Before we can determine if a youth coach is “good” or not, we first have to determine what qualities make up a good youth coach. The qualities a good coach possesses should include both skill development goals and character development goals. Too many coaches go to the extreme on either. The “win at all costs” coach that cares little about integrity or playing time is just as damaging as the coach that is disorganized and has no clue about what he is doing but is the nicest guy and lets all the kids play the same amount.

The primary goal of the youth coach should be to teach the basics of the sport they are coaching in a safe and technically sound manner. The coach should be well organized and confident in his approach and skills. He should make the practices and games fun to the point that the kids look forward to both. The coach should realize and respect his own position and lead by example showing the highest possible standards of integrity and sportsmanship. He should coach the kids up to their legitimate ability to compete while ensuring all players that meet minimum behavior and attendance standards play at least some each game and feel part of the team.

What about wins and losses?

A coaches ability to develop a winning program should be taken into account, but it is only part of the equation. If a coach is losing most of his games year after year after year, something is wrong. At the same time a coach who is blessed with alot of talent for a couple of years isn't necessarily a good coach. What happens when the talent leaves? A good coach has a win/loss record that is at or above what most would consider the potential for thier team.

 

I don’t believe that all players should play the same amount of time regardless of ability. If player A is better than player B and player A is meeting all the teams standards, he deserves to play more than player B. However, I also believe player B should get playing time in the game regardless of game circumstances. I set internal minimum play standards for each of my teams based on team size before each season. It may be 8 plays , it may be 16, whatever I set, I stick to no matter what. We get very aggressive and creative to make sure each deserving player gets his “plays”.

The goody goody coach:
This is everybody’s best buddy, the nice guy who rarely if ever wins a game. He just lines the kids up and rotates everyone into a different position all the time. His practices are poorly organized, his mantra is “have fun”. I promise you, the kids are not having much fun losing every game and not knowing what they are supposed to do. If the parents goal is to have a babysitter for 4-6 hours per week, he’s great, if you want your kids to have fun and learn the game, he’s a poor choice.

Developing the knowledge necessary to develop your team
This is probaly the easiest part of coaching. Most coaches are more than willing to share their knowledge skill base if you ask. There a many clinics and camps for all sports held throughout the country. There are countless books and videos avialable for any sport you can imagine.