ATTRIBUTES OF A COACH “ HIGH TECH ” or “ HIGH TOUCH ” ? TOOT BYRON, 2004 Queensland Cricket

QUALITY COACHING  Successful coaching is about understanding human relationships and managing people.  Good coaches instruct technique, effective coaches teach players how to play games.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES  the PERSON  thePLANNER  the PSYCHOLOGIST  the PRACTICIONER  the PARTICIPATOR  the PREPARER

the PERSON You must have a natural “ FEEL ” for people Understand and manage your “ EGO ” / be aware of your ambition Coach for the welfare of the “ TEAM ”, not your future Be energetic. … have a “ NATURAL ” work ethic Believe in ethical values, behave rationally (fair, impartial) Have a sense of humour Develop your own coaching style, always be YOURSELF !

the PERSON (Coaching Cue) SUCCESSFUL COACHES ARE THOSE WHO INSTINCTIVELY UNDERSTAND THAT THE SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN THEMSELVES AND THEIR PLAYERS IS LAUGHTER

the PLANNER The “TEAM” is paramount….know your players Have a good vision for the “TEAM” Set S.M.A.R.T. GOALS for your players, ….you must understand they are all different Be well organized….but don’t “OVER PLAN” Be well disciplined and comfortable with a routine Delegate tasks, “TRUST” your support staff

the PLANNER (Coaching Cue) THE ANSWER TO THE RIDDLES OF LIFE ARE ALWAYS HIDDEN IN THE DETAILS

the PSYCHOLOGIST Understand that 90% of all sport is played in the head Recognize the role of ego and relationships as performance indicators, they know no boundaries ! “ALWAYS COMMUNICATE”, you must be confident, open and natural.…“NEVER TELL LIES” Offer “CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM” as well as “PRAISE”, when speaking with players Always respect your players, be discrete about their lives You will “NEVER” know all the answers

the PSYCHOLOGIST (Coaching Cue) THERE IS NO TRAP SO DEADLY IN LIFE, AS THE TRAP WE SET FOR OURSELVES

the PRACTITIONER You must have an advanced and well developed knowledge of the “GAME” (tactics and mechanics) Your understanding of “SPORT”….and individual differences….cannot, and will never, be acquired out of a book It is vital you possess competent teaching skills and be able to demonstrate the skills of the game ! Be innovative and flexible, back your judgement to change things if necessary

the PRACTITIONER (Coaching Cue) KNOWLEDGE AND COACHING EXPERTISE IS MORE VALUABLE THAN A REPUTATION RESPECT AND CREDITABILITY MUST BE EARNT

the PARTICIPATOR A mature demeanour during fixtures is essential….you must be the constant role model Always respect the “GAME”….referees, umpires, officials Acknowledge the ebbs and flows of matches, it’s the players’ game….they must make the decisions Don’t overreact to results….win or lose

the PARTICIPATOR (Coaching Cue) IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHEN TO LEAVEN ONES’ PRIDE WITH HUMILITY

the PREPARER You must be a good “READER” of matches….be able to identify trends, etc. As a “TACTICIAN”, you should be comfortable providing strategic options and directions Be a risk taker, your confidence and belief in your players is priceless and infectious….trust your experiences You must be a “GOOD” selector…. Be aware of fads and theories, “FRESHNESS” and “JOY” are the most successful simple strategies

the PREPARER (Coaching Cue) THE INEXPERIENCED OFTEN COMPLICATE LIFE WITH TOO MANY OPTIONS

AS A COACH, HOW WOULD YOU EVALUATE YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES IN THESE ATTRIBUTES ? your future …..