COACHING

A coach serves as a leader. A leader must communicate clearly. A coach must establish a code of honor all teammates abide by. I use the 345 Reward System.

The 3 in 345 is three rules. Each team member holds their tongue (is quiet) when a coach is talking. Each team member always hustles. Each team member is never negative. These three rules work great during practice. The team members know the authority outlined practice for continuous hustle and the team members should not complain.

The 4 in 345 is four requirements. Team members communicate to one another. Each team member is to concentrate constantly. Team members work hard. All team members compete. These four rules work great during time outs. When the game is going well, the team quickly reaffirms the team’s good play by committing to remain steady at the requirement the team is performing best. When the game is not going so well, the team can point to one requirement the team is doing worst at then commit they will immediately get better at the unsatisfactory requirement.

The 5 in 345 is five character building statements. The first is “Not Today” meaning there is no acceptable level of failure. The statement is a call to perform with excellence, not simply to make a mediocre effort.

The second is “It Doesn’t Matter.” No matter what the challenge there is no place for self pity. Team members do not use excuses or blame others.

The third is “Finish It.” Most sporting activities have half times. There is no success at half time. Whether referencing a set play or a shot for a goal, each team member must finish strong.

The fourth is “There is No Growth Without Failure.” No one grows through constant success. Team members cannot give up no matter how bad the circumstances.

The fifth is “There is no Strength Without Pain.” Most everyone has heard the phrase no pain, no gain. The bottom line: if you want to perform, you must work hard.

With these character statements coaches and teammates encourage each other. The greatest reward is when each team member fulfills his role and the team performs successfully. A coach should reward team members verbally with encouragement every opportunity the coach has.