Building a Winning Program by Building Character

For the sports fanatic, it is a dream for their child to ‘make it big’ the world of sports. For the lucky few it can be a great experience and fame depending on how far they want to take their career. Unfortunately when I say a few, I mean 1% of athletes. So what are some other benefits to participating in sports that can take the average child ‘above and beyond’ in other aspects of the lives? My answer to that is character, I firmly believe sports build character. A good sports program that encourages athletes to be the best they can on and off the court can help build a foundation that the athletes can build upon to become solid individuals. Although wins are great, no one likes to lose if they are a true competitor. Unfortunately, winning does not happen every time you step out onto the field or court. How the athlete handles the loss is where the character is shown, some athletes may act out in anger or completely shut down thinking that the loss makes them less of an athlete. It is the coach’s job to step up and hand out some tough love but also encouragement so that the athlete wants to continue to compete. This can be done in the locker room or on the court. The coach has to be the one to carry the team when the team is feeling run down. The athletes are already beating themselves up about the loss enough that the coach should not dwell too much on it, but that does not mean corrections cannot be made. Lifting the spirits of the athletes before leaving the locker room is important because at the end of the day when that uniform comes off that athlete is still just a kid. A kid that needs guidance on how to become a productive adult that won't shut down or give up when well laid plans fall through. 

 

            Discipline is learned from not from playing the game, but practicing. Showing up to practice on time and with all the appropriate equipment, of discipline. Being held accountable for your actions is a part of life that is important to learn even at a young age. Learning correct form, drills, plays, teamwork, and respect for the opponent discipline. Not everything about competing in sports is fun. Athletes have to commit serious time to be successful such as getting up early or staying late at practice. Life lessons are learned every day when  an athlete steps out onto the court. How the athlete handles all of these situations discipline. Great coaches believe in the person that their athletes are destined to become once they take off the uniform. The coach stands as an example of someone who teaches a game, is a leader in a fiery battle, the rock to hold an entire team together when it is crumbling, and a disciplinarian when unacceptable behavior takes place. The coach creates a winning program and also builds a solid foundation for the future adult in each and every athlete.