What Makes a Good Coach
Darrell Morris

It is often said that coaching is both an art form as well as a science. A successful coach not only understands how to communicate with players in a way that achieves results, but they effectively guide, inspire and empower their players to realize and develop their individual potential.

The role of a coach in any sport is both powerful and pivotal. Having a good coach not only means the difference between having a team that is successful, but one in which the team members enjoy, excel and thrive. A good coach often wears several hats. They are frequently a mixture of teacher, counselor, cheerleader, motivator, and mentor. Additionally, they must possess several distinguishable qualities that make them a truly good coach.

What does make a good coach? Here are just a few qualities that help define what a good coach is. A good coach is often hard to find and it’s rare that you will find someone that has all of these characteristics. However, a good coach will likely have several of these qualities:

Commitment and Dedication – dedicated and passionate about what they do and it shows in their words and actions.

Knowledge – have an in-depth understanding and comprehension of their sport that goes beyond the basic fundamentals.

Highly inquisitive – are always seeking out and learning new information and ways to improve themselves and their coaching methods.

Disciplined – expect that their players follow a particular code of conduct and adhere to the rules. They also believe strongly in “practicing what they preach”.

Communicative – able to explain their ideas, expectations and instructions in a way their audience can understand with the need for yelling, screaming or demeaning their players.

Motivate – are positive, enthusiastic and inspiration. Good coaches teach their players to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals.

Attentive – can identify and appreciate the individual differences in their players, working with them to accentuate their strengths and accommodate and improve their weaknesses. Their priority is the welfare of the individual players and they look out for their well-being.

Approachable – receptive and available to their players, open to listening to suggestions, questions and concerns, willing to modify training methods based on feedback received.

Coaching is more than just a job, it’s a calling. Anyone who views it as “just a job” is probably not going to fit into the category of a good or great coach. I believe Eddie Robinson, a former head college football coach for Grambling State University summed coaching up best. He was once quoted as saying, “Coaching is a profession of love. You can’t coach people unless you love them.”

Coaches do what they do because they truly love their job. Most strive to be the best that they can be. Not all succeed in become a guiding, inspirational force in their particular sport, but there are many fine examples out there. If you find a team that has a good coach, you are one step closer to achieving your personal and team goals. .