Be that coach.

Break with old ways…

Quit yelling at your players during practice and expect them to respond without fear.

Quit dressing down your players during games and expect them to play better.

Coach, you build the environment; you set the tone for your team.

You set the tone that they perform with.

You set the tone they remember and hear in their heads.

You become their inner voice. 

Be a voice they want to hear again and again.

Don’t be their inner critic. Be their inner and outer champion.

Speak life lessons.

Speak love of the game.

Speak of bravery, courage, and dedication to something larger than self. 

Speak of the hope, positive expectation and joy that sports bring.

Speak of the wisdom and truth that comes from being on a team.

Most of all, coach, listen. 

Listen to your players.