Difference between a good and a great coach?

default · Sep 18, 2008

gunners1 said:
The question was; the difference between a "good coach" and a "great coach", not a bad coach. We've all seen coaches that do not know whats going on and thats a different topic. A great coach will have the following:
1. a good recruiting program (assemble talent)
2. a good organization (feeder system)
3. good leadership capabilities
4. an open door policy
5. will select players with heart and drive
6. will constantly strive to be better
7. has an open mind
8. not to conservative
9. able to motivate his/her players
10. has players respect

If you can assemble all these things you will be successful. Even the best of coaches will be second guessed, that's just human nature. Give me talent with heart and they will win every time. Even the best of coaches can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear!

I can only add one more.
11. Surround themselves with a great coaching staff.
If there are weaknesses in your coaching ability. Find a staff that can fill that void. Can give the team the best of knowledge, from every angle, every aspect of the game!

default · Sep 19, 2008

As jc70 said "What about the ability to recruit or pull girls together to form a powerhouse team? I think this is pretty important."

What do you think about coaches putting together a team and then dropping a player through the season because they found a dd that might be better, instead of developing what they have, is that a good coach or a great coach

default · Sep 19, 2008

That is a hard question to answer...Does the kid who got dropped come to practice and fulfill her comittment to the team. There is usually more to the story than "The coach just found a better player". The coaches I know would not do that, myself included!

Mike

default · Sep 19, 2008

Wow softballfamily41, That doesnt sound right at all.
Im interrested in hearing the reply to Mikes question also.
I can see coaches having new girls come to games or scrimages to try out & not picking them but mid season?

default · Sep 19, 2008

Cowboy Dude,

i would have to agree with Beck and Mike and would guess there are 2 sides (at least two) to the story.

My opinion, if a coach is really great, the real story or at least the coach's point of view may never be told because of the coach adhering to the "code."

Constructive conversations between parents (or players) and a coach should be held in confidence. When this gets violated, often the parents (or players) are speaking out of turn. Only one side of the story gets out and the coach is left held out to dry because he/she subscribes to the "code" and takes the "high road" on an issue versus sling mud.

Good Night Now!

default · Sep 20, 2008

One word... G-U-T-S.

I've seen too many games managed (or maybe micro-managed) by respected long-time coaches who just don't take any chances during games. My coaching philosophy in managing games is No risk = No reward (within reason, of course). My DD played on what I thought would be a quality summer tournament team, only to see her teams lose one game after another 3-2, 2-0, etc. I didn't see hardly any steals on 0-2 counts (or mnay steal attempts at all, for that matter), hit-and-runs/bunt-and-runs, squeeze plays, etc. It was hard to watch the predictable game-calling.

What I am explaining may not make a good coach a great coach, but it certainly instills a never-say-die attitude in players when they see a coach have that much confidence in his players to feel a risk with them is worth taking. Plus, being a gutsy, unpredictable coach makes the opposing coaches very nervous when it comes to their own game-planning. Just my 2cents.

default · Sep 20, 2008

jc70 said:
Cowboy Dude,

i would have to agree with Beck and Mike and would guess there are 2 sides (at least two) to the story.

My opinion, if a coach is really great, the real story or at least the coach's point of view may never be told because of the coach adhering to the "code."

Constructive conversations between parents (or players) and a coach should be held in confidence. When this gets violated, often the parents (or players) are speaking out of turn. Only one side of the story gets out and the coach is left held out to dry because he/she subscribes to the "code" and takes the "high road" on an issue versus sling mud.

Good Night Now!

Code??? Doesn't sound right to me. This is a TEAM sport. If something effects the Team it should be discussed as a Team. Open and honest discussion will keep the Team together and working as a Team. JMHO

default · Sep 20, 2008

Everything stated so far and one who can make the girls believe in themselves first. Confidence is key and 90% of the game is played within the 6" between their ears...

default · Sep 21, 2008

Hey Cub Fan.....are you kidding? Are you serious?

Second division title just about tied up (nice job vs Cardinals yesterday), so perhaps you were a little giddy when posting this yesterday before the game.

I digress.......Yes, we should all hold hands and sing songs together while we are at it! Go Team!!!

End of the day, parents and kids are investing significant time and money traveling within the city, state, region or even nation. When parents or kids have issues, they should speak to the coach. It is not a....lets all meet for 10 min after a game and talk about why Sally is not playing first base as much as she thinks she should be or as much as her parents think she should be.

We don't need a town hall meeting on why Sally (or her parents) are upset.

WWLD? (What Would Lou Do??) I think we all know what he would do......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VO8MAnS4tM&feature=related

Good Day All!

default · Sep 21, 2008

LOL!!! ~ jc70 rocks!!! Anybody else noticing that he's one of the funniest, sharpest posters on here, lately? He's one of my new faves (oh---and luv the Cool Hand Luke, Clint Eastwood, Lou Pinnella links).

default · Sep 22, 2008

katjoebenmom said:
LOL!!! ~ jc70 rocks!!! Anybody else noticing that he's one of the funniest, sharpest posters on here, lately? He's one of my new faves (oh---and luv the Cool Hand Luke, Clint Eastwood, Lou Pinnella links).

You're such a fair weather groupie!! :lmao:

default · Sep 23, 2008

I heard this one on a blog.
Good coaches find great talent.
Great coaches make good players great.

default · Sep 23, 2008

As Sammy said, I believe a "Good Coach" is in the eyes of the beholder and may mean something different to each of us. I also understand that coaching is a learning and development process. Those with experience and those with the dedication to acquire it are valuable assets to the sport of softball. There's alot to learn, and having softball knowledge and coaching knowledge are two totally different things. Learn from everything, the wins, the losses, the mistakes and from the Coaches who came before you...they have alot to teach. And above all, stay "honest". I'm so thankful for all of you coaches that choose to volunteer your time and talents for our daughters. I'm even more thankful that we parents haven't ran you off yet

default · Sep 23, 2008

wgman21 said:
You're such a fair weather groupie!! :lmao:

LOL, you know I still luv ya.

Difference between a good and a great coach?

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