WAG Tips for a new coach

[gymgurl]

So I recently got offered my own squad to coach next year which be my first squad coaching by myself - I have always coached alongside another coach. I am so excited and willing to learn everything it got me thinking though for the more experienced coaches what are biggest pearls of wisdom to a starting out coach? Anything you wish you knew before you started?

 

[BlairBob]

Don't take on kids that you know are going to be a pain in the butt just to make the team bigger. Took on a returning L5 one year that was busy playing football most of the summer and pre-season. He did alright but was such a pain in the butt at times that I should have just let him leave gym.

If they have thoughts of leaving gym, just escort them out kindly; especially if it's their time.

 

[Pineapple_Lump]

Have high standards, kids are pretty good at rising to expectations so don't lower them just because they are young. Do the basic development and progressions, everything else will come quickly if you have given them a solid foundation. Don't just teach skills from the level they are/will compete, make sure you are preparing them for future levels with progressions.

 

[iwannacoach]

Project a "we do this every day" aura about you, and it will extend to the kids, and back that aura up with as much knowledge as you can gather.

Try to instill the need for good form, and do not fall into the trap some coaches do by sacrificing that standard to make it easier on the kids as they work new skills.....because one of these days you'll realise that good form = consistent balance and leverage points, which simplifies the learning process.

 

[fliptwisttwirl]

Be confident! We got a new coach in the gym this year and she had no confidence. She was the "main coach" of a group but pretty soon none of the girls would listen to her because she was, or seemed, unsure of everything she told them to do. Now the girls only listen to the assistant coaches and it's a big mess.
Walk with your head high and take control!

 

[mumoftwogymnasts]

Not a coach but from a parent of two gymnasts perspective, and listening to my kids occasional complaints I would say....

Take control - both of my kids hate working with coaches who have no control over the group, it quickly descends into chaos and then no one is achieving anything.

Be consistent - in the standards that you expect from all your gymnasts, both in terms of form and behaviour. If there are consequences for inappropriate behaviour apply them equally to all your squad members.

Praise should be sincere and earned - both for the kid that effortlessly gets new skills and for the kid who takes months. Effort and hard work should be noticed and rewarded and encouraged also.

If they are squad gymnasts then they should be expected to and expect to work hard - but don't forget to occasionally do something fun, they are kids after all.