Helpful ideas for new coaches:
My first track meet as a coach was also my 1st track meet. I was a football and baseball athlete growing up in Southern California. So I knew that I had lots to learn.
My 1st cross country/track clinic was at Sonoma State (1978) and I was lucky to have Jim Underhill as a presenter. I also have been lucky to have some great assistant coaches such as Bob Lynde, Chris Puppione, Colin Davidson, Don Brewer, and Lynn Meister.
Some gems from that clinic as well as from so many others:
Make some of the least talented athlete on your team feel good about themselves.
Find something positive to say to them everyday.
Get people to smile even after a tough workout.
Remind athletes to “TREAT YOURSELF” after a competition for the effort they expended.
Make sure every athlete has their results from their completion so they can evaluate their performance. PR’s of a couple of seconds or a few inches are so important!
Have teats after a really tough day as ice cream can make anyone feel so good.
Go to a overnight meet as it helps bond your team.
Have some key slogans for example—“Pain Is Temporary/ Pride is Forever”/ “PRIDE”/
Have a record board so athletes can see what some of the great competitors have done in the past.
Have few rules but make sure to enforce them!
Push them through the tough workouts as at first they will not believe they can accomplish the goals you set for them.
Have a variety of workouts and places to workout as this helps to limit staleness.
Have a routine warm-up and warm-down.
Have a parent meeting early in the season and get volunteers to help at meets etc.
Have fun as a coach and remember how important you are to these young minds.
Never be afraid to ask questions—you will never know everything!