What is the Difference Between a Good Coach and a Great Coach?
It surprises no one that most coaches are former players. Their firsthand experience grants them a profound comprehension of the sport's intricacies, strategies, and the rigorous physical demands necessary for success.
However, being capable of playing the sport at a high level doesn’t always translate to being able to teach it effectively. To help any coach player or not, I’ve laid out six concepts that a coach should identify to better guide their athletes on and off the court.
Communication
Verbiage
Feedback
Consistency
Adaptability
Inspirational Leadership
There’s a distinct difference between performing skills and conveying them effectively. Let’s dive into some key aspects that distinguish good coaches from great ones.
Communication
“the imparting or exchanging of information or news”
One of my favorite quotes is “communication is the key to any relationship.” Most problems can be solved with friends, teachers, parents, kids, and whoever you date by having a strong line of communication.
Good coaches are proficient in communicating instructions and feedback to their athletes, enabling them to explain drills, correct mistakes, and offer encouragement. However, their communication approach may often be one-sided or fail to cater to the individual needs of players. Communication goes both ways.
Great coaches excel in communication by delivering clear, concise instructions while also actively listening to their athletes.
They adapt their language and approach to accommodate the unique learning styles of each player, ensuring that their messages are not only understood but also internalized.
Verbiage
the way in which something is expressed; wording or diction.
The choice of words and their delivery wield significant influence over a young athlete's comprehension and retention.
Good coaches, although proficient in their playing, may inadvertently complicate matters by employing technical jargon or convoluted explanations. Such communication methods can prove unnecessary, particularly for less experienced players seeking clarity and guidance on the field or court.
In contrast, great coaches demonstrate a remarkable ability to simplify concepts, translating them into easily digestible terms. They leverage analogies and relatable examples, effectively resonating with their athletes and bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. Understanding the transformative power of precise verbiage, great coaches effortlessly transform intricate maneuvers into straightforward, executable actions, fostering an environment conducive to growth and success.
To give an example of how communication can be compounded with verbiage:
When coaching defensive posture, a great coach may employ a specific cue such as "Knees.” However this one term has been set up by repeating the phrase “Knees over ankles, hips back, hands out." This simple yet consistent message aids athletes in quickly aligning their posture for optimal performance. It’s a process of the movements they can make to set up their body to create a proper movement when they play the ball. Through such tailored communication strategies, great coaches foster a deeper understanding and connection with their athletes, ultimately enhancing team cohesion and individual development.
The example is how a coach can be a consistent communicator as well! Find your method of coaching technically and stick with it.
The choice of words and how they are delivered can greatly impact an athlete’s understanding and execution.
Feedback
information about reactions to a product, a person's performance of a task, etc. which is used as a basis for improvement
Feedback is a crucial element in the coaching process, shaping an athlete's growth and development. However, the way feedback is delivered can significantly impact its effectiveness. While good coaches provide essential feedback by pointing out mistakes, this approach can sometimes be discouraging for the athlete. In contrast, great coaches master the art of balanced feedback, combining constructive criticism with positive reinforcement to create a supportive and motivating environment. This distinction in feedback delivery can make all the difference in an athlete's journey towards excellence.
-Don’t just tell them what they did wrong, tell them what to do to make it right-
Good coaches provide feedback by often focusing on what the athlete did wrong. This type of feedback is essential for improvement, as it helps athletes recognize and correct their mistakes. However, focusing too much on negative aspects can sometimes be discouraging for athletes, especially if the feedback isn't balanced with positive reinforcement. Good coaches may unintentionally create an environment where athletes feel criticized rather than supported, which can affect their confidence and motivation.
Great coaches excel in delivering balanced feedback. They understand the importance of highlighting what the athlete did well before addressing areas for improvement. This approach not only builds confidence but also reinforces positive behaviors and techniques. When discussing areas for improvement, great coaches focus on constructive criticism, providing clear, actionable steps for athletes to follow. They ensure that their feedback is specific, so athletes know exactly what they need to work on and how to do it. Additionally, great coaches encourage self-assessment and reflection, empowering athletes to become more self-aware and proactive in their development. By fostering an environment where athletes feel supported and motivated, great coaches help them reach their full potential both on and off the field.
Make sure you stay away from negative feedback. Telling an athlete, “don’t drop your elbow on your arm swing” Speaking in the negative just reinforces the thought of dropping their elbow. Instead tell them what to do to make it right. “Keep that elbow higher than your ear so you can contact the ball high when you attack!” keeps their mind on keeping their elbow up and coincidentally keeps
Consistency
Conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness
For coaches, consistency can be the defining factor between good and great. While good coaches may change their approach, often leading to confusion among athletes, great coaches maintain a steady, predictable coaching style and clear expectations. This consistency not only helps athletes understand what is required of them but also fosters a stable environment where trust and respect can flourish. By establishing and adhering to a set of standards, great coaches enable their athletes to focus on their development and performance with confidence and clarity.
Newer coaches may change their approach frequently, leading to confusion among athletes about expectations and goals. This inconsistency can result from various factors such as trying to adapt to different situations, experimenting with new strategies, or responding to external pressures.
While flexibility is sometimes necessary, constantly shifting methods and priorities can leave athletes unsure of what is expected of them, hindering their ability to focus and perform at their best. This lack of stability can undermine the development of skills and cohesion within the team.
