I reviewed Coaching Volleyball For Dummies previously. While I have real issues with the book overall, there were some useful nuggets. Here’s one of them.
“The worst measuring stick you can use to judge your team’s progress —and your coaching abilities —is your win-loss record. Instead, focus on whether kids show up at practice with smiles on their faces because they can’t wait to take the court with you and whether they learn and improve skills at every practice. After all, these experiences make up the true barometer of coaching prowess.”
Now, I’m not going to suggest that coaches aren’t judged on winning and losing. They certainly are – fairly or unfairly.
All that stuff is external, though. What the players care about most is their own experience. Is it positive?
As coaches we have our priorities for each practice. Above all of that, though, we have to think about the experience the players will have during the session. Will it make them eager to come back next time? Or will they walk away unfulfilled and unsatisfied. That’s not just a question of having the right attitude and/or energy. It’s also a question of how we plan things out.
Keep that in mind every single day.
One Response
Interesting to see how others view this depending on success as you say. College and university in uk mainly but not exclusively need enjoyment and competition together to keep players. National leagues are more about win at all costs normally