My Coaching Philosophy 5.

0
My target as a softball coach is to create an environment for athletes in which

they can grow psychologically, physically, and socially. Develop tools in which they can

use that will assist them in becoming productive members of society. Also, to have the

athletes create self-worth, have fun, and learn about striving to succeed. And always,

putting the person over the athlete.

I believe that my own attitude, preparation, effort, and continuing education, can

help these athletes learn that winning every contest is a target but not the ultimate target.

Consistently striving to succeed and learning from our own failures takes precedent, and

will assist in life, over winning. Winning is nice, but it is the journey there that matters.

The journey IS the destination. Winning in sports is one thing that you have little control

over. So many factors in a game determine its outcome. I want to teach controlling the

factors you do control, such as one’s attitude, preparation, and effort (APE). Being

grateful for their opportunities and their journey is something each athlete should reflect

on often. (Attitude of Gratitude)

I believe that failure is an ugly word. Failure is what produces some of our

biggest successes down the road. I want to create a culture where failure isn’t a negative,

but it is just telling us that we need to find another way to get there. Another way to

reach the target you are aiming for. I think that applies to softball as it does to life. I

believe that developing good character (knowing the good, wanting the good and

carrying out the good) in athletes will serve them well after softball is over.

Instilling in every athlete, on a personal level, the spirit, will to win, and the

confidence to excel ensures that they will strive to succeed. These instilled qualities are
more important than the event itself. Giving maximum individual effort in their role on

the team will be an athlete’s biggest contribution. Winning is a consequence of this

maximal individual effort put forward. Every member of a team has significant value,

from the best hitter to the worst and from the best cheerleader to the slowest runner.

EVERYONE contributes to a team effort.

My team will be aware of the physical demands of the game and how being

properly prepared physically, through exercise and diet, can benefit them and assist in

achieving their targets. Making available to the team a pre-season, in-season and off

season work out plan, I believe, will give them a road map for developing healthy habits.

As a leader I must become an example in all aspects I teach. Athletes will always

become more of what you are than what you say.

Socially, I will create a safe environment of fun and team camaraderie. To

accomplish this, I will use a combination of team building exercises on and off the field.

Learning to function as a team on the field and social events off the field such as team

dinners and team events will help to accomplish this. Purpose will guide us in all the

things we do.

Setting the stage for players to achieve success and feel self worth in what they

are doing for the team can be accomplished by getting to know each player and learning

what drives them. In doing this I can become a catalyst to produce such success. Also, by

taking an individual interest in each athlete it shows them that I care about them beyond

the field. Clear lines will be established between mentor/friend and me being liked and

respected. I am aware that “An athlete will not care how much you know until they know

how much you care.”

 Each individual athlete will have or develop respect for the game, the rules, the

teams, the coaches, and the fans. Arguing calls or other signs of disrespect is not what

the team is about. It will be reviewed in the classroom, on the field, in practice, and

during games. Proper behavior is expected from each member of this program. I will be

an example and show my athletes how I want them to treat all facets of the program. A

well-defined set of rules will be established to complement rules already set forth by the

establishment. Each individual player must show responsibility and be held accountable

for their actions.

I will continually work to refine my coaching style. The bulk of my coaching

style will be in the cooperative style, which allows for the athlete to learn how to make

decisions and become more responsible. With a cooperative style, I will find the right

balance between directing athletes and letting them direct themselves and each other. I

want the focus to be on teaching, learning, and knowing that there is clear

communication. Throughout the season I will create clear practice plans to address our

areas of weakness and teach fundamentals. Both the technical and tactical sides of the

sport will be addressed.

The target outcome of this philosophy is to ultimately create great young women

that have the confidence and determination to know they can accomplish whatever sets

their hearts on fire. All while playing and engaging in a sport that they love.

Last updated: November 2023