As someone who has played sports my whole life, I have been fortunate or unfortunate enough to play for several different coaches with different styles and approaches. The most common approach I have experienced, is yelling and trying to instill fear into players–an effort to get them to play their best. After studying some of the best coaches of all time, I’ve found that it is not a good way to bring the best out of any athlete.
Legendary Coach, John Wooden, used more of an instructional style, up-tempo practice, and showed his players he truly cared about each and every one of them. Bill Walsh developed leaders within the team, and held everyone accountable for losses and victories. He made everyone on the team feel important. Pete Carroll, in his book “Win Forever” states that players must love the process, love to compete, and love each other. He goes on to emphasize that it is the coach’s job to provide an atmosphere where the players can realize their full potential. You simply cannot do that, if athletes are playing out of fear.
This was mind blowing to me, because I had never experienced this throughout my career. No coach has ever approached me or any of the teams I played for, with that kind of message and attitude. I was also astounded to see Pete Carroll hugging each of his players, after they beat the Philadelphia Eagles. Amazing.
What I can now do, is empower my athletes with this knowledge–showing them what I have learned from these great coaches. Do not settle for the same old way of doing things. We can help you perform at your highest level and make sure that you love the process of doing so. There is nothing more exciting than achieving results greater than you ever imagined. Contact us now, and let us help you take your game to the next level.
Sincerely,
Donny Mateaki
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