Sports Then and Now

Coaching is one of those roles that a lot of people know exist, but they don’t really understand the importance of it. All of the big sporting heroes, regardless of their sport, have always had people in the back cheering them on, fighting their corner and giving them the motivation they need to push through and become one of the best. Coaches are the unsung heroes in a famous sportsman’s career, but it’s starting to grow more popular for many reasons.

One such reason is the opportunity it gives to make a living. Coaches typically don’t earn as much as the people they coach (especially if we’re talking big names and international sports) but they do have an easy time finding work because of the skills they offer. So in this post, we’re going to talk about what coaching involves, several ways to do it, and what you can expect from a career choice like this.

Coaching little league for the first time? Have you been asked to volunteer? Maybe your kid is part of a team! Read our list below and if you follow these essential little league coaching tips it will only help you to have success.

Did you know that the first Little League was established by a man named Carl E. Stotz in 1939. Stotz always had a dream and he was always set on adult supervision to stop bickering on the sandlot. After being turned down by over fifty businesses, Carl finally convinced a lumber company, a dairy, and a pretzel maker to sponsor some of the teams, for $30 each. On June 6, 1939, the first Little League Baseball game was played at Park Point in Williamsport. In 1939, he officially started up the league. The bases were placed 60 ft apart and the pitcher’s mound was placed 40 ft from home plate.

That was a long time ago, but look how far little league baseball has come today. Without further delay coaching is something you should take pride in and below are three ways you can have an impact on your team.

Coaches Listen

Ever heard the saying that we have two ears and one mouth? Well it is so true and something that coaches need to do. Yes as a coach you must get your point across, but you have to understand your players needs and wants. Good coaches listen to their athletes. They take time to understand their athletes and what’s motivating them.  It’s by listening to their athletes and through understanding what’s motivating them that good coaches are able to build strong connections. Listening will in return actually help you as a coach learn and you may not even realize it at the time. Developing connections and listening will allow for trust and respect to be established between you and the players on your team.

Running a successful coaching business can be rewarding. However, it can also be difficult. There are many things that you will have to do in order to ensure that your coaching business is a success.

Partner up

You may be working for yourself, but that does not mean that you have to work by yourself. You can work with other people who have a coaching business. You should try to work with people who are in the same industry as you. Partnering up with other coaches will help you develop more ideas that will make your business a success.

Build Credibility

People want to be lectured by people who are reliable and experienced. That is why building your credibility is one of the most important things that you can do as a coach. You can complete training courses in your industry. You can also earn certifications, or even just showcase your proficiency with career skills like player evaluation. There are many PEM Application Tools and similar resources available today to help with that. It can also be helpful to read books about your industry.

Your current and previous clients can also help you establish credibility. Ask your clients to leave you positive reviews on your website. You can also ask them to refer your family members and friends to your coaching business. Read the rest of this entry →

Do you remember what it was like to play soccer as a kid? Did you idolize your coach, or did you dread the thought of each practice and game? Did you imagine yourself growing up to be a soccer star, playing at some of the most famous stadiums in the world? Did you dare to dream? Did you learn the art of the game?

Chances are if you had a good coach, you learned not only how to play soccer, but some valuable life lessons along the way as well. If you now have kids of your own, you can appreciate the importance of having an inspiring coach. A good coach is just as important as having the right equipment. You wouldn’t have your child play without knee pads, cleats and other footwear, or apparel such as a jersey and shorts. Whether you purchase your child’s soccer uniform and accessories from an online retailer that specializes in all things soccer, like Soccerloco, or from your local secondhand store, the most important factor is that your child has fun. That all starts with dressing the part of a soccer player and having a great coach.

If you’re a coach, you no doubt want to be the best coach you can be. Being part of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and attending the convention can help you become an inspiring and respected coach in your community. Read the rest of this entry →

A great coach isn’t just a leader, like a general or an admiral. A great coach is a psychologist. No matter what age the players are, a great coach has the ability to ‘get in their heads’, understand their motivations, and help inspire each player to find the greatness within themselves.

Every athlete has a life outside of the sport. (Even if we sometimes hate to admit it!) Every one of them is under their own pressures, dealing with their own problems, and playing the game for their own reasons. If a coach can understand where the players are coming from, it’s far easier to guide them.

And in my experience, the starting point here is realizing that a coach cannot motivate the players. A coach has to inspire them.

Motivation Comes From Within

All motivation is fundamentally intrinsic. That is, it comes from inside each and every person. And no one can ever create motivation which isn’t there to begin with. Carrot-or-stick tactics can sometimes alter a player’s behavior somewhat, but even then, the way they respond to your various attempts at motivation still depends on their own existing motivation levels.

That’s why I say that a good coach inspires. Inspiration can come from the outside. Inspiration can be converted into motivation, but that’s an internal process. It all depends on the player’s mindset. A coach can deliver the inspiration, but not the motivation.

Understand that mindset, and you’re much closer to creating the inspiration you want to see. Read the rest of this entry →