Develop Your Coaching Philosophy
The most important question you can ever ask yourself as a coach is:
“What does it feel like to be coached by me?”
Take a moment to sit with that question. How do your athletes experience you at practice? Are you a source of encouragement or always pointing out mistakes? Do they leave feeling inspired and capable, or defeated and unsure? Do they trust you enough to be honest when they’re struggling, or do they stay quiet out of fear of judgment?
This question forces you to step out of your own perspective and into theirs. It’s one of the most powerful ways to stay self-aware and grow as a coach. If you want your athletes to develop into confident, resilient, and accountable people, it starts with the environment you create and how you show up every day.
That’s where having a coaching philosophy comes in. It’s more than just a set of values—it’s your compass. It reminds you why you’re coaching, how you want your athletes to experience the season, and how you want to be remembered long after the final game. A clear philosophy keeps you grounded when things get tough—and they always do. It helps you make decisions with purpose and consistency rather than reacting emotionally in the heat of the moment.
It also serves as a filter. Every drill, every speech, every conversation can be checked against your philosophy: Is this aligned with what I stand for as a coach?
Most importantly, it’s a gift to your athletes. When they experience a coach who is intentional, authentic, and clear about what they stand for, they learn how to become intentional, authentic, and clear about what they stand for. Your athletes won’t remember every drill or game, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. Did you see them as individuals? Did you celebrate their progress, even the small wins? Did you care about them beyond their performance?
Ask yourself often: “What does it feel like to be coached by me?” Then use your coaching philosophy to create the kind of experience you’d want for your own child—one filled with challenge, growth, trust, and a sense of belonging.
Often, frustration as a coach doesn’t come from your athletes—it comes from your inability to communicate what you expect clearly. Miscommunication or lack of communication leads to confusion, which can frustrate you and your players. This frustration isn’t about effort or talent—it’s about a disconnect between what’s in your head and what you can share with your team.
Mister Rogers had a superpower. He never forgot what it was like to see the world through the eyes of a child. He understood how overwhelming, confusing, and magical it could be. As a coach, you need that same superpower. Remember that your athletes aren’t just smaller versions of adults. They’re kids, learning to navigate this strange, fast-paced world. What seems obvious to you might be brand new to them.
It changes everything when you can step into their shoes and communicate with that in mind. Suddenly, your frustration fades, and patience replaces it. You find ways to simplify instructions, repeat them calmly, and meet your athletes where they are. You become the guide they need, not just the coach you want to be.
You’re not your old coach, but you carry all the lessons they taught you—the good, the bad, and the unforgettable moments that shaped you. Take the best parts, learn from the mistakes you witnessed, and become the kind of coach you wish you had.
I consider myself lucky to have had so many great coaches growing up. I know that’s not the norm. Maybe you had a coach who believed in you and pushed you to be your best. Or maybe, like many others, you still have the voice of a bad coach echoing in your head.
A close friend of mine quit baseball in 8th grade because his coach made a joke at his expense—one that cut so deep he never played again. Years later, he still remembers every word. That coach likely doesn’t even remember saying it. He didn’t have a coaching philosophy. He relied on his playing career and his sense of humor instead of a clear purpose for how he wanted to lead.
Here’s your opportunity to be different. Take the best parts of your past coaches—their compassion, leadership, and ability to push you—and leave the bad parts behind. A coaching philosophy is your foundation, helping you stay intentional and consistent no matter what the season throws your way.
When you have clarity on who you are as a coach and what you stand for, communication improves, frustration decreases, and your athletes thrive. Be the coach they’ll remember for all the right reasons.
Questions to Help You Build Your Philosophy
What values matter most to you?
Do you want to teach discipline, perseverance, humility, or leadership?
Think about the lessons you want your athletes to carry with them beyond the season.
How will you measure success?
Is winning your only goal, or is it helping your athletes grow as players and people?
What balance will you strike between competition and development?
What’s your communication style?
Will you be a motivator, a mentor, or a combination of both?
How will you handle mistakes and teach your athletes through them?
How will you build trust?
Trust is earned through consistent actions and authentic relationships. How will you get to know your players beyond the sport?
Building trust makes hard conversations easier and strengthens your team’s culture.
What kind of environment will you create?
Will practices be fun and full of energy? Focused and disciplined? A mix of both?
The tone you set on Day 1 will define how your team works together all season.
Write Your Philosophy Down
Once you’ve reflected on these questions, write your coaching philosophy. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few sentences defining the coach you want to be.
Example:
“My goal is to create an environment where athletes feel supported and challenged. I will teach them to embrace hard work, be accountable, and learn from failure. Winning is great, but my primary focus is helping each athlete become a better teammate, competitor, and person.”
A clear coaching philosophy guides your decisions and keeps you grounded in your purpose. It will remind you why you started coaching in the first place. Coaching isn’t just about developing skills or winning games—it’s about building people. Your philosophy is the foundation for that process.
Be yourself. Be intentional. Be the coach your players will remember for all the right reasons.
