Four Tips for Coaching Youth Sports
Youth sports are more than just games on a field—they are a dynamic platform for child development. From soccer to swimming to gymnastics, organized youth sports offer youngsters with opportunities to develop physically, emotionally, and socially. Youth sports has the potential to shape kids into well-rounded individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges.
Unfortunately, too many have a negative experience in youth sports - largely because of coaching. In this blog, a youth sports coaching scholar, Dr. Lori Gano-Overway, shares four tips for coaching youth sports. Dr. Gano-Overway has published, presented and taught on all aspects of positive youth development and coaching and been a vibrant member of SHAPE America’s National Coaching Standards. She is currently the Program Director for Coaching Education at James Madison University, and a former officemate of mine at the Michigan State University Youth Sports Institute.
Tip #1: Broadly consider how to develop athletes.
Great coaches are not only developing athletes' technical and tactical skills but also nurturing their psychological, social, and life skills. That is, coaches need to embrace a holistic approach to athlete/child development.
Furthermore, coaches should help young athletes learn how to navigate mistakes and engage in self-compassion to help young athletes develop a healthy perspective of their accomplishments - both in and out of sport.
Learn more here: https://positivecoach.org/the-pca-blog/developing-athletes-self-compassion-the-role-of-the-coach/
Tip #2: Create a supportive and caring environment for athletes to thrive and flourish.
There are many strategies that coaches can use to help athletes feel safe, seen, and supported. Research has provided some clues as to what coaches do who have made a difference in the lives of athletes - read about it here
Tip #3: Recognize effort and improvement.
While we often hear that it is important to reward and praise good effort when we see it, let's also not forget to highlight improvements in athletes' technical, tactical, mental, or social skills. These positive comments help to remind athletes that we see their efforts and that their effort is connected to the improvements taking place in their development as an athlete.
While task accomplishments (improvements) and your feedback can fuel an athlete's competence, remember that athletes need help deciphering peer comparisons and competitive outcomes to maintain their competence and motivation.
Learn more here: A Coach’s Guide to Maximizing the Youth Sport Experience: Work Hard, Be Kind
Tip #4: Evaluate how you are doing as a coach and reflect on ways you can improve your practice.
Take time daily/weekly to reflect and evaluate. The Coaching Practice Evaluation Tool is a personal reflective exercise to help you determine areas of excellence and areas of improvement. This tool is based on core coaching responsibilities recommended by the National Standards for Sport Coaches. Click on the link here and then choose a coaching core responsibility from the list to consider coaching practice questions.
Additional youth sport coaching resources: