Sports4Success

A great deal of information has been developed on the art of sports psyching.  Personally, I have spent many hours and great deal of money to learn all I can about sports psychology.   However, the approach to the season may be most valuable to the mental state of all of your team.

What are the goals of the coach?  If the coach sets low level goals, that will be reflected in the attitude, goals, and ultimately, the limited potential success of his team.  We start each day emphasizing to our athletes the fact, we are preparing them for being able to be successful at both the state and intercollegiate levels.  We will not permit junk into our technique, and if it will not be able to be successful against the best competition, we will not teach it.  We all see the results of focused programs on an annual basis.  It is not an accident that some programs are very consistant at having kids reach the highest levels in their respective sport.  It is not an accident that some programs seldom see the athletes achieve at a very high level.  The kids are not separated by inferior genes.  They are separated by a plan, direction, and a belief they can achieve.  Coaches can initiate those attitudes.  Then they have to go out and learn enough to gain and maintain the confidence of his/her athletes. 

Can the coach do it all?  Absolutely – NOT.  As a coach, you need to share the goals, the direction, the expected effort of the athletes with the parents.  They need to know you are committed to help make their son/daughter be the best they can be.  They also need to be coached.  They need to be positive.  Some of the athletes will come home and share goals far beyond the parent present expectations.  Parents need to be supportive and not down play those goals.  The question “What can I do to help?”  is what we need to coach our parents to ask.  Open up the communication with the parents – you are both on the same team – that team is trying to help that athlete become their own best self.  Parents do not always agree with us.  I tell them simply “if you don’t understand something – ask me.”  I also share, if I cannot explain why I did something or said something – I am wrong.  If I explain to them why I did or said something, and we do not agree – that is OK – we are permitted to disagree.  We will not permit that disagreement to enter into our relationships with their son/daughter.  As a matter of fact, we must be consistant between parents and coach, to help that athlete gain confidence in their efforts.  They are kids, they will play both ends against each other, if given the opportunity.  We must communicate well enough to eliminate that potential.  (Just a note:  Even great kids will test you – You must pass the test)

Sports psyching is important in helping an athlete to success, however, the relationship, consistency, and communication between the parents and coach set the table for success.  This solid foundation will permit your athletes to have exceptional success, as well as permit them to gain the most as they continue to grow within your sport.  The communication and ultimate teamwork of the parent – coach relationship creates that solid foundation, and will maximize the success of your athletes.