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Post by coach2117 on Nov 20, 2008 11:17:11 GMT -6
Just wondering what are some of the best things that you do for your program to increase participation.
Thanks
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Post by realdawg on Nov 20, 2008 11:54:19 GMT -6
Win
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Post by superpower on Nov 20, 2008 12:12:32 GMT -6
realdawg beat me to it.
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Post by cjamerson on Nov 20, 2008 12:25:25 GMT -6
That basically sums it all up. Winning cures whatever is ailing your program. I think there are some things a coach can do to get the kids out. For starters, make it fun. If the kids aren't having fun...they aren't coming out. Ways to make it more enjoyable are win (obvious), run an offense that the kids can get excited about. A school in my area had ran Power I for several years. The kids weren't interested in smashmouth. They were a traditional basketball powerhouse. A new coach came in, implemented the spread (basketball on grass as he called it), they have 50+ each season. Some kids do not come out due to discipline. The staff before ours let the kids run wild. A lot of kids didn't want to be a part of a program with so much disarray. A new order was brought in and the kids came out. Some left because they couldn't handle the changes, but it changed the culture and now the numbers are up. Make the experience rewarding. Enrich the athletes lives. Teach them life lessons (we should be doing that anyway). Other kids can spot a real "program" from a mile away...Get them out there to do something, not for just something to do. Everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves, give them a reason to be.
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Post by lucassean2 on Nov 20, 2008 19:33:20 GMT -6
Reach out to the youth programs in your area and talk to the junior high kids.
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Post by cltblkhscoach on Nov 21, 2008 5:32:53 GMT -6
I agree with the fun aspect of it - the biggest thing is kids these days want a pat on the back more than ever. I think you definitely need to have order and be stern, but let the kids know you appreciate them, and they'll go 100 miles for you.
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Post by touchdownmaker on Nov 21, 2008 6:36:52 GMT -6
Build a solid relationship with the kids.
They must know you care about them and are going to stand by them win or lose.
They must know that you are working your tail off to give them a chance to compete and win games.
You must win some games and prove your value as a coach.
You must be fair and consistent in your approach to discipline, the players must be able to trust you.
Use humor.
Talk about football with every kid, not just the great athletes. Invite all of the kids out, spend time one on one telling each and every boy why he should play football and discuss the potential you see within him. Reach one kid and he will spread the word for you.
Push kids to participate in year round wt training and year round sports.
Show a kid side (play video games or dodge ball with them) and have a good time. Keep things FUN.
PROMOTE THE PROGRAM- tee shirts, posters, weight training awards, trophies and more. Give away free season highlights with great music in the halls of the jr high and hs.
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Post by olinecoach61 on Nov 21, 2008 6:43:08 GMT -6
Win, then win some more. "If you build it, they will come".
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