Winning Isn't Everything

• A good youth coach emphasizes the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship and effort.
  At the same time, a coach should not undervalue the importance of winning. Sports are fun to play but may be even more fun when you win. A quality coach will let his players know that winning is the goal, but that they should not be disheartened in defeat as long as they try their hardest.
  
  

Playing Time

• In youth recreational sports, it is important that everyone have a chance to play. A good coach will ensure that all players get a fair amount of playing time. Most youth leagues have playing time requirements, but a good coach will go beyond that.This does not mean that all players will have an "equal" amount of playing time. Although a good coach knows it is necessary to give the best players more playing time, she still finds ways to involve other players in the game.
  
  

Teaching Skills

• Coaches need to be able to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of their players. Practices should be devoted to teaching fundamentals and working on new skills. A good coach builds on a player's strengths and makes sure that these strengths are utilized during games. He also dedicate time to helping a player overcome her weaknesses.
  
  

Motivation

• Good coaches motivate their players by encouraging and complimenting good play, pointing out strengths in a player's game and refraining from harsh criticism. This is a balancing act. To help players improve and recognize areas that need work, coaches must point out a player's mistakes and weaknesses. It is the manner in which this occurs that reflects a coach's skill in relating to her players. If a coach is honest and can remain encouraging, she will earn her players' respect.
  
  

Life Lessons

• Many aspects of sports can be carried over to everyday life. Teamwork, a "can do" attitude, sportsmanship and strength in the face of adversity are lessons learned from playing sports that can serve players well throughout their lives. A good coach points out the parallels of sport and life.
  
  

Having Fun

• While some children dream of playing sports at a higher level, it is the fun of the game that brings them to the sport. A good coach makes time for fun. It may be just a few minutes dedicated to goofing off at the end of each practice that becomes a player's favorite part of being on the team and provides motivation for continued participation.