical teaching sequence.
Players win games, not schemes. You need to rely on and trust your players!
Coaching resources/networking is your best friend. Web sites, books (make sure they're informative and geared towards the stage of your learning you're at), clinics, etc. Be respectful to the coaches you meet and they will help you out. There is such a thing as the "coaching fraternity."
Develop a philosophy early and then stick to it!
They say the best way to learn something is to teach it. When you learn a skill or technique, think of how you would teach that to 1) an individual and 2) a small group. Think of what you would say DOWN TO THE SENTENCE. Think of a few common questions and "answer" them aloud. Pretend you're in a classroom and "teach" in front of a mirror. Learn buzz words, analogies, or "cute sayings" to convey your points. Ex: Offensive Guard pulls. Tell your d-linemen it's like a girl walking by you in the mall- when she walks the other way, you pay attention!
Always know your stuff, inside and out. It's okay to admit you don't know something and tell them you'll get back to them on it, but you'd better keep your word and it better not be something you should know.
Be assertive. You don't have to be a loud mouth, but you do need to have authority. Be deliberate in your actions and unwavering in your speech.
Be yourself, recognize the personality you have and nurture your own style. Contrary to popular belief you don't have to be the raving, screaming, red-faced coach who spits when he talks.
Develop a good relationship with the players, but don't be buddies. Eventually they'll see you as a buddy and not a coach. This is especially tough for younger coaches and something they need to be aware of.
Pick one scheme to learn early on and LEARN IT like the back of your hand. Know the ins and outs of it, common adjustments, personnel, things you can reasonably do out of it, etc. Know the HOWS and the WHY'S!
Don't be distracted by "new" schemes or the biggest hyped and marketed thing out there. Young coaches need to learn the fundamentals and basics first!
Set up a study program for yourself and stick to it. Be disciplined! You can't win on Sunday if you don't put in the work Monday-Saturday.
Take things in small chunks. Within two or three years and some discipline you'll have a very solid grasp of general football terminology and know some aspects of each side of the ball. The important thing is you'll be able to communicate with coaches using coaching jargon so you can ask deeper, more probing questions (ex: "Should the Cornerback play outside and over the top or inside and 'squeeze' the receiver in Cover 3 against a fade?" vs. "When referring to defensive linemen, what's a 'technique?'")
You work for the head coach. You are a grunt, an ASSistant. What the head coach says, goes. Don't make waves and be seen but not heard for the first year or two- unless, of course, a veteran coach seriously asks for your opinion.
That's all I got so far. Does anyone have anything to add?
Word choice is critical. Terminology you use shouldn't include a word with two separate meanings, and you should be aware of connotations of certain words. Don't use seven words when five will do. Be aware of "talking versus "speaking." Don't speak just to hear yourself talk. Be concise.
Correct, don't criticize.
Don't waste anyone's time.
Be organized.
Teach "body parts"- teach the eyes, the hips, the feet, the MIND, etc.
Studs will win 9 out of 10 times.
Teach A to B to C. Teach the stance before keys/reads/where the player's eyes should be, then the first step(s), then the technique. Have a logical teaching sequence.
Players win games, not schemes. You need to rely on and trust your players!
Coaching resources/networking is your best friend. Web sites, books (make sure they're informative and geared towards the stage of your learning you're at), clinics, etc. Be respectful to the coaches you meet and they will help you out. There is such a thing as the "coaching fraternity."
Develop a philosophy early and then stick to it!
They say the best way to learn something is to teach it. When you learn a skill or technique, think of how you would teach that to 1) an individual and 2) a small group. Think of what you would say DOWN TO THE SENTENCE. Think of a few common questions and "answer" them aloud. Pretend you're in a classroom and "teach" in front of a mirror. Learn buzz words, analogies, or "cute sayings" to convey your points. Ex: Offensive Guard pulls. Tell your d-linemen it's like a girl walking by you in the mall- when she walks the other way, you pay attention!
Always know your stuff, inside and out. It's okay to admit you don't know something and tell them you'll get back to them on it, but you'd better keep your word and it better not be something you should know.
Be assertive. You don't have to be a loud mouth, but you do need to have authority. Be deliberate in your actions and unwavering in your speech.
Be yourself, recognize the personality you have and nurture your own style. Contrary to popular belief you don't have to be the raving, screaming, red-faced coach who spits when he talks.
Develop a good relationship with the players, but don't be buddies. Eventually they'll see you as a buddy and not a coach. This is especially tough for younger coaches and something they need to be aware of.
Pick one scheme to learn early on and LEARN IT like the back of your hand. Know the ins and outs of it, common adjustments, personnel, things you can reasonably do out of it, etc. Know the HOWS and the WHY'S!
Don't be distracted by "new" schemes or the biggest hyped and marketed thing out there. Young coaches need to learn the fundamentals and basics first!
Set up a study program for yourself and stick to it. Be disciplined! You can't win on Sunday if you don't put in the work Monday-Saturday.
Take things in small chunks. Within two or three years and some discipline you'll have a very solid grasp of general football terminology and know some aspects of each side of the ball. The important thing is you'll be able to communicate with coaches using coaching jargon so you can ask deeper, more probing questions (ex: "Should the Cornerback play outside and over the top or inside and 'squeeze' the receiver in Cover 3 against a fade?" vs. "When referring to defensive linemen, what's a 'technique?'")
You work for the head coach. You are a grunt, an ASSistant. What the head coach says, goes. Don't make waves and be seen but not heard for the first year or two- unless, of course, a veteran coach seriously asks for your opinion.
That's all I got so far. Does anyone have anything to add?
