What qualities make a good coach?

[cwfan]

any thoughts!!

[dirk2525]

A good coach has to have a genuine care for the kids and the program. He has to set strict guidelines for his players to follow. If he follows the same guidelines, the players will respect him. Show the players the respect they deserve. Plus it is imperitave to have a knowledge of the game that is being taught. A good coach has to bring structure to the program that all kids need.

[guru5]

I agree, kids need that structure-at home, school, and on the field. They need to know what they can and can't do. At the same time they all need to be held to the same rules. I have seen places that play favorites and that underminds everything you need to be a good coach. Be there for the kids. Not as their friend, but as someone to help them if they need it.

[cwfan]

I agree i think kids need structure and support. I also think they need a coach that cares not only about the sport they coach, but their players academic success. Some coaches forget there is life after high school sports.

[guru5]

I agree i think kids need structure and support. I also think they need a coach that cares not only about the sport they coach, but their players academic success. Some coaches forget there is life after high school sports.

That is true, coaches are not only teaching kids how to be better athletes, they are teaching them to be upstanding men and women in the community. Academics and athletics together teach kids to become well rounded citizens.

[bizazz]

All these things mentioned, plus being a good communicator. If a coach clearly communicates his philosophy to the team (and parents) on the front end, then a lot of problems can be avoided.

 

Also the coach must be consistent in the way he handles player issues, on and off the field.

[LCborn]

Three things: concern for his kids, on and off of the field, which is the hallmark of leadership; the ability to teach, because coaching is fundamentally teaching, at any level; and respect for his kids, which in the long run will lead them to respect him and the institution he represents.

 

Coaches are first and foremost educators, if they are doing their job right. IMHO.

[honeydip02]

Trust in the athletic ability of the athlete...in baseball that may be the "standing" green or the swing away sign.

[VHScatch18]

I think a good coach is made of a hard nosed man that will push his players to excell and be better at their sport, also a good coach will make his team respect him. Respect goes a long way when it comes to trusting a coaches deciscion.

[04tigerkiller]

A good coach needs to not be satisfied with average or good. He must demand the best from his players and help them strive to get better every day. A good coach wont settle for average, he will do things again and again until they are done right. Baseball season is no time to be soft. But a coach does need to have a genuine care for his players.

[In10city]

In no particular order:

Ability to listen,

desire to win,

dedication,

communication,

and understanding team dynamics.

[SkwerlSak4]

I think the biggest key to being a good coach is having the players buy into your system and not hiding your reasons why one player plays over another. If the players trust you or believe in your system than there will be no pulling from ranks to do their own thing. Also, a coach needs to have good leadership from his upperclassmen players. I know that I don't want to let down my teammates down and so if one player gets onto another then the coaches job is much easier and the players take more responsibility on the team.