FRA
Leading a youth sports team is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. As a coach, you have the chance to shape the young athletes on your team in profound ways, influencing their attitudes, behaviors, and values for years to come. One of the most effective ways to do this: leading by example.
Leading by example sets a tone for behavior and expectations within a team. When a youth sports coach models the behaviors and attitudes they want to see in their players, it sends a clear message about what is valued and expected in that culture. This can lead to a “domino effect” where young athletes on the team are influenced by the coach’s example and begin to adopt similar behaviors and attitudes. Over time, this can create a culture where certain behaviors and attitudes are not only expected but also celebrated.
For example, if a coach values honesty and integrity and consistently demonstrates these qualities in their own actions, it can create a culture where honesty and integrity are highly valued and encouraged among team members. Conversely, if a coach does not prioritize these qualities and engages in dishonest or unethical behavior, it can create a culture where these behaviors are seen as acceptable or even encouraged amongst the team.
Overall, leading by example can shape a team’s culture by setting a standard of behavior and expectations that players in the group are likely to emulate.
Here are four keys ways you can lead by example and model positive behaviors for your young athletes:
Be respectful
Respect is a core value in any team or community, and it starts with you as the coach. Show respect for your athletes, their families, your colleagues, and your opponents. This means being polite, courteous, and gracious, even in the heat of competition. It also means being an effective listener, respecting boundaries, and treating athletes equally, regardless of background or skill level.
“One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than a hundred teaching it.” – Knute Rockne, College Football Hall of Fame coach
Be prepared.
Good coaches are always prepared. Show your athletes that you take your role seriously by being organized, punctual, and ready to go at the start of every practice or game. This will set the tone for your athletes and help them to understand the importance of being prepared in all aspects of their lives.
“Champions don’t become champions when they win an event, but in the hours, weeks, months, and years they spend preparing for it.” Michael Jordan, Basketball Legend + Six-time NBA Champion
Be positive.
Positive attitudes are contagious, and they can make a big difference in the culture and cohesion of a team. As the coach, you have the power to set the tone for positivity by maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. Encourage your athletes to stay positive as well, and celebrate their successes, no matter how small. By encouraging effort over results and focusing on strengths, you can create a supportive environment for your athletes.
“Rather than focusing on the obstacle in your path, focus on the bridge over the obstacle.” Mary Lou Retton, Olympic Gold Medalist + Gymnastics Champion
Be accountable.
Accountability is an essential trait for any youth sports coach. It means taking responsibility for your actions and decisions, and modeling that behavior for your athletes. As the coach, you are responsible for the success of your team, and you need to hold yourself accountable for your role in that process. By demonstrating accountability and admitting mistakes, you can help your athletes learn to take ownership of their actions and decisions as well. This can foster a culture of responsibility and growth, where everyone on the team works together to achieve their goals.
“Responsibility equals accountability equals ownership. And a sense of ownership is the most powerful weapon a team or organization can have.” Pat Summitt, Legendary Tennessee Women’s Basketball Coach
Watch this video where Stephen Bardo, a former professional basketball player, discusses how young athletes can acquire valuable lessons in accountability through sports. Bardo suggests that sports provide an excellent platform to draw parallels between the coach-player dynamic and the employee-supervisor relationship that student-athletes will encounter in their future careers.
As a coach, you are a role model for your athletes, whether you realize it or not. You have the power to shape their values, attitudes, and behaviors in ways that can last a lifetime. When leading by example, you’re making a conscious effort to be the kind of person you want your athletes to become, and you will be amazed at the positive impact you can have on their lives.
Actions speak louder than words. Your athletes will pay more attention to what you do than what you say. This goes beyond success his goes beyond success on in the sport and carries over into all aspects of your athletes’ lives. By prioritizing the holistic development of your athletes, you can help them become well-rounded, confident, and successful individuals who can thrive both in and outside of sports.
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