We coaches play games. Two types of games. James Carse wrote about those two games at length in his book, Finite and Infinite Games, A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility. He details how those games are the essence of what every coach does, and has done, since the first coach started hollering. Understanding these two […]
Intelligent Losing
There is an intelligence that can come from losing. That may sound crazy or defeatist. But it is true. Certainly, losing can hurt. Burn. Feel like your insides-are-on-the-outside. But when the emotions are less raw, a coach on a path of improvement knows there are lessons that are powerful in the loss. Helpful information for […]
Is That A Digital-Angel (or Digital-Devil) Sitting On Your Shoulder?
There comes a time when I need to face the truth. In this instance, there are three truths, digital truths, that I’m trying to process: Digital Truth #1: Digital is impacting coaches Digital Truth #2: Coaches adopt digital at different speeds Digital Truth #3: Screen sizes keep getting smaller Here is what has me scratching my […]
When “digital” is crushing your coaching (what you asked, and what to do)
Years ago, I thought it would be great if I could contact my athletes each day. Maybe a simple inspiring message, or a “how’s it going?” connect. I miss those old days. Now, we coach in a digital world of constant connection, daily innovation, mega-communication challenges, bulging data bases, and information overload. It can be […]
Coaching Sports In A Digital World
I’m noticing a trend with my fellow coaches — a concern about “digital.” I’m hearing coaches express, like in my coaching survey, that they worry about troubles with recruiting, and degrading relationships. They are feeling challenged with ways to improve and take their sports coaching to the next level. Could digital be to blame? What […]
How A Pre-mortem Can Save Your Coaching Bacon
I worry a lot. During season I can’t tell you how many 3:37 am worry sessions I have. Just me and my pillow trying to figure things out. For me, it’s one of the least enjoyable parts of coaching. I’m not the only coach this happens to. I once heard football coach Lou Holtz say […]