Psychology of Coaching

Here is a an excellent excerpt from “The Delaware Wing-T: An Order of Football” – Tubby Raymond & Ted Kempski. If you have never read the book, I highly recommend it. This is from the chapter on coaching psychology.

1. The ability to communicate with the players is the most important attribute a coach can have. Be honest and be yourself!
2. Two things motivate: Fear of failure and anticipation of reward.
3. View motivation from the players’ standpoint – be subtle, no one wants to be manipulated.
4. Be sensitive to individual needs even though football is a team sport. The most successful motivating technique may be to help each player get what he wants!
5. Answer questions before they are asked. A well-informed team doesn’t ask why.
6. Create an atmosphere of “ownership”. The team belongs to the players, not the coaches.
7. Self-esteem begins with a sense of autonomy. Make the players responsible.
8. Successful pep talks are the result of certain circumstances and are not staged.
9. Save your team’s emotional energy. Create stability.
10. Avoid the use of trite phrases.
11. Help your players develop a plan.