Tuesday, October 20, 2009

I am an insecure coach..

Did you know I am on the coaching committee for Sonoma? Well, I am! I was briefly on the coaching committee for BADG some years ago but I found I didn't really like to lead practices and often second guessed my instructions so I stepped down from the committee.

But I am giving coaching a second try with SCRD. It works in my favor because my committee work can be done in practice and via email and doesn't require me to drive up to Rohnert Park any more than I already have to. And I have a lot of veteran advice that the girls seem interested in hearing (for now!).

I am still totally plagued with doubts though when I lead practice. I am always a little cautious..."How did that feel? Did you like that drill? What do you want to work on now? Would it be ok if we scrimmaged a little bit, guys?" Not exactly the voice of authority.

I don't feel that I have the creative thought process to develop new drills or strategies and plays. I can recycle the things I already know and I can talk about things I've learned through experience. But it's difficult to think on the fly. I always feel like I'm letting people down if I don't have some new material that gives them a breakthrough moment.

On the other hand, sometimes I'm not so passive. And I haven't learned to walk the fine line of challenging versus mean. Sometimes I get frustrated when people aren't listening or not trying and I might yell "STOP FUCKING AROUND!" Which, in retrospect, doesn't make practice very fun. I'm so used to practices not really being fun and be really challenging. It's hard to come into a new group that doesn't operate with those same standards and try to adjust to a newer, more relaxed style.

I'm tottaly terrified that people are going to either think I'm too mean and too strict or think I'm not giving them enough and they're not learning.

GAAAAAH!

Being in charge is hard.

Luckily, the girls are all very nice and they are not shy about communicating when something is or is not working. I appreciate the feedback. I'm just crossing my fingers that everyone stays patient and open and I can figure out my role and what I can offer.

Any advice, guys?

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I like your practices. I feel challenged (which isn't hard since I'm still learning) but I also don't think you're pushing *too* hard - I haven't cried yet! Ha.

Keep up the good work!

Lulu Lockjaw said...

I feel the same way when I coach. Sometimes I worry about it being too boring. I always ask for feedback though. I've been told that if you tell people why they are doing a certain drill and how it pertains to a game situation, they are more apt to try it and understand it. If you keep practice moving fast, people don't have time to get distracted or goof off, so you won't have to yell at them. I can be mean, its not something I am proud of, but my patience and tolerance isn't as high as maybe it should or could be.

Unknown said...

I have only coached a few times but
I've found that people pay more attention when I wear my "Coaching Pants". Plus I think it's hard for people to think you are mean when you are wearing ill fitting grey sweatpants. Or maybe its the gym coach persona I'm trying to channel...I haven't quite figured it out yet.

Anonymous said...

I feel like I get a lot out of your practices. It's clear you've prepared ahead of time and have a plan for the practice. I haven't seen anything I'd call "mean" either. If people are talking over you, you have to do what you gotta do or we'll all be out there wondering "WTF are we supposed to be doing?"