What Makes a Great Coach
By: Legends Rugbyn Lindfield
"Coaches can have a monumental and lasting impact on their teams. A memorable quote from John Wooden is that “A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life”.
It takes someone special to be able to unify and inspire a team, create strategy that works, and develop every player to be the best that they can be. So what are the characteristics that make the difference?
Our Managing Director, Terry Preston says “Great coaches are also great people who can bring people together to achieve great success. There are a few factors that are common in great community coaches including a balance of challenging players to improve through technique improvement and tactical decision making, being a positive motivator, and they create a fun environment whenever the team is together on and off the field.”
Here are 5 other key characteristics that we observe amongst our standout coaches:
1. Passionate
As well as an excellent knowledge of the game, a great coach will love what they do. They will be able to motivate their team through a positive attitude, and inspire the same love of the sport within their players.
2. Empathetic to their players needs
The best coaches are able to work with a variety of different personalities and their individual needs. They listen, learn, and are adaptable. They understand that not everyone will benefit from the same methods, and are therefore able to get the best out of each player in getting to know them and hand-tailoring their approaches.
3. Great Communicators
Communication is an essential determinant of a coaches effectiveness. They must be able to relay strategy, feedback, and teach in a way that resonates with all of their players and stakeholders. They must know that communication is a two-way street and listen to their players. Great coaches will communicate authentically, enthusiastically, and empathetically, without ever using humiliation or embarrassment as ‘teaching tools’.
4. Problem Solvers
Coaches will need to be able to develop strong and adaptable strategies, and react to any unexpected issues that may occur on or off the field. For this reason, good problem solving skills are vital to great coaching.
5. Good Role Models
A great coach will always do their best to practice what they preach, and model good behaviours for their team. They will consistently demonstrate the same values that they expect of their players, and be someone that the team can look up to.
Coaches can have a monumental and lasting impact on their teams. A memorable quote from John Wooden is that “A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life”.
ABOUT LEGENDS
Legends Rugby, established in 2018, facilitates rugby programs for players of all abilities, from aspirational and current representative players, to those who wish to have fun with their friends. The programs are designed to educate, develop and challenge each rugby player to be more confident and better equipped to play a smarter game.
Legends Rugby’s programs provide high standards in training, in a safe environment with qualified and experienced coaches. Our team is happy to answer your questions. Please use our contact form or contact: Terry Preston
Tel: 0431072329
Mail: enquiry@legendsrugby.com.au