| Developing a coaching philosophy is an often | | | | Step 2 -- Clarify. Once your list is finished, go |
| overlooked yet very important aspect of | | | | through and make sure you didn't miss anything. |
| coaching. Many youth baseball coaches have an | | | | Also, look for things that appear contradictory. If |
| idea of their philosophy, but never take the time | | | | you find some, think about what the differences |
| to write it down or convey it to their parents and | | | | are between the two and then remove one, or |
| players. By doing so you will be helping your team | | | | clarify it if need be. Once you get a clear |
| understand you and your expectation and believe | | | | understanding of what is important to you as a |
| me, this will make your job A LOT easier. | | | | coach, you should have a good list of principles to |
| Your philosophy is a collection of principles that | | | | use to develop your policies. |
| you will use to run your team. The principles that | | | | Step 3 -- Communicate. Clean up and edit your |
| you have will guide you in creating your team | | | | document and then use it as a handout at your |
| policies and these policies will guide your coaching | | | | first practice, or attach it to your introductory |
| decisions throughout the year. If parents and | | | | letter. At your parent meeting (yes you should |
| baseball players know what your philosophy is, | | | | have one of these), go over it with parents and |
| what your policies are and what you expect from | | | | let them ask questions. This should put everyone |
| them, you will be ahead of about 90% of all | | | | on the same page. By communicating your |
| youth coaches in heading off potential disasters. | | | | philosophy and policies at the beginning of the |
| However, let me make one thing clear. If your | | | | season, you will save yourself headaches and |
| philosophy and policies should change during the | | | | distractions later on. |
| season, you MUST communicate this as early as | | | | In closing, here are some sample principles that I |
| possible. | | | | have heard other coaches incorporate into their |
| It's not as complicated as it may seem. To break | | | | philosophy. |
| it down -- Your coaching philosophy is made up of | | | | * Doing your best is more important than |
| your principles, your principles will drive your | | | | success. |
| policies and your policies will drive your decisions. | | | | * Coaches, Players and Parents should be positive |
| As stated earlier, all coaches have an idea of | | | | at all times. |
| what their philosophy, principles and policies are, | | | | * Good sportsmanship is mandatory. |
| but by organizing, clarifying and communicating | | | | * Players and Coaches should have fun. |
| them, you will increase your coaching | | | | * Players and Coaches should be disciplined. |
| effectiveness. | | | | * Players and Coaches should be enthusiastic. |
| Step 1 -- Organize. Think about what is important | | | | * Always keep a good attitude. |
| to you as a baseball coach and write it down. | | | | There are probably hundreds or thousands more, |
| Create a spreadsheet or word document of what | | | | but this should give you a good start. I wish you |
| you feel is important for you as a coach to do | | | | success in your youth baseball coaching |
| for your players. Make a list. | | | | endeavors. Make it a great season! |