Matt Swartzendruber

Some WISDOM for Young Coaches. I was a Head Coach at 26. A Principal at 33. I have been doing both for the last 11. I have learned a lot about coaching and leadership. Here are 9 of the most important things I have learned... 1: PLAYERS NOT PLAYS In pressure situations, do not worry about plays. Focus on players. It is so easy to worry about a "play." In reality, players win. Get the ball in the "player's hand who will make the right "play." 2: LEARN the 20-40-60 RULE ASAP The earlier you learn this as a coach, the better off you will be. - In your 20's - you worry about what others think. - In your 40's - you don't care what others think. - In your 60's - you realize no one was thinking of you to begin with! 3: PLAY THE LONG GAME WITH CULTURE Culture Wins. Culture is a long game, but culture is fragile. Culture is... - What you Allow. - What you Emphasize. - Every Day. Focus on your culture every day. Every decision you make defines your culture. 4: RELATIONSHIPS FIRST Coaching is about managing and leading people. And leading people is always about relationships. Don't ever lose sight of this. Focus on people. 5: SIMPLICITY WINS Can you explain your offensive or defensive philosophy in 8 words or less? You should. And your players should, too. Simple wins. 6: GIVE UP SOME CONTROL As a young coach, I tried to control how we played. I coached BB like I coached FB, play-by-play. I have since learned to teach kids how to play and not try to control every movement. It is much more enjoyable for everyone, and success has followed. 7: FIND A GREAT MENTOR I was lucky. I had a 30-year coaching legend as my assistant coach. His wisdom was priceless. One time, I had a sticky decision with a player/parent. I was grounded on principle. I was lucky to have my mentor. 8: CONNECT WITH COACHING COLLEAGUES Coaching is hard. The skill set needed to do a good job is incredible. You are also on an island at times. Connect with your coaching colleagues on a personal level. The relationships are lifelong and priceless. 9: FAMILY FIRST Don't lose sight of your time. Don't lose sight of your commitment. Always make time for your kids and family. Done right, raising kids in a coaching household has incredible rewards! _____ Follow me @gregberge for more Actionable Ideas on Coaching, Leadership, Culture, and Teams. Join 9000+ others and subscribe to my free weekly newsletter. The subscription link is in my profile.