Good Investments – Long-Term
Christie Warden, Head Coach, Excel 15 Red National
Long-term investments – something most of us are thinking about from a financial point of view. We want to know our futures are secure – solid – as good as can be. But there is a long-term investment we are making every time we step on the court that has a much greater effect than financial – and it is not so much about our own futures. The investment we make in our players will impact generations.
Each of us can easily recall adults from our teen years who had an impact on our lives, whether negative or positive. I distinctly remember a couple of women who challenged me to excellence in my high school years. But, I also remember a 7th grade coach who humiliated me when I could not get the hang of dribbling a basketball. The words of those adults had a huge effect on me. Why? Most likely because the majority of teenage girls – past and present – seek the approval of others more than anything else. Adults in authority positions carry a ton of weight when it comes to the way a teen views herself. By the time we wrap up our season, we will have spent six months on the court with our players. When your players walk away this season, what will they take with them?
How you invest in your players does make a difference. In years of coaching, I have found one thing consistent in coaching, regardless of the age group. Players need you to genuinely care about them and coach them in much more than volleyball. I have had players who have a history of “coasting” in the sport – no fundamental technique. I have had players who have had parents and grandparents struck with life-threatening illnesses. I have had players whose parents are on the verge of divorce. I have had players who are failing subjects at school. I have had players who have anger issues, confidence issues, self-esteem issues. All this “stuff” is reflected on the court. They are just kids – they don’t know how to “block it out” and focus on the game. What can we do?
It is in this that our investment becomes crucial. I firmly believe our first role, as a coach, is to get to know our players. Build a relationship with them that establishes genuine concern and interest in their lives. Will every player perform at the top of the game every time they step on the court? Absolutely not. But, for some, the reasons they are under-performing could be more than a lack of will. Sure, there will be players from time to time who just “quit” the game – they lose their passion for the sport or they have topped out. Many, though, look at volleyball as the outlet they need – the one thing they want to do well and the one thing they truly love to do. “Stuff” gets in their way sometimes. How do we keep these athletes on track, both in sport and in life?
Again, it all begins with relationship. Show your athletes, struggling or not, that you care about them by communicating expectations, goals and plans. If they are “off” then take time to find out what is going on and give them wise counsel. Firm, consistent, positive, encouraging, disciplined coaching - crucial to the development of athletes. Have an athlete who has checked out? An entire practice of yelling is most likely not going to change the situation. But, a moment on the sideline letting a player know that you are not going to give up and that you believe the player can do what you are asking will go a long way. You might not see immediate changes, but that kid will not forget that you cared. Take a minute to find out if there is a reason the player cannot or will not do what you are asking. Some players may need this “talk” several times to trust you enough to listen and apply. Get to know them. What does she enjoy besides volleyball? How is school going? Did she get dumped by that guy? Is that her “normal” game face? Well-placed, positive words and real concern go a long way with teens.
Encourage and compliment your athletes, and discipline them, too. Remember, they want your approval – and they will know if you are faking it. I do not compliment mediocre effort. I sometimes don’t praise the kill or the stuff. I miss a few things along the way. I yell. We all will. But, I do try to recognize the great things that happen – no matter how large or small. Encouragement and compliments are not the same – encouragement should be a constant on the court – compliments reserved for that thing done well. Discipline lets the athlete know that you mean business and are not going to accept poor attitude, performance or effort. Keep a balance of encouragement, compliments and discipline. They need all of it! Coaches need to see their players as family and push them to excellence; help them get on track and stay there; and invest time in helping the athlete grow in the sport and in life. You are making a lifelong investment - they need to know you care. These are our future coaches, teachers, parents and executives. How you invest now has a great impact on how they perform years from now.
