Positive Coaching Methods

Positive Coaching:  A Checklist for Youth Sports Coaches

By Dr. Darrell Burnett

             As a helpful reminder, here’s a checklist of some behaviors connected with positive coaching.

Youth Sports Coach Behavior Checklist:

·       I praise kids just for participating.

 ·       I look for positives and make a big deal out of them.

·       I stay calm when my kids make mistakes, helping them learn from their mistakes. 

·       I have reasonable and realistic expectations. 

·       I treat my kids with respect, avoiding put-downs, sarcasm and ridicule. 

·       I remind my kids not to get down on themselves. 

·       I remember not to take myself too seriously during the game. 

·       I maintain a Fun is #1 atititude, with lots of laughter and a sense of humor. 

·       I emphasize teamwork and help my kids think “we” instead of “me”. 

·       I am a role model of good sportsmanship.