Discovering Your Coaching Philosophy
How to maximize individual development and team performance
Hi there,
You don’t have to choose between development and winning - you can have both.
If someone asked you right now what you stand for as a coach, how long would it take you to answer?
Discover vs Create
You don't create a coaching philosophy. You discover it. Through practice, reflection, and refinement, it reveals itself over time. It should be unique to you, represent how you approach your craft, and continue to evolve as you do.
The stillness of summer is a good time to find clarity on yours. It’s the one time of the year the noise slows down and you can actually think. Doing the work of discovering your philosophy, and regularly revisiting it keeps you focused on what matters most.
Your philosophy is also the anchor for your preseason preparation and planning. Without knowing what you stand for and what you’re trying to accomplish, you’re susceptible to haphazard program design that lacks direction.
My Coaching Philosophy
My coaching philosophy is to accelerate team performance and individual development with an holistic approach. I believe this to be true whether I am coaching USPORTS, NCAA, IIHF and youth hockey teams.
Reflections
The foundation of your philosophy should be timeless and relevant regardless of the age or level you're coaching. These questions can move you toward it:
Reflections that move you toward a philosophy:
What are your personal values?
What are your performance standards?
What are the values and standards of the organization that you serve?
What is the job of the coach?
What do you want it to feel like to be coached by you?
What do you believe to be true about teaching and learning?
How do you think about motivation and joy?
How do you design the evironment for athletes?
Where does leadership and character development fit?
What are the wins you hope to achieve this season?
How can you increase the value of every individual on your team?
How can you increase the value of your organization?
Brock Badgers High Performance Hockey Seminar
Purchase the video of all presentations from the 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 seminar for just $74 (CDN). Email me directly at tmanastersky@brocku.ca for details.
Click here for the 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 agenda including speakers and topics.
About the Seminar
Learn, share, and connect with coaches, scouts, managers, students and industry professionals from all ages, genders, and levels on the campus of Brock University in the beautiful Niagara region.
Cheers,
TJ Manastersky
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