Positive Reinforcement

Great topic and great posts! I am right there with you guys on this topic, and I also believe that taking a positive approach is not only the right thing to do, it will lead to more success in a program. I think that one thing that has not been mentioned, however, is the need for communicating expectations right up front. I am sure that you all do this at the start of your seasons, so I am probably stating the obvious, but we make it very clear at the start of our season (and thoughout the entire year) that there are expectations for effort and attitude. Mistakes and missed plays are going to happen (although I'm sure we all tend to get a little less patient when the same ones happen again and again), but players that are choosing to give 100% of what they have and also choose to have a great attitude and take coaching as it is intended do not deserve to be berated because we as coaches have issues with our own frustrations.

An old cliche, but the longer I go the more it becomes clear to me that most kids "don't care what you know.... they want to know that you care." I know that I get so caught up in the schemes and the game plan that I lose track of the fact that for many players we as coaches may be one of the few positive relationships for them. That said, honesty and sincerity are key to developing any relationship. Players will see right through us if we just compliment everyone so there are no hard feelings. While it may seem like the "positive approach" players will shut that out (and may resent others getting false praise) just as they will shut out the constant yelling.

Part of having a team, a business, or a family for that matter is calling people on their behaviors that don't meet the expectations. How we go about this as coaches is at the heart of what we do. Your posts on this topic have made me reflect on the approach that I am taking with our program. Along the lines of the 3/1 method Coach Mountjoy offered, the legendary John Wooden had a similar approach that some now refer to as the "cookie" approach... start with a positive / followed by the action to be corrected / finish with a positive ... in a very brief and to the point way. I am by no means perfect on this, but I do try to make my corrections in this manner because players have responded to this.

Thanks to all for taking the time... I learn something every time I read your posts.