Ever recreational soccer coach has an influence on their young soccer players—mostly positive but sometimes negative. At the core of this influence is the coach’s philosophy. Don’t let the word “philosophy” turn you off like it often has done for me. Simply contemplate your answer to the question “What do I hope to teach my young athletes?”
If you ponder the question carefully, your response to the question will come pouring out. Some possible responses might be:
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To teach the fundamentals of soccer
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Make sure the kids have fun
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Teach them how to win
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Develop them as individuals
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Help them realize their potential
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Show them how to compete
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Build character
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Winning is everything
Whatever your answers might be, you have just outlined the core tenets of your coaching philosophy. These tenets reflect the values coaches hold in their personal lives.
Recently, I completed a book titled Sport Psychology for Coaches. The book motivated me to define and evaluate my soccer coaching philosophy. I found my personal perspectives were mostly positive, but there is room for improvement. This thinking process increased my level of awareness surrounding my personal values and to prioritize my competitive objectives based on those values. Sport Psychology for Coaches is a great eye-opener!
