My principal and I speak regularly sharing stories experiences about connecting with students and athletes. I whole heartily agree that success working with youth in any capacity begins with the relationship we as adults develop with our players, students, campers or whomever. Relationships are going to build the foundation for an environment where the kids are able to take risk, grow their confidence and be able to raise their level of achievement.
Having relationships with players and students that go beyond the sport or content covered in class will help students perform at a higher level because they do not want to let the coach or teacher down. This shows in student work or improvement from game to game, practice to practice or over the course of the semester. My experience is when my players feel like we have a positive relationship they are always eager to share stories or give evidence of what we were covering in practice.
Coaching high level athletics I see more from my players then I do students. My theory is that a roster of 12 or 18 players as oppose to 100 students makes for a more comfortable environment. Because sport manifests itself as competition, my experience that players feel a stronger need and sense of urgency to perform at a higher level. Perhaps it is irony, that amongst the sweat of competition and striving for superior performance, there seems to be a strong sense of comfort.
In my experience, building relationships with players and students I become more then a coach. I began to play mentor, confidant or counselor. I know that teenagers are less willing to take advice from parents at this age, they have come to me for guidance and support and seeking answers as they try and figure out life as a teenager. Maslow says that when people are safe they will be able to feel more comfortable trying new things and be more willing to step outside their comfort zone. There is no better example then coaching youth and teens.
Having relationships with players and students that go beyond the sport or content covered in class will help students perform at a higher level because they do not want to let the coach or teacher down. This shows in student work or improvement from game to game, practice to practice or over the course of the semester. My experience is when my players feel like we have a positive relationship they are always eager to share stories or give evidence of what we were covering in practice.
Coaching high level athletics I see more from my players then I do students. My theory is that a roster of 12 or 18 players as oppose to 100 students makes for a more comfortable environment. Because sport manifests itself as competition, my experience that players feel a stronger need and sense of urgency to perform at a higher level. Perhaps it is irony, that amongst the sweat of competition and striving for superior performance, there seems to be a strong sense of comfort.
In my experience, building relationships with players and students I become more then a coach. I began to play mentor, confidant or counselor. I know that teenagers are less willing to take advice from parents at this age, they have come to me for guidance and support and seeking answers as they try and figure out life as a teenager. Maslow says that when people are safe they will be able to feel more comfortable trying new things and be more willing to step outside their comfort zone. There is no better example then coaching youth and teens.