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7.3.1. Coaching philosophy.

This article is about writing a coaching philosophy, but the stages of the process (A-F) have been jumbled.

Coaching philosophy

What’s your coaching philosophy? Whether you think about it daily, have a look at it once a season, or rarely reflect on it at all, it is the framework your performance is built on. Coaching philosophy is an evolving concept. Along with figuring out your coaching philosophy, consider writing a personal philosophy statement. Developing a concise, written description of your philosophy will allow you to think about what is important to you and communicate that to others. Your philosophy statement will serve as a personal guide and it will steer you to the right direction. It is basically a six-step process:

A. Prioritize your list. Mark each item. (1) very important. (2) important  (3) moderately important. Here is an example:

    • Family: 1
    • Influencing students: 1
    • Success of athletes: 2
    • Friends: 3
    • Winning games: 1
    • Lifelong learning: 1
    • Appreciation: 2

B. Write a list. Create a list of everything important to you in life. If family is important, list it. If free time is important, note it down. What about professionalism?  Salary? Winning? Appreciation?

C. Publish it. Coaches have many opportunities to publish their philosophy statements. They can place it in a frame and hang it on the office wall. They can place it on a web site or print it on cards and hand them out to their athletes.

D. Create the statement: Look at the items marked with 1 and write a paragraph or more that links them together.  Add text to bring out what really inspires you. An example: ’I love to learn and learning inspires me to teach others. Through coaching I hope to positively influence today’s youth. Patience, kindness, and love direct my interactions, Although I like to win, it is important that I do so in a fair and just manner. I believe in doing what’s right.’

E. Review your philosophy. The world changes and people are changing with it. Even if the main goal of the philosophy statement remain the same, reviewing it may be beneficial because it adds your philosophy a new perspective.  

F. Put it into practice. It is the most important part of the process.  Small is beautiful. Try setting one or two minor monthly goals first. You can keep a journal where you can reflect on your achievements.

 (Adapted from an article by Dennis Docheff, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO)

Unjumble them and put them in the right order.

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