Coaching Philosophy and Its Importance

Although it may seem unusual to commence a practical coaching book with a discussion on philosophy, a well-developed coaching philosophy is, in fact, highly practical. This philosophy influences every thought, action, and decision you make. Regardless of your background or coaching experience, your lifetime of personal experiences has shaped your ideas, opinions, and attitudes. This is an opportunity to reflect on your self-awareness and coaching objectives. Without this understanding, developing a well-defined philosophy is challenging. Similarly, without a clear coaching philosophy, achieving success and effectiveness as a coach is difficult.

What Do We Mean by Philosophy?

Philosophy refers to your perspective on life situations and experiences. It encompasses how you perceive people and develop relationships with them, as well as the value you place on these aspects. You already possess a personal philosophy, which may be well-developed. You may be aware of your philosophy or unaware, making decisions without thoroughly considering the underlying reasons. Whether you are highly aware, partially aware, or completely unaware of your philosophy, it is continually evolving throughout your life.

What Is Coaching?

The term 'coaching' is often broadly applied to various activities aimed at assisting individuals in preparation for a specific task. In athletics, coaching has been described as the systematic provision of support to individual athletes or teams, facilitating their development and improvement.

Many individuals, such as parents, teachers, officials, and sponsors, claim to provide assistance in this manner. Therefore, it is essential to clarify what coaching entails. Coaching involves teaching, training, instructing, and more. It is not solely focused on helping individuals acquire sports skills, enhance performance, and reach their potential. Coaching also involves recognizing, understanding, respecting, and catering to the diverse needs of athletes, including social and emotional requirements, in addition to the more apparent needs related to athletics and competition.

As a responsible coach, you should adhere to a code of conduct grounded in a code of ethics, prioritizing the rights and needs of your athletes above your own. Developing a caring and ongoing relationship with the athletes you coach is crucial. Participation in athletics is a social process, and your coaching has the potential to profoundly impact the lives of athletes through this process.