Wednesday, 8 May 2024

Never Be a Child’s Last Coach

There are many measures of success for a volleyball coach. It could be the number of wins, the improvement in the athletes’ technical skills, or even the number of athletes moving up to higher levels or earning scholarships. However, one often overlooked measurement is how many kids continue to play volleyball after being coached by someone. The goal should always be to never be a child’s last coach.

As a coach, one of the most important roles is to act as a relationship counselor between each player and their love of the game. Volleyball is a random sport where there’s always a winner and a loser on the scoreboard. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of how your teaching style, lineup selections, and actions both on and off the court impact your athletes’ love for the sport.

Take a moment to reflect on how many of the kids you have coached are still involved in volleyball. How many have quit the sport? By focusing on instilling a genuine love for the game in younger players, you are setting them up for future success. If players develop a passion for the sport, they will be able to surpass any negative experiences with coaches or adults in the future.

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A Chinese proverb that resonates with this idea is, “Winning and losing are temporary, friendships last forever.” This proverb emphasizes the importance of building relationships with opponents and getting to know those who share the same love for the game. They may be on the other side of the net during a match, but off the court, they can become lifelong friends.

This philosophy can also be applied to other groups, such as clubs. It’s essential for clubs to evaluate their efforts in retaining coaches. Do they return to coach again? Creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved in volleyball, including players, coaches, and officials, is crucial for the longevity of the sport.

While it’s understandable that kids may choose to pursue other sports or activities, our focus should not be on competing with other sports. Instead, we should be fighting against coaches who drive players away from sports. The top reason why kids quit a sport is that it is no longer fun, followed closely by the coach being a poor teacher. We have the power to improve these statistics. By striving to be the best teacher we can be, we can ensure that we are never a child’s last coach.

FAQs

Q: What are some measures of success for a volleyball coach?

A: Measures of success for a volleyball coach can include the number of wins, the improvement in athletes’ technical skills, and the athletes’ progression to higher levels or earning scholarships.

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Q: How important is it for coaches to consider the impact of their teaching style and decisions on athletes’ love for the sport?

A: It is crucial for coaches to be aware of how their teaching style, lineup selections, and actions both on and off the court can impact athletes’ love for the sport. Building a positive and enjoyable experience for athletes is key to fostering a lifelong passion for volleyball.

Q: What can coaches do to ensure that kids continue to play volleyball after being coached?

A: Coaches can focus on instilling a genuine love for the game in younger players by emphasizing the process, effort, and fun parts of the game. By developing a passion for playing, athletes are more likely to overcome any negative experiences with future coaches.

Conclusion

As coaches, we have a responsibility to nurture athletes’ love for the game and provide them with the skills and support they need to succeed. By prioritizing relationships, creating an inclusive environment, and being effective teachers, we can ensure that we are never a child’s last coach. Let’s strive to be the best coaches we can be, empowering the next generation of volleyball players. For more information about Alpinetgheep, please visit Alpinetgheep.