Your coaching philosophy goes beyond the techniques and tactics of your sport. It’s a set of values, beliefs and guiding principles that determine how you coach. You need to think bigger than the ‘game’ and allow it to be shaped by your experiences as a person.
To start you off, why don’t you ask yourself the following three questions?
Q. Why did you start coaching?
Q. What brings you the most satisfaction in your coaching?
Q. What is your coaching style?
Your coaching ‘North Star’
Think of your coaching philosophy as a kind of ‘North Star.’ It guides your progress and establishing it is a key aspect of becoming the kind of coach you want to be.
Your coaching philosophy:
- guides your thinking and decision-making
- directs your coaching conversations
- provides a mirror to reflect upon
- requires revisiting regularly
- should inform your coaching practice, so live it every day!
Developing your coaching philosophy with a ‘buddy’
Having someone to talk to can be helpful. They can offer a different perspective or a more pragmatic approach to situations that you are emotionally involved in and can provide emotional support when things are tough.
They can also help you develop your coaching philosophy.
This would simply involve:
- identifying a buddy to have a coaching conversation with
- connecting with them
- arranging opportunities to develop your relationship
- taking ownership of the session to get out of it what will most benefit you and your coaching practice.