It seems that my days are filled with lots of "things" to do... if I'm not in the gym training then I'm working on preparing for the training. If my mind isn't focused on the actually training then I'm researching the training. If my mind isn't focused on any of the training then I'm preparing other activities of the club... the leagues, the camps, the clinics. If I'm not preparing for the activities then I'm brainstorming for new activities. If I'm not focused on the activities then I'm building the organization... looking at buildings, researching "administrative" activities (business plans, contracts, etc.). It seems I'm always busy with one thing or another and although there are moments where I slow down it hit me tonight that I need to re-evaluate, what am I doing and why? I know I visit with all our coaches about personal coaching philosophies but it's been a while since I've looked at mine. I've taken time, in the past, to reflect on what it is I want to accomplish as a coach but I've come a long way since I first did that. So the questions now... what's important to me now? how do I want to affect the world around me? what are my strengthens and how do I best use them?
The final question now is why do you coach?... I'd like to hear some of your personal thoughts on why we do what we do.
Interesting you mention this. At the end of each season I always tell myself I wont be doing this next season, however this is my 20th year coaching, why is it that I continue to do this? Every year I always add something or revise something whether it be how I communicate with the parents/players, adding a new drill, focusing on another aspect of the game. As I sit and ponder this question I always go back to my love for the game, my love for the competition and my love for instilling that in others and watching them develope. I recently received a call from a previous player I had in Seattle. She will be a sophmore at a NAIA California school on a Volleyball scholarship this fall. Her question to me was how does she continue to improve her mental game in the off season? It was wonderful to catch up and hear how she and her family are doing but more importantly how much passion she has for the sport and where that has taken her. I have to say for myself, the reason I coach is for the kids. Valarie
ReplyDeleteI had this thought when you came to visit...I never re-evaluated my season this year considering the fact that I left in the middle, and was not planning on coaching again for quite some time. The reality is that these thoughts - the why behind what we do applies to all areas of life. And if we don't take the time to take a look-back, we can easily get off track. Before we know it, we are so off track it takes much more effort to change than it would have to make smaller adjustments along the way. In addition, we become ineffective at what we do.
ReplyDeleteIn the reason behind me coaching volleyball, it is the developement of the player on and off the court. In their attitude and outlook on life - this more than anything affects their play on the court. If there are unresolved issues in attitude, there are serious repercussions on the team and player. If I can have a small affect on how the player responds to different situations, and learn to control her attitude even when things go wrong, I believe I have helped her with life skills. Because, isn't life just 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it?
I coach because I love volleyball, but also (like Valarie) it's because of the kids. ~Amie~
I think that is really quite simple to answer--I have gotten so much from this sport that I want to give back. I love kids (Obviously having 6 of my own:) and I love volleyball. What better way to combine two things that I enjoy?
ReplyDeleteBarb
My rather lengthy bio pretty much gives it away for me! ;-) I derive as much satisfaction from coaching the game as I ever did playing it. I think this is because there are few things as rewarding as taking a bunch of raw athletes and molding them into a team machine on the floor. I love coaching players who love to play. It is also a way for me to reach youth in a positive way and connect with them on some level. Other than as a coach, this is a difficult area for me to contribute. So... much like Barb, it's the best of both worlds. Have to say I love the challenge as well, I have so very much to learn as a coach and I can't wait for the next chance to get on the court and get better at it.
ReplyDeleteAndy