THE BOOK
Full Time Parent…Part Time Coach!
A Practical Guide for How to Be a Caring, Fun, and Fair Youth Sports Coach
John Shertzer, Jerry Toomer, Ben Cecchini
Inside the Cover
Have you ever received the call from a league director, or friend who coaches? “Can you help coach your son or daughter’s team this fall? We could really use some help!”
Yikes! You may need some practical advice as how to get started.
This guide is a clear roadmap for those who want to teach players the “soft skills” that are so important to success on the field as well as later in life.
• How can I best kick off the season and organize our team effectively?
• The “soft skills” are so important for every child, including younger ones, how can I most effectively teach them?
• What are some of the tools and techniques that the best youth league coaches use?
Praise for the Book
“I have witnessed every level of competitive athletics through my basketball journey. I cannot overstate how integral my parents were to my experience. My parents were as much an influence as any coach I had on the hardwood. As a parent myself, I hope to pass along the same lessons of enthusiasm, positivity, and effort to my own kids who have started their journey on sports. Catalytic coaches, like catalytic parents, are difference makers.”
SHANE BATTIER
College and NBA Player Executive and Head of Player Development, Miami Heat
“The guide fills a great need for parents as coaches to have the resources and practical ideas for teaching team skills. The guide provides real value in learning how to coach and provides practical ideas to strengthen your coaching skills. I personally have experienced coaching in youth leagues as well as at the National Team level with USA Basketball and know this guide will provide practical and immediately applicable ideas. I highly recommend all coaches, and parents, read this guide!”
DON SHOWALTER
Director and Coach, USA Basketball
“As parents, we ‘coach’ our kids each and every day. How- ever, making the transition to a coach on the court, on the field, or in the gym can feel totally foreign to a lot of parents This highly practical book is a great resource for parents who take on the additional responsibilities of being a coach. Applying the catalytic framework gives parents and coaches an insightful roadmap on how to inspire and lead their children and teams.”
LAVALL JORDAN
Head Coach Butler University Men’s Basketball
“This book is a must-read for all parents “recruited” to coach their child’s youth team. This book goes beyond fundamental skills and emphasizes the importance of social-emotional learning and character development necessary to build a positive learning environment. Youth coaches are often given only a team roster, schedule, and basic equipment when tasked with coaching their teams. Youth sports leagues, young athletes, and their families would benefit tremendously if this book were also provided to coaches at the onset of their seasons.”
GRAHAM AND DR. SARAH HONAKER
University Development Officer Pediatric Psychology
“I recall being asked to coach a team of 4-year olds for a YMCA soccer mini-camp. I knew nothing about soccer, and had enough trouble corralling my 4-year old let alone coaching 5 of them! The focus was solely on having fun, kicking the ball into the net and celebrating with snacks. As a parent, it was really important for me to understand my kids’ coach’s philosophy, so I wasn’t confused as to why they make the choices they did, and to ensure they were making the experience enjoyable. A coach that can teach their team how to celebrate wins respectfully and power through losses with grace and determination has taught my child more than a specific sport skill they have taught a life skill.”
ANNETTE COULOMBE
Regional Marketing Director, Mom
“The authors remind us of the foundations of coaching and the long-lasting impact it can have on the young players. This book provides a practical guide to achieving real success, not just wins, through understanding, trust and teamwork.
This book serves as a guide as to how to incorporate the important developmental and cognitive aspect of coaching, guiding and motivating the youth of today. What kind of coach are you?”
DENVER MCMAHON
Youth Coach
JILL MCMAHON
LCP, Child Therapist