Coaching is about relationships. That requires all parties to be vulnerable, to open up and accept imperfection. It means accepting shame, the fear of disconnection. "What if I'm not good enough?"
Coaches make mistakes, every day, every game. "Blame...is a way to discharge pain and discomfort." "It's not me, it's you."
99 percent won't watch this video. That's okay. Everyone needs to feel valued. Help players be valued by being 'worthy'. Brene' Brown shares that children need to know they are "worthy of love and belonging." It's part of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Imagine your introductory meeting, explaining to the players and families that your goal is 'worthiness'. They'd say, "what's this space cadet saying'? Then you explain worthiness:
- Caring for and supporting each other on and off the court.
- Preparing to compete by being fully engaged at practice and games.
- Giving high effort even when you don't 'feel like it' at home, at school, on the court.
- Making others around you better.
- Embracing shared vision, shared sacrifice, shared results.