Great coaches, on the other hand, are consistent in their coaching style and expectations. They establish a clear set of standards and adhere to them, providing a stable and predictable environment for athletes to thrive. This consistency helps athletes understand exactly what is required of them and what they need to work towards. By maintaining a steady approach, great coaches build trust and respect with their athletes, fostering a sense of security and confidence. Athletes can rely on their coach's guidance and know that the goals and strategies will not change unpredictably, allowing them to concentrate fully on their improvement and performance. Consistency in coaching not only enhances individual development but also strengthens team unity and effectiveness.
The best way to become consistent is experience. Understanding the game and how to coach all aspects technically helps you become consistent, especially once you have developed your consistent method of wording.
Adaptability
the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
While good coaches may finally begin to rely on a uniform approach to coaching, great coaches understand that each athlete is unique and requires a tailored method to reach their full potential. By recognizing and adapting to the individual needs and abilities of their players, great coaches create an environment where every athlete can thrive, fostering both personal and team growth.
Adaptability is a crucial trait that separates good coaches from great ones. Good coaches often adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach, applying the same techniques and strategies to all athletes, regardless of their individual needs or abilities. While this method can achieve some level of success, it often falls short in unlocking the full potential of each athlete. Uniform coaching may overlook the unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles of different players, potentially hindering their development and performance.
In contrast, great coaches understand that each athlete is unique and requires a tailored approach to thrive. They invest time in getting to know their players, identifying their specific needs, abilities, and preferred learning styles. This deep understanding allows great coaches to adapt their coaching methods effectively. For instance, they might modify drills (or a player’s role in the drill) to match an athlete's current skill level, ensuring that the exercises are challenging yet achievable. They offer personalized feedback, addressing each player's unique areas for improvement and providing specific guidance on how to enhance their performance. Additionally, great coaches adjust training plans to suit different learning paces, recognizing that some athletes may need more time to grasp certain concepts while others may advance more quickly.
By embracing adaptability, great coaches create a more inclusive and supportive training environment. They ensure that every athlete feels seen, heard, and valued, which not only boosts individual performance but also fosters a stronger, more cohesive team. This personalized approach helps athletes build confidence, develop their skills more effectively, and achieve their full potential, both on and off the field.
With concept number four, we touched on consistency. I want you to understand that adaptability doesn’t mean changing your coaching style, it means changing it when you need to. If you struggle identifying which athletes need to be coached differently, you should take the time to learn about teaching methods for children that have learning or processing issues. I use those skills every time I coach.
Inspirational Leadership
the ability to guide and motivate others to achieve a shared goal of vision.
Adaptability is a defining trait that distinguishes good coaches from great ones. Good coaches often rely on a uniform approach to coaching, applying the same techniques and strategies to all athletes regardless of their individual differences. While this method may achieve some success, it can overlook the unique needs and potential of each player, potentially hindering their growth and development.
In contrast, great coaches understand that each athlete is unique and requires a tailored method to reach their full potential. They recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective in bringing out the best in every player. Instead, they take the time to understand the strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles of their athletes. By adapting their coaching methods to fit the individual needs and abilities of their players, great coaches create an environment where every athlete can thrive.
This adaptability might involve modifying drills to better suit different skill levels, offering personalized feedback to address specific areas of improvement, or adjusting training plans to accommodate varying learning paces. Such tailored approaches ensure that each player receives the support and guidance they need to succeed, leading to improved performance and greater confidence.
Moreover, great coaches who practice adaptability foster both personal growth and team cohesion. By addressing the unique needs of each athlete, they build stronger, more trusting relationships with their players. This not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to a more unified and effective team dynamic. Ultimately, the ability to adapt and tailor coaching strategies to individual athletes is what sets great coaches apart, making them more effective leaders and mentors.
Good coaches can motivate their athletes to work hard and strive for success.
Great coaches inspire their athletes to not only achieve but to exceed their own expectations. They lead by example, demonstrating passion, dedication, and a love for the sport. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and they create an environment where athletes feel empowered to push their limits and grow both on and off the field.
The difference lies in the ability to not just instruct but to connect, motivate, and lead.
So, the next time you’re on the court, ask yourself: Are you just coaching, or are you making a lasting impact?
In Review:
Characteristics of a Good Coach:
1. Proficient in Communication: Able to convey instructions and feedback clearly.
2. Technical Knowledge: Understands the intricacies, strategies, and physical demands of the sport.
3. Consistency: Maintains a steady coaching style and clear expectations.
4. Basic Feedback Skills: Provides essential feedback, often focusing on correcting mistakes.
5. Fundamental Understanding of Verbiage: Uses appropriate language, though may rely on technical jargon.
6. Basic Adaptability: Can adjust approaches to some extent, though often relies on a uniform method.
Characteristics of a Great Coach:
1. Masterful Communication: Delivers clear, concise instructions and actively listens to athletes, adapting language to suit individual learning styles.
2. Effective Verbiage: Simplifies complex concepts using relatable examples and analogies, making them easy to understand and apply.
3. Balanced Feedback: Combines constructive criticism with positive reinforcement, fostering a supportive and motivating environment.
4. Consistent Approach: Establishes and adheres to a clear set of standards, creating a stable environment that enhances trust and respect.
5. High Adaptability: Recognizes and tailors coaching methods to the unique needs, abilities, and learning styles of each athlete, ensuring personalized growth.
6. Inspirational Leadership: Motivates athletes to exceed their own expectations, demonstrating passion and dedication, and creating an empowering environment for personal and team growth.