As a coach, when I watch athletic events, I find myself spending more time watching the coach and his or her interaction with
the people around, than I do watching the game itself. I like to listen to the things they say, I like watching the plays they draw up for different situations, and although I love coaching, I enjoy watching how someone else deals with the circumstances that I’ve also had to deal with.
While watching these coaches, I wonder what their goals are for their team as well as what their goals are for themselves. I wonder if they ask themselves any of these questions:
- What is my role as a coach?
- Am I trying to get my team to out play our opponent?
- Am I trying to win our league championship?
- Am I trying to be Coach of the Year?
There are so many different goals we have as coaches, many of which are very positive goals. As we all know, winning is a good desire. (Editor’s note: At CSO, we like to distinguish the difference between winning as a desire and winning as a goal. Like Ryan, we say winning is a good desire but a bad goal. To learn more of what we mean, click here.) If it weren’t at least one of the goals we have there may be no point in playing in the first place. The problem arises when winning is our only goal. When winning is our only goal, not only do we breed an attitude of “win at all cost” but we are often disappointed. Let’s face it; there are only a few teams that have made it through a season without losing. VERY successful teams still lose.
I would venture to say that all coaches, all players, and all teams CAN be successful. We can all win. Now before I lose those of you who don’t like moral victories or trophies for everyone who participates, let me clarify.
When our only definition of winning is the score at the end of the game, we’re going to be disappointed. What’s important is defining “a win”.
When I watch junior high coaches scream at their players to get them to do things to “win”, I don’t care what the score is at the end of the game…they lose. When I see high school coaches demean players during timeouts, no matter what the score is…they lose. When I see college players yell at refs because they’ve watched their coaches do it, it doesn’t matter what the score is…they lose.
When you coach, make sure you think about what you are doing. Make sure you understand that there are young people who look to you for guidance as well as watch you for how to react in tough situations. Make sure you understand what’s important and know that although winning is a whole lot more fun than losing, there are many ways to have success and legitimately win.
The role of a coach is as important a role in molding the lives of young people as any out there. When you take on this job, understand the importance of it. Make sure you know what you’re thinking.
