Coaching Resolutions.....?

We’re a week into a new year. Resolutions always come to mind this time of year and as a Coach, while we shouldn't be waiting for the New Year to change our habits, here are some simple ideas to help grow as a coach.

Stop wasting time stretching before practice.  

We spend years of practice time every season having our athlete’s run and stretch before practice. Why? Tradition or is it a way to buy some time for that coach who isn't totally prepared for practice? Either way, SCIENCE has spoken. Three hundred and sixty one studies, that’s 361, showing it has no advantage and could actually be harmful. Instead of wasting that 10-15 minutes stretching and running, how about playing?

Don’t steal from your athletes.

How many times have you seen a coach in a drill playing while one or more of his athletes is on the sideline, or shagging? This is a classic case of “Grand Theft Athlete.” Coaches coach, players play. If a coach needs to fill in for a scrimmage situation, that is understandable. But for athletes to not be playing at the expense of their coach who is? That is a coaching behavior that has to change!

Read one coaching book.

A sample list of some is listed here, but one of the characteristics of great coaches is their thirst for knowledge, not only in their sport but with how athletes learn, retain and use information, how to handle people, etc.

Go to a college practice, spring OR fall.

Arizona State, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona, Grand Canyon men’s OR women’s, Embry Riddle: all of these schools would welcome other coaches into their gyms to see what they’re doing. They are all committed to raising the level of volleyball in our state and what better way to do that then take in one of their practices. You’ll need to e-mail ahead of time but it’s a free and amazing learning experience for any level coach!

Check out the USAV website for coaching resources.

Often overlooked, but there is a TON of information on the USAV website for coaches. Dozens of articles studies and articles to go along with skills training and coaching tips are all free on this rarely tapped resource. Who better to learn from then the folks that put your Olympic teams on the floor every quadrennial?

Better inform your parents.

The only way to bridge the gap between coaches, athletes and parents is education. We need to do a better job as coaches of informing parents. Offer up a Q n A session with your Parents after a practice one night and help them understand the game and what it entails, how and why you do the things you do and oh yeah, get them to go out and play in local city or rec leagues, sand leagues or even grass at a local park. The more they play, the more they’ll understand.

These are just a few tips that are free and can make a world of difference with your team or program. If you have any suggestions, please let us know at outreach@azregionvolleyball.org.