Mendham High School Volleyball: Coaches Corner
COACHING PHILOSOPHY 1. Develop the proper climate. Players should look forward to coming to practice and to matches because they know they will work hard, they will develop their individual and team skills, they will gain a sense of satisfaction, and they will be supported and encouraged by their coaches. Our practice sessions will be well-organized, time-efficient, with specific developmental objectives. 2. Know and care for our players. As parents, we have entrusted other coaches and teachers to take care of and educate our own children. As coaches, we accept the challenge to give of ourselves and care for our players as if they were our own. 3. Communicate expectations. A good athlete wants to know where she is going. As coaches, we will communicate the goals, expectations, and the road to get there. 4. Establish good habits. We will instill in our players good habits: the habit of being mentally and physically ready to play at practices and in matches (proper preparation); the habit of consistently giving your best effort (a good work ethic); and the habit of encouraging their teammates (team spirit). 5. Stretch each player to her ability. We will challenge each player physically, mentally, and emotionally, but not to the extent that she will repeatedly fail. 6. Be sensitive to the fact that players differ. Each player is unique. They differ by their maturity level, athleticism, knowledge of the game, and playing experience. We recognize that each player is special and will communicate to the players that each has a role to play. Playing time is a sensitive issue. We are committed to being competitive winning matches. Players can contribute even when they are not playing on the court. 7. What to coach/teach? Our short-term objectives will be focused on the development of individual skills, team skills, and knowledge of the game. Our long-term objectives are to instill in each player a love for the game of volleyball, a competitive can-do attitude, a sense of good sportsmanship, and the satisfaction of team camaraderie. 8. How to coach? Model a love for the game of volleyball. Demonstrate a respect for the players. Be demanding, yet encouraging. Emphasize positive feedback for good performance to build confidence and self-esteem, minimize negative feedback for performance mistakes. Challenge each player, yet be patient. Motivate the players, yet be calm. Model good sportsmanship, particularly when dealing with opposing teams and referees. 9. Energize the entire team (administrators, coaches, parents, team captains, players, and student staff members). As Head Coach, I will keep the Principal and Athletic Director informed on the teams development. I will develop a rapport with my Assistant Coach and entrust to her the development of the JV Team and solicit her input to coaching the Varsity Team. Parents are the backbone of our program. The Volleyball Boosters Club will serve as a forum for parent input to which I will listen and respond. I will utilize the team captains to assist me with team morale and behavior, locker room maintenance, and host team set-up. I will recruit students to serve as team staff members to handle the responsibilities of videotaping, score keeping and maintaining statistics. 10. Incorporate effective team and player evaluation and assessment. In addition to daily feedback, we will provide an end of season evaluation for each player that emphasizes specific skills to develop for the following season. We will also employ videotaping of matches as another means of player and team evaluation. 11. Give the school heart, build a community. My desire is to develop roots; to develop a sense of belonging to the community. I will demonstrate loyalty to the community, players, students, and school leadership.
