Coaching 101- Coaching Isn't Just Coaching

I don’t know how many times over the years I have heard a coach complain, ”I wish I could just coach and not have to worry about all the other stuff.” 

I believe these coaches are saying they like working with their players in practice and in games, but they don't like do all the other stuff. On the floor coaching in practice is so rewarding, and games obviously are really exciting. When you are young and decide to go into coaching, this is what you envision coaching to be- practice and games.

Coaches complain about filling out forms for their administrators, going to staff meetings, coaching their assistants/lower level coaches, figuring out how to handle gym conflicts, talking to the media, talking with disgruntled parents, helping setup the gym for a game, and some don't like scouting and film study.

When a coach complains about “not wanting to worry about all the other stuff,” they need to realize that the “other stuff” is probably what separates the great coaches from the average coaches. Great coaches are willing to invest hours and hours in preparation and organization of their programs, the average coach may just want to show up. Coaching takes lots of work. 

Success is outworking opposing coaches with- your summer program, your youth programs, your staff organization and relationships, your relationship with the AD and other administrators, your communication with and relationship with the media, your use of social media, your development of community relationships, attending clinics, networking with other coaches, and many other areas. Coaching isn’t just coaching- it is a hundred little things you MUST do to produce a winning program.

The famous quote we give players, “Everyone wants to win, but only a few are willing to prepare to win.” This is a quote that applies to coaches too!!

Terry Pettit built Nebraska volleyball into a national force in volleyball. Below is something he wrote the "extra" it takes to be a successful college coach. You may have to change a few of the things to make them apply to HS coaching, but the message is the same- you can’t just do the on the court things and be successful.