Yelling isn’t coaching. Solving problems is.
There’s a big difference between wanting to “be a coach” and actually becoming one. One usually starts with passion; the other requires perspective, patience, and problem-solving—on and off the field.
A coach wears many hats: teacher, counselor, role model, parent figure, and motivator. But the one skill that ties it all together? Problem-solving.
If you’re leading a team, you need the right staff. Sometimes you inherit one. Sometimes you build it from scratch. Either way, this is your first coaching puzzle.
In pro sports, when a staff changes, there’s often a complete turnover. I've been there—wondering if I’d be next. In coaching, as they say, there are only two kinds of people:
That means your exit strategy matters—but so does your entrance.
Want to get into coaching? Start by watching. Offer to help with equipment or water. Learn by doing. We called it the “hang out” program.
Whether you’re a former player or a lifelong student of the game, you never stop learning if you want to coach well. X’s and O’s can be learned in a classroom. But coaching happens in real time—on the practice field, in the locker room, during that one-minute timeout when everyone’s looking at you for answers.
To grow as a coach:
Not sure where to start? See our post: King Sports Philosophy and New Year Program Evaluation for how to approach programs with purpose.
