Preparation

Preparing for the Games
Well, after all the practices, drills, skills and so forth, you eventually have to field a team. A few pointers to promote your image as THE BEST VOLUNTEER COACH ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET

1. Be Organized. Figure out your team line-ups, batting order, players by quarters, positions, etc… before getting to the game field. This will provide you more time with the players and less time doing administrative paperwork. For many sports, doing a complete line-up will be difficult, because there will be players who don’t show up, or are late to the game. By at least planning the first inning or quarter, you will be well prepared. Have an assistant coach figure out the remaining lineups while you are busy coaching the team, so that at half time or quarters, you are prepared for the next session.

TIP: Having the same assistant coach or another volunteer keep track of important individual player accomplishments during the game can help greatly in congratulating and praising your players. For example, home runs, goals scored, special teams, great block, etc… Also note outstanding examples of determination, concentration and teamwork and make these important accomplishments in your after-game Team Talk.

2. Arrive early so that pre-game warm-up’s can be done. This will also give you or your assistant a good idea of who is and isn't going to be there at the start of the game.
   
   
3. Introduce Yourself. Make an effort to introduce yourself and talk with the other coach briefly before the game. You never know, you may learn something and make a new friend. Also speak and introduce yourself to the officials, scorekeepers, etc…. There may be some local ground rules that need to be covered, or some rules involving inclement weather, etc…
   
   
4. Pre-Game. If you belong to an association, you may be required to have a pre-game pledge or meeting with the other team. Be sure you’re well informed in either case.
   
   
5. Team Talk. Have a mini pre-game Team Talk. Reinforce the skills they have learned and how they can be utilized in the game. Emphasize teamwork and the need to do so. Don’t focus on winning; this only accentuates disappointment should the outcome not be in your favor.
   
   
6. Play Well. Encourage. Be supportive of accomplishments. Say something positive to every player. Correct your player’s actions on a one-on-one basis, not in front of the other players. Show respect for great play by your opponents. Let all the players’ play an equal amount of time.
   
   Don’t Yell. Don’t loose control. Don’t criticize or insult the officials; this only undermines the players’ sense of fair play and respect for the rules. If you don’t understand an officials’ ruling, talk to them about it, but do not get into an argument about it.
   
   NOTE: If there were officiating problems or problems with the other teams play or players, DO NOT bring this up now. You have a team that needs praise and congratulations, regardless of the outcome. There will be plenty of time for discussion of problems later, most appropriately, after the kids have left the field.
   
   
7. Be Supportive. Hopefully your team won, but there’s only a 50/50 chance. Whether you won or lost, be supportive of your players, and lineup the team for an after-game handshake with the other team.
   
   
8. Praise, Praise, Praise. Have an after-game Team Talk. Since refreshments will most likely be served, (and at the very least, water should be available) use this opportunity to praise an accomplishment that each player had on the field. ("Great goalie", "Excellent Batting", "Two home runs", "Incredible defense", etc…) Get the players to discuss the game and see where they feel they need improvement and implement this in your Practice Plan.