1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Volunteering to be a youth league coach can be both rewarding and challenging. It's certainly not right for everyone, and everyone is not always right for it. Coaching a sport at any youth level requires patience, a positive attitude, knowledge of the sport, and perhaps above all, a good measure of time.

The rewards of being a youth league coach go beyond measure on any scoreboard. For the youth athlete, learning life's lessons from a good, positive role model can be everlasting. Just the same, a poor role model, or a coach who is in it for all the wrong reasons can negatively affect a young person's life in many ways. Sadly, the latter is very much still the case in many youth league's today.

The most important tip for a rookie youth league coach is to understand he or she must always consider what is best for the entire team when making decisions such as setting team rules or designing practice plans. A coach must always consider the maturity and skill levels he is dealing with. Too often, youth coaches (especially those in it for all the wrong reasons!) will cater to the better skilled athlete and make winning the most important thing. Remember, winning is never most important, though trying to win can be a healthy message. This should always be kept in mind in your approach to coaching at the youth level.

Another valuable tip is to place a great deal of emphasis on good, clear communication both with your young players as well as their parents. Concise (and constant) communication can prevent a whole host of problems. One of the most common mistakes among youth coaches is their inability to recognize how critical it is to keep the line of communication open and to revert back to it often.

A good team is never judged on how well they win, but rather how they react to losing! From the start, be sure your players understand the importance of displaying character through good sportsmanship, win, lose or tie. Acknowledge the efforts of all your players after each game and practice, and always try to get them involved. If you have determined that one or more o your players are not worthy of equal playing time as others, be sure they understand why you have come to that conclusion.

Always give your players something to live up to, never put them down. You will find, over and over again, that young athletes will rise to the occasion if challenged and allowed the opportunity to do so. And, always remember that "praise works wonders for the sense of hearing". If you want your young athlete to take what you say to heart, start by finding a way to praise a part of their game or character first. This method really works.

Being a successful rookie youth league coach is a challenge for most. But, the rewards and invaluable experience gained from it last forever and for all those involved, coach, player and parent!

Learn more about this author, Mark Goehle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for the rookie youth league coach?
We want to hear your view. Write now!