1. Developing a Functional Coaching Philosophy
Don Burroughs

2. Popular Thoughts on Philosophy
When you're in the muck you can only see muck. If you somehow manage to float above it, you still see the muck but you see it from a different perspective. And you see other things too.
The point of philosophy is to start with something so simple as not to seem worth stating, and to end with something so paradoxical that no one will believe it.
Unintelligible answers to insoluble problems.
There's a difference between a philosophy and a bumper sticker.

3. Wrong Reasons for Coaching
Power
Trophies
Fulfill their own agenda

4. Right Reasons for Coaching
Molding a group of individuals into a team
Be part of the game – love of the sport
Pass on knowledge
Enjoyment of teaching players to play better and help them develop
The thrill and excitement of sport
Help young players have fun
Want to share the experience with your kids
Nothing kills a team’s spirit faster than an apathetic coach
Leadership is inspiring people to do their best

5. Great Coaches Are Teachers
Teaching them the skills
Teaching them how to play within the team concept
Teaching them how to make good decisions
Teaching them not to be afraid to fail
Teaching them character values
Teaching them to be successful as players and people

6. Motivations for Successful Coaches
Love of coaching
Love of the game
Fear of failure
Need to prove to people they are good at coaching
Love of competition
The challenge itself
Highs of winning knowing there will be lows of defeat

7. Aspects of Coaching Philosophy (1)
Team needs a clear idea of what they’re expected to do and how they’re expected to do it
Goal setting is a major part of motivation, empowerment and commitment
Provide knowledge, information, and feedback through stats
Verbal communication
Our team will work harder and play harder than anyone else
Believe in a team playing together, playing unselfishly and having the characteristics of a family
No individual is more important than the team

8. Aspects of Coaching Philosophy (2)
Play smart and make good decisions
Total focus throughout competition
Team is totally positive and enthusiastic
Have fun and play loose
Play with composure in a crisis situation
Play with a lot of courage
Play with confidence
Play with a good attitude

9. Philosophy is the pursuit of wisdom
Helps us understand fundamental questions of what, why and how
Determines how we view objects and experiences in our lives
Determines how we view people and our relationships with them
Determines how much value we place on objects and people
Philosophical uncertainty leads to inconsistency in behavior

10. Why develop a coaching philosophy?
A well-developed philosophy will help you make difficult decisions and coach more successfully
Think like an accountant…

11. Purpose of a coaching philosophy
Starts everyone on the same page
Shows how you approach the game
Blueprint of you as a coach
No surprises for anyone
Players make an informed decision to play for you
Helps you keep winning in perspective
Guide to coaching decisions

12. A philosophy consists of…
Major objectives
Your beliefs or principles that you achieve your objectives

13. Possible concepts in philosophy (1)
Winning
Sportsmanship
Time management
Academics
Setting priorities
Choosing captains
Good decisions

14. Possible concepts in philosophy (2)
Commitment by coaches & players
Player roles
Substitutes
Trust
Work ethic
Resisting temptations
Coachability

15. Things that test your philosophy (1)
Parents
Administrators
College coaches observing - recruiting
Job security
Boosters
Personal competitiveness of the coach
Tradition
Time of season

16. Things that test your philosophy (2)
Rivalries
Team morale
Problem athletes – player behavior
Outside distractions
Media
Staff
Family problems

17. Know your “self”
Self-awareness
Self-esteem
Self-disclosure

18. Know your “self-awareness”
When you are at peace with yourself you can help your athletes be at peace with themselves
What you teach may well be less important than what you demonstrate through your character and philosophy
Your athletes are much more likely to become what you are rather than what you want them to be

19. Know your “self-esteem”
The inner conviction about your competency and worth as a human being
Not achieved by defeating others, but by living up to your own realistic standards

20. Know your “self-disclosure”
Must be relevant to your relationship and appropriate to the situation
If you don’t self-disclose with your players, they won’t with you

21. What is a “successful” coach? (1)
Wins
Relates to athletes
Motivates their players
Can recruit successfully (good players)
Has good support financially
Strong work ethic
Has right equipment & facility
Good knowledge of the sport

22. What is a “successful” coach? (2)
Good staff
Stays educated
Graduates players at a high rate
Their players love the game when they finish their eligibility
Enjoy a lifetime friendship with former players
Respected by players & peers
Mentors others in the field

23. Don Shula
“[Coaching philosophy] set[s] the context and boundaries within which our players and coaches can operate. They keep me honest and heading in the right direction.”
Keep winning and losing in perspective
Lead by example
Go for respect over popularity
Value character as well as ability
Work hard, but enjoy what you do

24. Tony DiCicco “Catch Them Being Good”
Know your limitations and use them as strengths
Play hard, play to win, have fun
Less is more
The relay paradigm
Vulnerable, humble leadership

25. Tony DiCicco (cont.) Validate their feelings The challenge coefficient
Imprint vs. Perfect
One size doesn’t fit all
Be prepared to take a penalty

26. Tony DiCicco (cont.) Validate their feelings The challenge coefficient
Imprint vs. Perfect
One size doesn’t fit all
Be prepared to take a penalty

27. Pat Summitt “The Definite Dozen”
Respect yourself and others
Take full responsibility
Develop and demonstrate loyalty
Learn to be a great communicator
Discipline yourself so no one else has to
Make hard work your passion

28. Pat Summitt (cont.) Don’t just work hard, work smart
Put the team before yourself
Make winning an attitude
Be a competitor
Change is a must
Handle success like you handle failure

29. Coach Krzyzewski Preseason, Regular Season, Post Season, All Season
Teaching
Commitment
Family
Excellence
Motivation

30. Rick Pitino Build self-esteem Set demanding goals Always be positive
Establish good habits
Master the art of communication

31. Rick Pitino Learn from role models Thrive on pressure
Be ferociously persistent
Learn from adversity
Survive success

32. Anson Dorrance
“Players get better everyday from the competitive cauldron. We keep score on everything we do in practice.”

34. Hopefully it is based on…
Coaching Philosophy
Hopefully it is based on…
What’s best for the kids
What may improve their chances of success