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"Sports are not inherently good."
These words struck Justin Becht when he first heard them spoken on a trip to Cuba to learn the game of futsal. Now the Director of Futsal at the Indiana Soccer Association, Becht talks about how these words impacted him and what he learned about being intentional in this week's video for coaches.
Sports provide amazing opportunities and benefits for athletes at any age, but toxic characteristics can also develop if we're not intentional. As Becht notes, it's vital that coaches understand their "why" and work to deliberately instill values and promote growth in young athletes. What is our motivation for coaching? It's not enough to just "roll out the ball" and correct mistakes as the athletes run through drills; coaching at the youth or high school level requires coaches to carefully consider how to set goals, build relationships and give athletes ownership while defining what it means to be a Champion (GROW). This will help us to change our athletes' lives, not just their skills.
As coaches, we have a responsibility to our athletes to help them develop character along with their physical and mental skills. This week, ask yourself if you've been intentional. Have you taken steps to instill team values, set individual and team goals, and build relationships on your team? As Becht reminds us in the video, we should also recall our "why" on a regular basis and make sure our coaching fits that motivation. Make a plan to address these areas if you haven't already or review your plan and find ways to improve in the current or upcoming season. This intentionality will pay dividends for you and your athletes.
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