Qualities of a Good Coach.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD COACH – As defined by Hockey Canada

Successful coaches do not seem to fit any specific personality type. They are as individual as members of the general population, but they do have specific leadership qualities. Many good coaches are outgoing and extroverted, while others are quiet and withdrawn. Some coaches are hard nosed while others are democratic and accommodating. Here are some of the characteristics good coaches have in common:

• Knowledge of the Sport
• Communication
• Ability to Understand and Handle the Athlete
• Organizational Skills
• Knowledge of Training and Conditioning Methods
• Effectively Run Practices
• Evaluation of Athletes
• Strategy
• Effective Use of Personnel
• Fairness
• Motivation
• Dedication, Enthusiasm, Maturity & Ethics
• Ability to Teach
• Concern for the Athlete
• Knowledge of the Rules
• Discipline
• Humour Ability to Recruit & Build a Program

A good rule of thumb to becoming a better coach is to take one of these qualities, per month - during the season and try and improve upon it. For example my mandate for this season is to become a more complete communicator with the team. This holds true to the players as well as the parents. The second is to use the support staff and on-ice personnel to better advantage.

I'm working on it!