Some of the things that I would probably share with new coaches based on my experience is first and foremost, be yourself. Be proud of style, your personality and do not be afraid to share that with your team and with the parents and those involved with the program. So being yourself is very important. Communication is a big deal. Have the ability to communicate with all those involved in your program and on a regular basis. I think it really can alleviate a lot of things in the future and keep things running smoothly if you are a good communicator. I think that being honest and upfront is very important whether it is with parents, whether it is with your players, whether it is with you assistants. I think that is something that will earn you some respect is being able just to be upfront. Having a good personality I think is important, I think that if you are not able to interact with others, if you are not able to bring a lot of energy to the table. I think it makes things a little bit harder. I think you should put lots of energy in to being a coach.
I think learning from others never stops. I have been coaching for 18 years and I love listening to other coaches in other sports. My peers, I love going to coaches clinics and trying to capture one or two little things that I could do differently or that I can use to enhance my style.
I think it is important to recognize that you are dealing with young women who need strong role models, who need direction, who need structure. I do not care what anybody says, a good structure whether it is through your practices, your games, your scouting reports whatever it is. If there is a good structure to your program, I think you are going to see success. When you are kind of all over the map and doing things differently all the time, I think that can lend to a lot of not so much of disorganization but it is not a smoother process as if you have a good structure to your programs and some methods to the madness so to speak.
It is extremely important in my opinion to have a practice plan, to show at practice and wing it on a regular basis does not fly. Players can sense it, your assistant coaches can sense it, and parents can sense it depending on the level that you are coaching. I think having a practice plan is vital. Being fair and consistent is vital, whether it is in your decision making, whether it is in the way you run your practices, whether it is in the way you substitute, whether it is the way you draw up your scouting reports. I think having consistency can also be a real plus in the coaching profession.
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