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Like many of you, once the calendar turns to August, my schedule really starts to heat up right alongside the temperature. Do I have more deadlines at work? No… More outside networking engagements that eat up my free time… Nada… Once August hits, I am about one thing every waking (and sometimes non-waking) hour that I am not at my REAL job: Coaching youth football!
Each fall, I coach no fewer than 2 teams, but usually more like 4 or 5. This falls slate has me as the Defensive Coordinator for my son’s squad at Parish Episcopal School(5th grade). In addition, I am D Coordinator for PES 8th grade, and an assistant defensive coach for the varsity squad. You may have seen the recent news about our varsity squad here. I also help run the Youth Football program at the Town North YMCA. With all of this and the necessary practices, coaches meetings, parent meetings, and other administrative items, it is needless to say that there is hardly time to BREATH from August through November!
Many people feel it is very simple to coach/mentor young kids. I was the same way… Until I started DOING it. Getting your point across to kids of ranging ages is sometimes MUCH harder than it appears. In addition, it is sometimes challenging to shift your expectation level to the level of child you are coaching. A motivational tactic, might work great for a 10th grader, but falls well short of what a 5th grader needs, especially in terms of coaching football. An aggressive, in your face, coaching technique that works well for a high school young man is WAY over the top for a young kid who may or may not still sleep with a night light!
All of this is extremely challenging, but I also find it extremely rewarding. In my 7 years of coaching at PES, I have seen boys turn into men before my very eyes. I have seen internal demons overcome. I have seen confidence blossom. I have seen shy, introverted, downright petrified youngsters morph into type A leaders. This, is as they say, WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT and the reason I cannot get enough of it.
We are a couple of weeks into this season, and although I am already exhausted, I am walking on air with excitement. I find myself truly having to challenge myself to concentrate at work each day instead of diagramming a new defensive formation. I have to actually tell myself to finish my REAL work before I examine our roster. I have even caught myself forgoing lunch so I can draw up more inventive ways to get to the QB or stuff the run!!! But, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I am 100%, FULLY, addicted at this point.
How bout you guys? Have any of you had some similar positive experiences with mentoring/coaching/teaching youngsters? What are some of the techniques you employ to garner positive results?
Rapp –
As you know from your years of competitive (and non-competitive) play, coaches have a significant impact on the overall development of youngsters. We all can remember our coaches along the way, from our earliest youth leagues to the college level. Not to be overly cliche’, but in the spirit of “it taking a village to raise a child”, coaches play a large role. Most youth sports organizations depend on volunteers to coach youth sports teams. While the level of coaching talent varies widely, one thing remains constant: the coaches’ desire to have a positive impact on his/her community and the kids in it. Thanks for being willing to overcome the challenges that coaching oftentimes brings. This kids you coach are fortunate to have you.
Thanks so much for the great feedback D… I also appreciate the kudos.
It is such a privilege to work with the kids and to hand down something I was lucky enough to be taught and spend so much time with. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It is funny because by the end of the season, I am always so exhausted that for a week or so, I am relieved to have a break. BUT, after a couple of weeks, I miss it so much and cannot WAIT to get it all started again. I guess that is the sure sign of something that you LOVE.
Thanks again…