What Could a Performance Coach Add to a Program?

Someone told former pitcher Bob Lemon, "you're not throwing as hard as you used to." He replied, "I'm throwing every bit as hard; the ball isn't going as fast." Substitute hard and fast for effort and results. Better results don't always follow 'hard.' More isn't always better. 

Head coaches have countless responsibilities and could benefit from additional help. What help would reflect on the scoreboard and in the win column?

Here's the College of Charleston form (below). Volunteer assistants are not allowed for football and basketball. 

In Game Changer, Dr. Fergus Connolly explores elements of the Performance Coach. Major sections include The Game, The Player, The Preparation, and the Coach. 

Some major takeaways are highlighted here...I have only begun studying the book. 

Adding a performance coach doesn't fit the current coaching structure. A "performance coach" (PC) would assume other duties among.

• Scouting 
• Personnel 
• Player development
• Player well-being
• Academic coordination
• Strength and conditioning 
• Video coordinator
• Compliance 

In other words, what areas responsibilities might a PC assume or enhance? 

• Practice development (assess each activity and gauge whether contributing to score/winning)
• Player development (sport-specific performance)
• Special situation quality control 
• Detailed problem analysis 
• Game management opportunities 

But above all, coaching effectiveness starts with communication, our ability to deliver our message. 

Dr. Connolly informs six "Laws of Winning" to be understood by coaches in excellent organizations. We can expand on these in the coming weeks. 

1. Law of Knowledge (game and relationships)
2. Law of Human Superiority (it's not the technology)
3. Law of Intensity and Quality (work and burnout, "hard and fast")
4. Law on Individualization (routines function as a team)
5. Law of Preparation (every situation accounted for)
6. Law of Support (no team is an island) 

An overarching theme is understanding how pieces fit together is not child's play. Some people and organizations never "get it." Connolly introduces the chapter with a quote from Lenin, "Read, read, read."

Perhaps we'll never get a performance coach. That means assuming the role ourselves. 

Lagniappe. Aspire to be a true knight in a modern era. 

Lagniappe 2. "Every day is player development day." The Phoenix Mercury create confusion with a horns variant "Ghost Flare"